Prosecuting attorneys represent local, state or federal governments in criminal court cases. In addition, they also interview witnesses or victims, evaluate police reports and perform legal research to plan the prosecution of each case. Prosecutors determine what charges to file in criminal cases and work with defense attorneys to decide how those cases may be resolved in the best interest of justice.
It is common for prosecutors work with victims in cases where a victim is involved in order to better represent their interests, but it is important to clarify that victims don’t bring charges. Prosecutors do. Prosecutors represent the State of Indiana, and only they can bring charges, not victims. Once a crime has been reported, the victim no longer has control over whether or not charges get brought and if they get dismissed.
As representatives of the state, our prosecuting attorneys cannot give legal advice to the public. Prosecutors in the state of Indiana follow the Indiana Code which can be found here. Should you need legal advice, contact your own attorney or visit IndianaLegalHelp.org for guidance.
