District Attorney

- 163 W 125th St # 733, New York, NY 10027

Introduction / Overview

For residents of New York City, the District Attorney's Office is a cornerstone of the criminal justice system. Unlike a private law firm that represents individual clients, the District Attorney, and their team of Assistant District Attorneys, serve as the legal representative of the public. Their primary responsibility is to prosecute violations of state laws within their jurisdiction. The office located at 163 W 125th St in New York is a regional office, part of the New York County District Attorney's Office, which serves the borough of Manhattan. Its role is to review cases presented by law enforcement agencies, decide whether to file charges against an accused individual, and pursue those cases in court. This process is essential for maintaining public safety, ensuring that those who commit crimes are held accountable, and seeking justice for victims.

The District Attorney's office is a public institution with a broad and significant mandate. The DA is an elected official who sets the policies for their office, which can have a ripple effect on thousands of cases and the community as a whole. This office is not just about prosecuting offenders; it also plays a crucial role in advising law enforcement, providing support and services to victims and witnesses of crime, and engaging in community outreach and crime prevention efforts. While the office may be a public entity, its legal professionals operate with the same high level of expertise and dedication found in any top-tier legal practice. Their ultimate goal is to seek the truth and pursue justice under the law, upholding the constitutional rights of both the accused and the victims of crime.

Location and Accessibility

The District Attorney's office is located at 163 W 125th St # 733, New York, NY 10027, USA. This address is within the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building in the heart of Harlem, a vibrant and well-connected part of Manhattan. The location is highly accessible via public transportation, with numerous subway lines (including the A, B, C, D, 2, and 3) and bus routes serving 125th Street. This makes it convenient for residents from various parts of the city to reach the office for official business.

As a public service office, accessibility is a key priority. The building features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that all members of the public, including those with mobility challenges, can enter the premises without difficulty. Additionally, a wheelchair accessible restroom is available within the facility, further accommodating the needs of visitors. The building also has general restrooms and is staffed with security to manage public access and ensure the safety of all visitors.

Services Offered

The District Attorney's office provides a wide range of services to the public, though their primary function is prosecution. These services are typically not for individuals seeking private legal counsel, but rather for the public good and the administration of justice. The office's key services include:

• Criminal Prosecution: The core function of the office is to prosecute a vast range of crimes under New York state law, from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
• Victim and Witness Services: The office has a dedicated team that provides crucial support to victims and witnesses of crime, helping them navigate the legal system and access resources.
• Grand Jury Proceedings: The DA's office presents cases to the grand jury to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial.
• Appellate and Post-Conviction Litigation: After a conviction, the office continues to handle appeals and other post-conviction matters.
• Specialized Divisions: Many DA offices, including the one in Manhattan, have specialized bureaus to handle specific types of crime, such as sex crimes, domestic violence, economic crimes, and public corruption.
• Community Engagement: The office works closely with community groups, law enforcement agencies, and other organizations to implement crime prevention programs and address public safety concerns.

Features / Highlights

The District Attorney's Office in New York is distinguished by several important features and functions that serve the public interest:

• Public Mandate: As a government entity, the office is responsible for upholding state laws and pursuing justice for the people of New York County, not for a single client.
• Accessibility: The office is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all New Yorkers, as evidenced by the wheelchair-friendly entrance and restrooms.
• Community-Oriented Approach: The office engages in community outreach and partnerships to address local issues and build trust between the public and the justice system.
• Legal Expertise: The office is staffed with a large team of highly skilled Assistant District Attorneys who are experts in criminal law and litigation.
• Transparency: As a public office, they are subject to open records laws, and many offices provide information on their policies, initiatives, and contact details for various departments.

Contact Information

For general inquiries or to connect with the District Attorney's office regarding a public matter, you can use the following information:

• Address: 163 W 125th St # 733, New York, NY 10027, USA
• Phone: (212) 864-7884

What is worth choosing

While the public often interacts with the District Attorney's Office in times of legal need, it is important to understand its fundamental role and why it is a vital part of the New York legal landscape. The DA's office is not a choice in the same way a private attorney is, but it is a critical institution that is worth supporting and understanding for its many benefits to the community.

First, the office serves as the protector of public safety. By prosecuting crimes, it holds individuals accountable for their actions and helps maintain order in the city. The legal professionals at the DA's office are not driven by financial gain but by a mandate to seek justice. This mission-driven approach ensures that legal decisions are made with the public good in mind.

Secondly, the services provided to victims and witnesses are invaluable. For those who have suffered a crime, navigating the legal process can be terrifying and confusing. The victim services unit provides a crucial lifeline, offering support and guidance. This commitment to helping those affected by crime underscores the compassionate side of the DA's work.

Finally, the office’s function as an independent prosecutor ensures that justice is administered fairly and impartially, without the influence of private interests. The DA's office plays a critical check on the system, reviewing police reports and determining the appropriate course of action. While every public institution may face scrutiny, the foundational role of the District Attorney’s office in representing the people is a pillar of the legal system in New York City. Understanding its services and purpose is essential for any resident who wants to be informed about how their community’s legal system works.

District Attorney

163 W 125th St # 733, New York, NY 10027, USA