County Attorney

Overview

The Office of County Attorney is an elective office created by the State Legislature pursuant to Article 12 5.3 of the Constitution of the State of Minnesota.

The Goodhue County Attorney's Office includes Stephen F.O'Keefe, County Attorney, eight Assistant County Attorneys, and seven support staff.

Duties

The duties of the County Attorney are statutory as established by the legislature. Such duties include:

• Representing the county in cases in which the county is a party
• Advising the County Board of Commissioners and county officers
• Prosecuting criminal matters on behalf of the State of Minnesota in Goodhue County
• Assisting the Grand Jury
• Processing juvenile delinquency petitions
• Processing petitions alleging mental illness, developmental disabilities, chemical dependency
• Assisting the Health and Human Services Department with child support enforcement and paternity cases
• Representing the Health and Human Services Department in child protection and neglect matters
• Acting attorney for certain state agencies in local matters