District Attorney

- 912 56th St, Kenosha, WI 53140

The justice system is a fundamental part of any community's structure, and for residents of Kenosha, Wisconsin, the Kenosha County District Attorney's Office plays a critical role in upholding the law and ensuring public safety. Unlike a private law firm that represents individual clients, the District Attorney's office represents the State of Wisconsin and the people of Kenosha County. Its primary mission is to promote public safety through the fair and just prosecution of criminal offenses, advocate for victims of crime, and safeguard the rule of law. This article aims to provide a clear and factual overview of the Kenosha County District Attorney's office, outlining its functions, location, and the services it provides to the community.

The District Attorney's office is a constitutional entity, led by an elected official who serves a four-year term. The duties of the office are set forth in Wisconsin Statutes, which grant it the authority to act as the "gatekeeper to the criminal justice system." This means the office has a tremendous amount of power and discretion to decide which cases to prosecute and how to handle them. The work of the office is extensive, encompassing a wide array of legal matters that impact the community on a daily basis. The attorneys and staff are tasked with making ethical and lawful decisions to ensure that justice is sought, not merely convictions obtained. They work in close collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, providing legal advice and support to officers in the field.

It is important to understand that the District Attorney's office is a public service entity, and its role is distinct from that of a defense attorney. While a defense attorney represents an individual, the District Attorney's office represents the public interest. This includes the interests of victims and witnesses, which are a core part of the office's mission. They are charged with upholding the "Rights of Victims and Witnesses of Crime" Act, ensuring that those affected by crime are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. This focus on victims and the broader community is a key aspect of the office's responsibilities, and it is crucial for local residents to understand this distinction.

The Kenosha County District Attorney's office is located in the Molinaro Building at 912 56th St, Kenosha, WI 53140, USA. This central location within the city of Kenosha makes it a convenient and identifiable hub for legal proceedings and public inquiries. The office is situated near other key government buildings, which helps to streamline the process for individuals who may need to visit multiple departments.

For the convenience of all visitors, the office is equipped with several accessibility features. It has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. These accommodations ensure that individuals with mobility challenges can access the building and its services without undue difficulty. As with many government and legal offices, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment to ensure that the appropriate staff member is available to assist you. While the office serves the public, it is not a walk-in legal advice center and appointments are necessary for specific discussions or pre-trial conferences.

The Kenosha County District Attorney's office handles a comprehensive range of cases on behalf of the State of Wisconsin and Kenosha County. Their services and responsibilities include:

• Prosecuting Criminal Offenses: This includes handling all state and county criminal charges, ranging from misdemeanors and felonies to juvenile delinquencies.
• Traffic Violations: The office prosecutes non-criminal traffic citations and ordinance violations on behalf of various law enforcement agencies.
• Juvenile Justice: The District Attorney's office is responsible for prosecuting a variety of juvenile matters, including delinquencies and truancies.
• Victim/Witness Services: A key component of the office is its Victim/Witness Program. This program provides support to victims and witnesses of crime, helps them navigate the legal process, and ensures their rights are protected.
• Forfeiture Actions: The office handles cases related to the forfeiture of property.
• Domestic Abuse and Harassment Cases: The office prosecutes cases involving domestic abuse and harassment.
• Legal Support for Law Enforcement: The office provides ongoing legal advice, training, and assistance to law enforcement agencies within the county.

Several key features define the Kenosha County District Attorney's office and its role in the community.

• Public Service Mandate: The office is an elected position and operates with the public's best interest at heart. The focus is on seeking justice and promoting public safety, not on personal or private legal matters.
• Victim-Centric Approach: The office places a strong emphasis on victim and witness services. They work to ensure victims are treated with dignity and have access to resources, from court notifications to restitution information.
• Accessibility: The office's physical location is designed to be accessible to all members of the community, with accommodations like wheelchair-accessible parking and restrooms.
• Collaboration with Law Enforcement: The office works hand-in-hand with the Kenosha Police Department, Kenosha County Sheriff's Office, and other agencies to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to criminal prosecution.
• Comprehensive Legal Scope: The office handles a wide variety of cases, from serious felonies to minor traffic offenses, demonstrating its broad reach and impact on the local legal landscape.

For inquiries, appointments, or general information regarding a case, you can contact the Kenosha County District Attorney's office using the information below.

Address: 912 56th St, Kenosha, WI 53140, USA

Phone: (262) 653-2400

Mobile Phone: +1 262-653-2400

It is important to note that the office cannot provide legal advice to private citizens on personal matters. For legal counsel, you would need to contact a private attorney. However, for information related to cases the office is prosecuting or for victim/witness services, this is the appropriate point of contact.

When it comes to the justice system, understanding the roles and responsibilities of key players is vital for every Wisconsin resident. What is worth choosing about the Kenosha County District Attorney's office is its commitment to public service and justice. Its mission is to be the voice of the state and the people, and to ensure that crimes are prosecuted fairly and effectively. The office’s dedication to victims and witnesses is a core part of its operations, providing support to those who have been harmed. While public perception and reviews can be varied due to the sensitive nature of its work, the office’s function remains foundational to the community's legal framework. It serves as the gateway for criminal cases, upholding the laws that protect the health and safety of Kenosha residents. The existence of a dedicated Victim/Witness Program underscores the office's commitment to treating people with fairness and dignity throughout the difficult legal process. By understanding the role of the District Attorney's office, residents can better appreciate its function in maintaining the rule of law and ensuring a just society.

District Attorney

912 56th St, Kenosha, WI 53140, USA