States Attorney’s Office

Mission Statement: To promote justice, public safety and effective government through the prosecution of crime, the protection of those in need, and representation of Barnes County.

The States Attorney Office is responsible for the prosecution of felony and misdemeanor crimes in Barnes County with the exception for some city misdemeanors. The office is also responsible for involuntary mental health commitments.

A common misconception of this office is that the States Attorney is the “free” county attorney meaning that the attorneys can give out free legal advice. This is not true. The State’s Attorney cannot give out legal advice on civil matters such as divorce, landlord-tenant cases, estates, and monetary disputes just to name a few.

Barnes County has contracted with the cities of Fingal, Kathryn, Litchville, Nome, Oriska, Sanborn and Wimbledon to provide criminal prosecution services. The cities of Dazey, Hastings, Leal, Pillsbury, Rogers and Sibley operate independently.