Prosecuting Attorney

The Prosecuting Attorney serves as the legal advisor to the Board of County Commissioners and to the county's elected officials and departments.

Legal Guidance

The Prosecuting Attorney provides legal guidance and opinions regarding federal, state, and local laws. The Prosecuting Attorney brings civil cases on behalf of the county and defends lawsuits against the county.

Law Enforcement Agencies

The Prosecuting Attorney works closely with law enforcement agencies, such as the Sheriff, City Police, and the Washington State Patrol, and provides legal advice to law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies send criminal cases to the Prosecuting Attorney for review and the Prosecuting Attorney determines if criminal charges should be filed. If charges are filed, the Prosecuting Attorney then prosecutes the charges in the Superior Court, Juvenile Court, or District Court.

Other Responsibilities

The Prosecuting Attorney also works closely with crime victims to obtain restitution for losses and state benefits. In Douglas County, the Prosecuting Attorney also serves as the County Coroner and is responsible for investigating unattended deaths in order to determine how the deaths occurred.

Blake and Relief from Drug Possession Convictions

On February 25, 2021, the Washington State Supreme Court decided State v. Blake, No. 968373-0, 481 P.3d 521 (2021).  In that decision, the Court determined that the controlled substance offense under RCW 69.50.4013(1) violated the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Washington.  This decision impacts certain convictions for possession of controlled substances convictions, e.g., possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin, etc.  It does not impact the validity of convictions for drug offenses beyond simple possession (e.g., possession with intent to deliver or other controlled substances violations like manufacturing or delivery).  It may however affect sentences on other offenses in which the criminal history included a simple possession conviction.

If you believe you have a Douglas County conviction that is impacted by the Blake decision, please submit our Contact Form and our office will respond to your inquiry.  Whether or not you will be entitled to some type of relief or refund of legal financial obligations (LFOs) will depend on your circumstances.  Please also be advised, if you are working with an attorney to process your request for relief related to the Blake decision, DO NOT use this form, and do not contact our office directly, as we are only entitled to communicate with your attorney if you are represented in this matter.