Attorney

The County Attorney is the chief prosecutor for crimes which occur within the county. Prosecution involves bringing charges against a party, trying the case in court, and making sentencing recommendations. The County Attorney prosecutes felony offenses (such as murder, sexual assault, drug offenses and child abuse), as well as misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses. The City of Bagley contracts with the Clearwater County Attorney's Office to prosecute specific crimes that occur in Bagley. However, Attorney Ed Rasmussen handles the civil aspects for the City of Bagley.

In order to charge a crime, the 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 facts beyond a reasonable doubt.

The County Attorney is the prosecutor in all cases involving juvenile offenders. These range from curfew violations to the most serious felony criminal behavior. The County Attorney oversees diversion programs which allow minor offenders to receive consequences without going to court. These programs are intended to reduce repeat offenses. While a goal of juvenile court is rehabilitation of offenders, due to public safety concerns, the County Attorney may ask the court to certify a juvenile to stand trial as an adult. Upon conviction, the juvenile could then receive all potential adult sanctions, including a prison sentence.

The County Attorney provides assistance and support to the victims and witnesses who play a vital role in the criminal justice system. They advise victims of crime of their legal rights. The County Attorney's Office works closely with the various victim services groups within and surrounding the county. The County Attorney will request restitution for losses suffered by crime victims.

Resources:

TO REQUEST NOTIFICATION OF AN INMATE'S RELEASE OR TO OBTAIN OTHER CUSTODY INFORMATION:

County Jail and Detention Facilities

Call the Jail directly (218-694-6226)

Minnesota Department of Corrections Facilities

Call the DOC Victim Assistance Program (800-657-3830)

To track the incarceration status of an offender please visit Vinelink at https://www.vinelink.com and follow the prompts, or call 1-877-664-8463

For information on financial compensation in cases of violent crime please call the Minnesota Crime Victims Reparations Board at 651-201-7300 or toll-free at 888-622-8799 or visit ojp.dps.mn.gov

To Connect with Local Resources:

Minnesota Crime Victims Support Line 866-385-2699 (all types of crime)

Day One Crisis Line 866-223-1111 (Domestic Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trafficking Victims)

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Services

https://www.rapehelpmn.com

http://www.whiteearthdove.com/

https://www.supportwithinreach.org/

https://www.familysafetynetwork.net/

To contact someone regarding victim services please contact:

Office of Justice Programs

445 Minnesota St., Suite 2300

St. Paul, MN 55101-1515

Email: dps.justiceprograms@state.mn.us

Website: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/Pages/default.aspx

651-201-7300 (Main)

888-622-8799 (Toll Free)

651-296-5787 (Fax)

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Clearwater County Attorney's Office is an equal opportunity employer and extends those protections to the victims of crimes. Clearwater County Attorney's Office is committed to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This Policy extends to our advocacy on behalf of victims. Clearwater County makes charging and settlement decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and evidence of each case.