What is a DA?

Elected official, prosecutor and advocate for safe and healthy communities

District Attorneys

District attorneys (DAs) are dedicated public servants who are charged with seeking the truth and pursuing justice under the law on criminal matters that occur in their jurisdiction.

Values

District attorneys are not only dedicated public servants but your neighbors who share the same values as their community.

The DA's Office

Although resources vary between districts, all district attorneys manage a staff committed to serving the public interest.

FAQs

Learn what DAs are responsible for, how they’re selected, the requisite qualifications and where their funding comes from.

Your Values are Our Values

Accountability

DAs adhere to a strict ethical code set forth by the Colorado Supreme Court and enforced by the Office of Attorney Regulation.

Public Safety

DAs ensure the safety and constitutional rights of victims, defendants and the community throughout the criminal justice process.

Responsible Transparency

DAs provide the public and media with as much information as possible without compromising the rights of the accused to a fair trial.

Alternative Solutions

We lead the nation in pursuing diversion programs that keep people out of prison and connect them to the individualized services and resources they need.

Community

We partner with first-responders, community advocates and non-profit partners to create safer and healthier communities.

Education

We teach community members how to protect themselves from crime and access services that enhance their own privacy and security.

The DA's Office

Assistant District Attorney

Charged with assisting the elected DA in fulfilling their duties and objectives, the Assistant District Attorney (ADA) is the second in command of any office and manages office personnel.

Chief Deputy District Attorneys

Appointed by the elected DA, Chief Deputy District Attorneys are senior leaders who are often directly involved in mentoring and supervising prosecutors and the progress of critical cases.

Deputy District Attorneys

Under the direction of the DA or other prosecutors in the office, Deputy District Attorneys prosecute lower-level offenses and perform entry-level legal work in the courtroom.

Investigators

Often experienced in local law enforcement, these peace officers work directly for the DA, assisting with follow-up case investigation, victim and witness protection, and trial preparation.

Victim Specialists

These in-house advocates assist victims of crime through the criminal justice process, keeping them updated on the progress of their case and helping ensure all of their rights are upheld.

Support Staff

This include paralegals, administrative assistants and other non-legal professionals who support the elected DA and other prosecutors in the critical functions of the office.

DA FAQs

District attorneys – or DAs – are dedicated public servants charged with seeking the truth and pursuing justice under the law on criminal matters that occur in their jurisdiction. The title includes both the elected DA and the prosecutors in their office.

To be eligible to run for district attorney in Colorado, candidates must meet the same qualifications of district court judges. They must be licensed to practice law in Colorado for five years, a qualified elector of the judicial district at the time of their election or appointment and reside in the district throughout their term in office.

Depending on the local population and funding, district attorney offices in Colorado vary greatly when it comes to resources. The number of prosecutors in a jurisdiction varies from as little as three to over 100.

The state only provides funding for the salary of the elected district attorney. Other staff positions and all resources in the office are funded locally by the counties in each respective jurisdiction. Office budgets are allocated by each district’s county commissioners.

District attorneys, assistant DAs, chief deputy DAs, special deputy DAs and special prosecutors are categorized as peace officers. Although their authority includes the enforcement of all laws of the state and they work cooperatively with local law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations, DAs serve as a check on the discretion of law enforcement and ensure the protection of the accused’s constitutional rights.

Ask your attorney or contact the district attorney’s office for the judicial district where you have been investigated or charged with a crime.

If you are a victim of a crime or other interested party, you can contact the victim advocate or administrative personnel at the district attorney’s office in the judicial district where the crime occurred.

With very limited exceptions, the district attorney has the final say in all criminal cases within their jurisdiction.

Yes, complaints against prosecutors in Colorado are handled by the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel. To file a complaint, contact the OARC by calling 303-457-5800 or toll-free at 877-888-1370.

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