Charging

Our Charging Division is where the District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement come together to examine and review the evidence from an investigation to determine if a crime has been committed and whether the suspect is the one who probably committed it. The standard of review used in making this determination is called ‘probable cause’. If probable cause does exist, the law enforcement officer in charge of the investigation will present the case to a magistrate or judge so that a felony arrest warrant may be issued against the suspect for the appropriate criminal charge. In some instances, the case may be presented directly to a grand jury to seek an indictment against the suspect.

The Charging Division also answers calls from the public in an effort to provide helpful information and to better assist victims in identifying resources and services that can help them navigate through the criminal justice system.