Table of contents:
Role and Responsibilities
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting criminal offenses within the county. This includes investigating crimes, filing charges, and representing the state in court.
The office has a broad scope of authority and jurisdiction, including:
- Investigating and prosecuting all felonies and misdemeanors committed within Multnomah County.
- Representing the state in all criminal appeals.
- Providing legal advice to law enforcement agencies and other county officials.
The office has handled a wide range of cases, including:
- The prosecution of a man who killed his wife and two children.
- The investigation of a police officer who was accused of using excessive force.
- The implementation of a new program to reduce recidivism among first-time offenders.
Organizational Structure
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office is structured to effectively handle the prosecution of criminal cases within the county. The office is headed by the District Attorney, who is elected by the voters of Multnomah County. The District Attorney is responsible for the overall administration and operation of the office.
The office is divided into several divisions, each of which is responsible for a specific area of prosecution. The divisions include the Adult Felony Division, the Adult Misdemeanor Division, the Juvenile Division, and the Special Victims Unit. Each division is supervised by a Chief Deputy District Attorney, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the division.
In addition to the divisions, the office also has a number of specialized units, such as the Cold Case Unit, the Domestic Violence Unit, and the Gang Unit. These units are responsible for investigating and prosecuting specific types of crimes.
Key Personnel
The District Attorney is supported by a team of Deputy District Attorneys, who are responsible for prosecuting cases in court. The office also has a number of support staff, such as investigators, paralegals, and administrative assistants.
Division of Responsibilities
The Adult Felony Division is responsible for prosecuting all felony cases in Multnomah County. The Adult Misdemeanor Division is responsible for prosecuting all misdemeanor cases in Multnomah County. The Juvenile Division is responsible for prosecuting all juvenile cases in Multnomah County. The Special Victims Unit is responsible for prosecuting all cases involving sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence.
The Cold Case Unit is responsible for investigating and prosecuting unsolved homicides. The Domestic Violence Unit is responsible for investigating and prosecuting domestic violence cases. The Gang Unit is responsible for investigating and prosecuting gang-related crimes.
Legal Procedures
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office follows established legal procedures and protocols to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice. The process begins with case intake, where complaints are reviewed to determine if further action is warranted. If so, an investigation is initiated to gather evidence and determine whether criminal charges should be filed.
Case Intake and Investigation
Case intake involves receiving and reviewing complaints from various sources, including law enforcement, victims, and witnesses. The office evaluates each complaint to assess its validity, potential severity, and whether it falls within the jurisdiction of the district attorney’s office. Based on this review, a decision is made to either initiate an investigation or decline to pursue the matter further.
During the investigation phase, prosecutors work closely with law enforcement to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine if there is sufficient evidence to support criminal charges. This may involve reviewing police reports, conducting witness interviews, and obtaining forensic analysis.
Prosecution
If the investigation concludes that there is sufficient evidence to support criminal charges, the district attorney’s office files a formal complaint with the court. The prosecution process involves preparing and presenting evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This includes drafting legal documents, interviewing witnesses, and presenting arguments in court.
Plea Negotiations
In some cases, plea negotiations may take place between the prosecution and the defense attorney. Plea negotiations involve discussing a possible plea agreement, which may include the defendant pleading guilty or no contest in exchange for a reduced sentence or other concessions.
Trial Preparation and Sentencing
If a plea agreement is not reached, the case proceeds to trial. Trial preparation involves preparing witnesses, gathering evidence, and developing legal strategies. During the trial, the prosecution presents its case to the jury, while the defense presents its case and challenges the prosecution’s evidence. If the defendant is found guilty, the district attorney’s office makes sentencing recommendations to the court, considering factors such as the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and the impact on the victim and community.
Community Engagement
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office is dedicated to engaging with the community and fostering a sense of trust and transparency. Through various outreach programs, public education initiatives, and partnerships with community organizations, the office aims to build strong relationships and address the concerns of the people it serves.
The office’s community engagement efforts focus on three key areas:
Victim and Witness Support
The office recognizes the importance of supporting victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process. It provides victim advocates who offer emotional support, information about their rights, and assistance in navigating the legal system. The office also conducts regular outreach events to connect with victims and witnesses and provide updates on their cases.
Public Education
The office believes that an informed public is essential for a fair and just criminal justice system. It offers educational programs and materials to the community on a range of topics, including crime prevention, the role of the district attorney, and the rights of victims and defendants. These programs aim to increase understanding and foster a sense of ownership in the community.
Community Partnerships
The office collaborates with a wide range of community organizations, including law enforcement agencies, social service providers, and community groups. These partnerships allow the office to stay informed about community concerns, develop targeted outreach programs, and provide a more comprehensive response to crime and its underlying causes.
Current Initiatives and Priorities
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office has identified several key initiatives and priorities that guide its work. These initiatives aim to improve the criminal justice system, enhance public safety, and promote equity and fairness.
One of the top priorities is to reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system. The office has implemented a data-driven approach to identify and address disparities in arrest, charging, and sentencing practices. For example, the office has established a Conviction Integrity Unit to review past convictions for potential wrongful convictions.
Another priority is to enhance victim services. The office has expanded its victim assistance program to provide a wide range of services to victims of crime, including crisis intervention, counseling, and legal advocacy. The office has also created a Victim Advisory Board to provide input on policies and programs that affect victims.
The District Attorney’s Office is also committed to promoting restorative justice practices. These practices focus on repairing harm caused by crime and restoring relationships between victims, offenders, and the community. The office has implemented a restorative justice program in the juvenile justice system and is exploring ways to expand restorative justice practices in other areas.
