State Attorney

- 514 E Thayer Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501

In any community, the legal system can seem complex, with many different roles and offices serving various functions. For residents of North Dakota, understanding the distinction between a private attorney and a public one is crucial. The State's Attorney's Office, located in Bismarck, is a key part of the local government and legal system. It is an office that serves the public in a unique and vital capacity. This overview is designed to clarify the important role this office plays in the county and to help local users understand what services they provide and how to best interact with them.

The State's Attorney is not a lawyer for the general public in the same way a private attorney is. Instead, this office serves as the legal counsel and chief prosecutor for the county. Their primary responsibilities include representing the state in criminal cases, meaning they prosecute individuals who have committed felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses within the county’s jurisdiction. They work in conjunction with law enforcement agencies to review cases and determine what charges will be filed. Their role is to seek justice on behalf of the public and to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

Beyond their work as prosecutors, the State's Attorney and their staff also act as legal advisors to county officials and departments. This includes providing guidance on interpreting state laws and regulations to ensure that county government operates within legal boundaries. This public service is a cornerstone of the county’s administration, affecting everything from infrastructure projects to public finance. It is important for North Dakota residents to understand this public-facing but government-oriented role. If you are a private citizen seeking legal advice for a personal matter such as a divorce, child custody, or a private dispute, state law prohibits the State's Attorney's Office from providing that assistance. For those matters, you would need to consult with a private attorney.

The State's Attorney's Office for the county is conveniently located in Bismarck, North Dakota, making it easily accessible for county officials and members of the public who need to interact with them. The office is situated at 514 E Thayer Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA. Its location provides a central point of contact for legal matters related to the county government and its functions.

As a public-facing government office, accessibility is a priority. The building features a wheelchair accessible entrance, providing a clear and easy path for all visitors. For those arriving by car, a wheelchair accessible parking lot is available, which provides a convenient and stress-free parking option. A wheelchair accessible restroom is also on-site, ensuring that all visitors can navigate the building comfortably.

To ensure efficient service and to manage the high volume of legal matters, appointments are often recommended. This policy helps to ensure that a dedicated time is set aside for official business, minimizing wait times and allowing for productive meetings. The combination of a central location, a commitment to accessibility, and a structured approach to meetings makes the office a professional and organized environment.

The State's Attorney's Office provides a range of legal services that are vital to the function of the county government and the safety of the public. These services are not for private citizens but are directed at the public and government as a whole.

• Land Use Planning: Providing legal counsel and guidance to county officials and boards regarding zoning, development, and land use regulations. This includes ensuring that new projects comply with state and local laws.
• Road Repairs: Offering legal advice to county departments responsible for infrastructure. This can involve interpreting regulations, assisting with legal aspects of contracts, and ensuring compliance for road repair projects.
• Tax Assessments: Assisting the county's tax equalization department with legal matters related to property tax assessments, appeals, and ensuring that assessment processes are fair and legally sound.
• Criminal Prosecution: Serving as the public prosecutor for all criminal offenses—felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions—that occur within the county's jurisdiction. This is the office's primary function.
• Legal Counsel to County Government: Providing legal advice to the Board of County Commissioners and other county departments on a wide variety of legal matters and statutory duties.
• Juvenile and Mental Health Hearings: Handling legal matters related to juvenile justice and involuntary mental health commitments within the county.

The State's Attorney's Office is a professional and accessible public service entity with features designed to facilitate its operations and client interactions.

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Ensures that the office is welcoming and accessible to all members of the community.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Provides convenient parking options, reducing barriers for those with mobility challenges.
• Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: On-site facilities are available to ensure the comfort and convenience of all visitors.
• Restroom: A clean and well-maintained restroom is available for all visitors.
• Appointments Recommended: Operating by appointment helps ensure that official business is conducted efficiently and effectively.

If you have a matter that falls under the purview of the State's Attorney's Office, you can contact them using the details below. Remember, they do not handle private legal matters.

Address: 514 E Thayer Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Phone: (701) 222-6672
Mobile Phone: +1 701-222-6672

The State's Attorney's Office is not a private business you "choose" in the traditional sense, but it is an invaluable public service that is worth understanding and appreciating. Its core function is to maintain public safety and ensure the legal integrity of the county government. This office is the reason that criminal justice is administered fairly and that county officials have sound legal counsel to guide their decisions. The legal services it provides—such as advising on land use planning, road repairs, and tax assessments—are essential for the smooth and lawful operation of the county, which benefits every resident.

The fact that this is a government office also means that its services are provided without charge to the public for matters that fall under its jurisdiction, such as the prosecution of criminal cases. This is a critical distinction from a private attorney. The office's commitment to accessibility, with features like a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, and restroom, further underscores its role as a service dedicated to the entire community. For North Dakota residents, knowing that the State's Attorney's Office is a well-resourced and professionally run entity that works to protect their interests and uphold the law is a source of confidence in their local government. While you would not choose this office for a personal legal matter, you can rely on it to serve its public duty with diligence and professionalism.

State Attorney

514 E Thayer Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA