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County Attorney
Ross Arneson
, County Attorney
Blue Earth County Justice Center, 2nd Floor
401 Carver Road
P.O. Box 3129
Mankato, MN 56002-3129
Phone: (507) 304-4600
Fax: (507) 304-4620
- County Civil Counsel
- Criminal Prosecutor
- Legal Resources
- Not an Investigator
- Special Matters
- Speaking to Public Groups
Overview
The County Attorney has duties prescribed by state statutes, court rules,
professional responsibility rules, and court decisions. The County Attorney
serves as “corporate counsel” for the county. The County Attorney
provides legal advice to the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners
and other County Officials. The County Attorney represents Blue Earth
County in civil lawsuits. The County Attorney prosecutes felony cases
and juvenile delinquency cases and advises the grand jury in criminal
proceedings. The County Attorney also prosecutes many types of misdemeanor
violations. In response to referrals from the County Human Services Department,
the County Attorney handles commitments for chemical dependency and mental
illness and matters involving juvenile welfare such as nonsupport, paternity
adjudication, child protection proceedings, and termination of parental
rights. The Blue Earth County Attorney has an experienced staff of assistant
county attorneys and legal assistants to aid in performing these duties.
County Civil Counsel
The County Attorney is legal advisor to the County Board of Commissioners
and other County personnel and legal advocate for the county in court
cases in which the county is a party.
The County Attorney is not required to provide legal advice to members of the general public.
Occasionally a citizen requests that the County Attorney’s Office advise him/her on a private legal matter. The citizen may feel that his/her taxes pay the County Attorney’s salary and as a result they are entitled to such advice. However the County Attorney’s Office is not a private law firm. The responsibility is to County government. If County government is given proper legal services, all taxpayers will benefit.
Criminal Prosecutor
Many states have district attorneys (often referred to as DA’s)
who prosecute criminal cases. In Minnesota, criminal prosecution is performed
by County Attorneys and City Attorneys. Felonies (such as such as rape,
robbery, murder, and forgeries) are prosecuted by County Attorneys. Other
crimes may be prosecuted by a County Attorney or City Attorney depending
upon a number of factors. (City attorneys in Minnesota are responsible
for prosecuting most misdemeanor violations which occur within the city.
The Mankato City Attorney prosecutes most misdemeanors which occur within
the City of Mankato.) The Blue Earth County Attorneys Office serves as
city prosecutor for some of the smaller cities located within Blue Earth
County.
In order to charge a crime, a County Attorney must be able to prove that there is probable cause to believe a specific defendant committed a specific crime on a specific date within the county. To convict, the County Attorney must prove those same factors beyond a reasonable doubt.
Not an Investigator
County Attorney’s do not investigate crimes. Investigations are
conducted by law enforcement officers such as the police or sheriff. The
police and sheriff gather evidence (e.g. statements from witnesses, fingerprints,
drug tests, ballistic tests) and submit the evidence to the County Attorney
for review and a charging decision.
Special Matters
The County Attorney is responsible for a number of special matters, including:
- Juvenile Delinquency
When juveniles violate criminal laws, prosecution is performed by the County Attorney.
- Juvenile Protection
Juvenile protection cases are investigated by peace officers and social workers. They are brought into court and advocated by County Attorneys.
- Commitments
Commitments may be brought on the basis of mental illness, chemical dependency or mental retardation. These cases are investigated by a County Mental Health Worker. They are brought into court and advocated by County Attorneys.
- Paternity
Paternity establishment is important for children born out of wedlock. Paternity establishment can mean a child has the right to child support, inherit property, social security income and other financial and social benefits. Paternity cases are investigated by County Childe Support Officers. They are brought into court and advocated by County Attorneys.
- Child Support
If a child is receiving public assistance, the taxpayers have a right to recoupment from that child’s noncustodial parent. Child Support Officers refer these cases to the County Attorney. The County Attorney brings a court action seeking a child support order. Collection of child support can reimburse the taxpayers. Sometimes the additional income can mean that the child and custodial parent can manage financially without public assistance.
Speaking to Public Groups
Want to know more? Your County Attorney is available to speak to civic
groups on topics relating to the County Attorney’s Office.
Related Links
