Attorney

The Attorney DOES

• Prosecute all violations of state criminal laws and county ordinances.
• Provide legal advice to the Board of Supervisors and county and township officers concerning county matters.
• Represent and defend the state, county, and its officers in officially related cases.
• Recover all monies (debts, fines, penalties, etc.) owing to the state or county.
• Present all mental health commitment proceedings and all juvenile delinquency and child in need of assistance cases.

The Attorney DOES NOT

• Give legal advice to or represent private groups or persons.
• File lawsuits for private persons or defend them against lawsuits, including actions for dissolution of marriage.
• Prepare wills, deeds, or other legal documents for private individuals.

Note that there are both full-time and part-time County Attorneys in Iowa. Roughly two-thirds of all County Attorneys are part-time and may handle private legal work in addition to their official duties.