State Attorney

Brown County State's Attorney is the chief prosecutor for adult and juvenile crimes in Brown County, South Dakota, based in Aberdeen. The office handles criminal prosecution, child support enforcement, consumer fraud investigations, and operates a juvenile diversion program emphasizing education and skill-building to redirect young offenders away from formal prosecution.

About

The Brown County State's Attorney serves the citizens of Brown County and the State of South Dakota as the chief prosecutor of adult and juvenile crimes occurring within the county. Located in Aberdeen at the Brown County Courthouse, the office handles criminal prosecution on behalf of the state while also managing several important public safety and consumer protection functions.

Beyond traditional criminal prosecution, the State's Attorney's office administers a range of services designed to support the community. These include child support enforcement, consumer fraud investigations, and oversight of foster care matters. The office also manages landlord-tenant dispute resolution, responds to reports of suspected child abuse, and handles inquiries related to telemarketing fraud. Additionally, the office maintains criminal record search services and provides information to jurors called for duty in Brown County courts.

A significant component of the office's work involves juvenile justice. The State's Attorney offers a juvenile diversion program designed to redirect young offenders away from formal court prosecution when appropriate. The diversion program emphasizes education and skill-building, helping juveniles understand the consequences of their actions while equipping them with tools to make better decisions in the future. Successful completion of a diversion program results in dismissal of the alleged charges, allowing young people to avoid a permanent juvenile record while still receiving meaningful intervention. However, diversion remains optional; families may choose to proceed with formal prosecution in juvenile court if they prefer, and the office will proceed accordingly.

The State's Attorney's office recognizes important legal protections for juveniles and their families. Participants in diversion or any criminal proceedings have the right to legal representation, with court-appointed counsel available to those who cannot afford private attorneys. Juveniles also retain the right to deny allegations and demand trial, at which point the state must prove charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Juveniles cannot be compelled to testify, and a judge cannot penalize them for exercising that right.

The office maintains regular hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, and is located at 25 Market Street, Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401. As the county's chief prosecutor, the State's Attorney's office balances criminal prosecution with diversion and community-focused services, working to protect public safety while supporting positive outcomes for individuals and families in Brown County.

Overview compiled from the firm's website