We serve the public by carrying out our statutory duties to provide legal services and related functions in a manner that reflects a commitment to excellence and consciousness of the public trust that has been bestowed upon us.

We are the advocates for the state and for the people of Clallam County. To perform this function effectively, we have three primary obligations:

RCW 36.27 is one of the starting points for the prosecutor's duties. A computer search of the Revised Code of Washington will disclose no fewer than 1100 references to the prosecuting or county attorney.

Legal Advice
The prosecuting attorney does not give legal advice to the public on matters which private attorneys handle, for example, divorce, landlord tenant issues, and contracts.

There are thirteen attorneys in the office, including the elected prosecutor, representing over 100 years of prosecutorial experience, and eight full time and one part time support staff members. On any given judicial day, attorneys can have cases heard in any of the following courts: District, Juvenile, Superior, Court of Appeals, or State Supreme Court, or federal Bankruptcy, District, Circuit Court of Appeals or United States Supreme Court.

Attorney assignments are as follows:

Eight in Criminal law:

• Superior Court (5)
• Domestic Violence (1)
• District Court (1)
• Juvenile Court (2)

Four in Civil law:

• Chief Deputy (1)
• Roads/Right of Way Disputes/Contract Review (1)
• Land Use/Code Enforcement (1)
• Family Support (1)

The main program areas are: Civil, Criminal Prosecution (Misdemeanor), Criminal Prosecution (Felony), Juvenile Prosecution, Child Support, and Victim/Witness Assistance Program.

This division is responsible for prosecuting all juvenile cases referred by law enforcement agencies throughout the county, including tribal lands, but not within the U.S. Olympic Park or U.S. Forest Service land.

Mission Statement:

To promote lawful juvenile behavior and a healthy family environment for children by enforcing compliance with the law and furthering the provision of services to children.

This mission is pursued through means that are fair and just, that recognize the unique characteristics and needs of children, and that give children access to opportunities for personal and social growth while holding the juvenile accountable for his or her behavior.

It is the belief of the juvenile division that:

(1) Prosecutors should exercise their discretionary power in charging and plea decisions based on good judgment and uniformity pursuant to office policy in their dual roles as administrators of justice and prosecutors.

(2) All members of the public, regardless of their age, race, religion, creed, sexual orientation, or financial status, will be treated with respect and shown common courtesy by all members of the juvenile division at all times.

The Duties and responsibilities of the Juvenile Prosecutor includes:

(1) Making a decision if a crime/offense has been committed and whether probable cause exists to believe that the accused juvenile has committed it.

(2) The drafting of a Criminal Information charging the juvenile with the offense.

(3) Appearing at the First Appearance, Arraignment, Adjudication and Disposition Hearings.

(4) If restitution is owed to the victim, the office will represent the victim's position at a restitution hearing.

(5) The Juvenile Prosecutor also represents the state in probation violation hearings, appeals to the higher courts, and any related court appearances.

(6) Training : The Juvenile Prosecutor has helped train attorneys, school personnel, social workers, probation officers, law enforcement personnel and other prosecutors from Washington State in juvenile rules and procedures. In addition, the Juvenile Prosecutor routinely lectures to victim advocates, college students, High School and Middle School Students and parents regarding Juvenile Law and drug abuse issues.

In cooperation with local doctors, the Coroner does not assume jurisdiction in those cases where death due to natural causes or disease is anticipated.