Washington County Attorney

For residents across the Minnesota region, particularly in Washington County, understanding the various branches of the legal system is crucial, especially when facing or impacted by legal proceedings. Unlike private law firms that represent individual citizens, the Washington County Attorney's Office serves a distinct and vital role within the county's government and justice system. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of the Washington County Attorney's Office, located in Stillwater, to help local users understand its functions and responsibilities.

The Washington County Attorney's Office is a public entity, not a private law firm. Its primary mission is to seek justice, promote public safety, and provide legal counsel to Washington County's governmental entities. This involves a range of duties that are essential for the functioning of the local justice system and the protection of the community. It's important for citizens to recognize that this office represents the county's interests, and therefore, does not provide legal advice or representation to private citizens.

This overview will detail the office's location and accessibility, outline its key services and responsibilities, and highlight the features that define its operations. While public feedback sometimes points to challenges with communication, understanding the specific role and scope of the County Attorney's Office is the first step in correctly interacting with this important governmental body.

The Washington County Attorney's Office is located at 15015 62nd St N, Stillwater, MN 55082, USA. This address places the office within the Washington County Law Enforcement Center in Stillwater. Stillwater is the county seat for Washington County, making this location a central hub for legal and governmental affairs for residents throughout the county and surrounding areas in Minnesota.

The location on 62nd Street North is generally accessible by vehicle, with adequate parking typically available at government facilities. This ensures that individuals visiting the office for official business, such as victim services or court-related matters, can do so without significant parking concerns. While public transportation options might be less extensive than in downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul, the office's position within Stillwater means it is a manageable drive for many Washington County residents.

Being situated within the Law Enforcement Center streamlines processes for those interacting with various parts of the justice system, including law enforcement and the courts. The facility is designed to accommodate public visits for specific purposes related to the County Attorney's duties. This accessible Stillwater location reinforces the office's role as a fundamental part of the Washington County government, serving the legal interests and public safety needs of the community.

The Washington County Attorney's Office has specific duties and responsibilities within the Minnesota legal framework. It is crucial to understand that they do not represent private citizens. Their primary functions include:

• Criminal Prosecution: The County Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecuting all felony crimes committed by adults in Washington County. They also prosecute all juvenile crimes, regardless of the seriousness of the offense. This involves reviewing cases, making charging decisions, and representing the state in court trials and other legal proceedings for various offenses from petty misdemeanors (in some cases) to serious felonies like homicide.

• Legal Adviser to County Government: The County Attorney serves as the chief legal adviser to the Washington County Board of Commissioners and all county departments. They provide legal opinions, draft and review ordinances and resolutions, and represent the county in civil litigation where the county is a party or does not have insurance coverage.

• Child Protection and Child Support: The office represents Washington County Community Services in child protection cases, which involve children who have been abused or neglected. Their goal in these cases is to ensure child safety and, where possible, maintain or reunite families. They also handle actions to obtain and enforce child support obligations and establish paternity.

• Victim/Witness Services: The Washington County Attorney's Office provides essential support and assistance to victims and witnesses of crimes. This includes offering information about their rights and available resources, assisting with safety planning, and helping them navigate the criminal justice system. Victim Witness Coordinators work to raise awareness about victimization and provide education.

• Juvenile Delinquency Matters: Beyond prosecution, the Juvenile Division determines whether a juvenile offender should be referred to a diversion program or prosecuted in juvenile court, considering factors for diversion or potential extended jurisdiction juvenile (EJJ) status or adult certification for more serious offenses.

It is important to reiterate that the County Attorney's Office does not provide legal advice or services for private civil matters such as boundary line disputes, collection of judgments, conservatorships, dissolutions (divorce), landlord/tenant disputes, orders for protection for private citizens, probate, or wills.

The Washington County Attorney's Office possesses several key features and highlights that define its role and operations within the Minnesota justice system:

• Public Service Mission: The office's mission statement emphasizes promoting justice and public safety through vigorous yet discretionary prosecution, balancing individual rights with societal needs. Their vision is to make Washington County a safe and just place to live and work.

• Experienced Leadership: The County Attorney, Kevin Magnuson, brings extensive experience in various legal fields, including criminal defense, federal and state investigations, and attorney ethics. His background includes handling complex civil and criminal matters and significant pro bono work for underserved clients.

• Divisional Structure: The office is organized into distinct divisions (Criminal, Civil, Juvenile, Child Support) to effectively manage its diverse responsibilities, ensuring specialized attention to each area of legal practice.

• Victim-Centric Support: A significant focus is placed on supporting victims of crime. The office provides dedicated Victim Witness Coordinators who offer crucial assistance, information, and resources to those impacted by crime, helping them navigate the complexities of the legal system.

• Community Engagement: The office engages in various community outreach efforts, including programs for auto theft prevention, burglary prevention, senior safety tips, human trafficking awareness, and school attendance initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to proactive public safety.

• Advisory Role to County Government: As the chief legal counsel for the Washington County Board and its departments, the office plays a critical role in ensuring the legality and proper functioning of county government operations, benefiting taxpayers indirectly through sound legal advice.

While the office strives for professionalism, the provided reviews indicate challenges with communication, with multiple instances of unreturned calls. Prospective individuals seeking to interact with the office for official purposes should be aware of this feedback and potentially follow up through multiple channels if a timely response is critical.

As a governmental entity, the Washington County Attorney's Office does not offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Its services are statutory duties funded by taxpayer dollars, and are provided to the county government and the public within its defined legal responsibilities.

However, it is important for citizens to understand the access and services they are entitled to as part of the public:

• Public Access to Information: The office provides public information regarding its services, roles, and responsibilities, often through the Washington County official website. This transparency helps the public understand how the justice system operates in their county.

• Victim/Witness Services: As mentioned, the office provides free support services to victims and witnesses of crimes, including information, resources, and assistance navigating the criminal justice system. These services are provided as part of their public duty to support those impacted by crime.

• Community Education and Outreach: The office conducts various community outreach programs and provides information on public safety topics, crime prevention, and understanding legal processes. These educational efforts are available to the community without charge.

It is essential to remember that the Washington County Attorney's Office does not provide free legal advice or representation to private citizens for their personal legal matters. For private legal issues, individuals in Minnesota should seek out private attorneys or legal aid services. For inquiries related to the County Attorney's official duties, individuals can use the provided contact information.

For official inquiries related to the Washington County Attorney's Office, including matters concerning criminal prosecution, victim services, or interactions with county government, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 15015 62nd St N, Stillwater, MN 55082, USA

Phone: (651) 430-6115

Mobile Phone: +1 651-430-6115

These contact methods allow individuals to reach the appropriate divisions or staff within the County Attorney's Office for their specific, official needs.

For residents across the Minnesota region, particularly within Washington County, understanding the Washington County Attorney's Office is crucial for comprehending how public safety and justice are upheld in their community. Located at 15015 62nd St N in Stillwater, within the Law Enforcement Center, the office is centrally positioned to serve the entire county, making it a key governmental hub for legal matters. While it does not offer private legal counsel, its suitability for locals lies in its fundamental role in maintaining public order and supporting the broader community.

The office's primary functions, including the prosecution of all felony crimes committed by adults and all crimes by juveniles, directly impact the safety and well-being of Washington County residents. For victims of crime, the dedicated victim/witness services provide invaluable support, guidance, and resources to help them navigate the justice system, which is a critical service for any community. Furthermore, its role as a legal adviser to the county government ensures that county operations are conducted legally and efficiently, indirectly benefiting all taxpayers.

While recent reviews suggest challenges in communication for some members of the public seeking contact, it's important to differentiate between the office's core public duties and private legal assistance. The Washington County Attorney's Office is an indispensable component of the local justice system, working to promote public safety and uphold the law. For locals, knowing this office's responsibilities and how it contributes to their community's safety and legal framework is essential for civic engagement and understanding the governance of Washington County, Minnesota.