The Office of County Attorney is an elective office created by the State Legislature pursuant to Article 12 5.3 of the Constitution of the State of Minnesota. The Goodhue County Attorney's Office includes Stephen F.O'Keefe, County Attorney, nine Assistant County Attorneys, and eight support staff.
County Attorney Duties
The duties of the County Attorney are statutory as established by the legislature. Such duties include:
- Representing the county in cases in which the county is a party
- Advising the County Board of Commissioners and county officers
- Prosecuting criminal matters on behalf of the State of Minnesota in Goodhue County
- Assisting the Grand Jury
- Processing juvenile delinquency petitions
- Processing petitions alleging mental illness, developmental disabilities, chemical dependency
- Assisting the Health and Human Services Department with child support enforcement and paternity cases
- Representing the Health and Human Services Department in child protection and neglect matters
- Acting attorney for certain state agencies in local matters
The County Attorney’s Office does not represent individuals in court and cannot give legal advice to individual citizens, including criminal defendants. Prosecutor’s cannot take reports of a crime from individuals. To report a crime, contact the local law enforcement agency where the crime occurred.
Helpful Links
Legal References:
Stephen O'Keefe
County Attorney
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