The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for the just prosecution of nearly every crime committed in Erie County.
Our is comprised of Deputy District Attorneys, Assistant District Attorneys, confidential criminal investigators, paralegals, victim advocates and other support staff. The career of a prosecutor begins in the Buffalo City Court bureau before advancing to a Justice Court in the towns and villages. Assistant District Attorneys have substantial responsibility early in their careers. As they gain experience, Assistant DAs will have the opportunity to handle more complex felony cases in one of the bureaus responsible for prosecuting the most serious crimes.
In addition to prosecuting offenders and obtaining justice for victims, we are involved in crime prevention efforts and community outreach. Our prosecutors hold educational seminars for school districts, block clubs, and other members of our community on bail reform, elder abuse, cyberbullying and other criminal justice-related topics that impact our citizens. We strive to both serve and connect with our community. Our office’s Community Outreach Team of volunteers help with various service projects in neighborhoods in Buffalo and throughout Erie County.
Responsibilities and Objectives
- To present evidence to the Grand Jury in felony cases.
- To prosecute cases in the 12 City Court criminal courts for misdemeanors and other offenses originating in the City of Buffalo.
- To prosecute cases in the 38 Justice Criminal Courts for misdemeanors and other offenses originating in Erie County cities, towns and villages outside the City of Buffalo.
- To prosecute felony offenses in Superior Court that includes career criminal cases and major violent offenses.
- To investigate and prosecute assault, rape and sexual abuse cases.
- To manage, investigate and prosecute felony and misdemeanor level cases of domestic violence.
- To promote community outreach and education in abuse prevention
- To provide supportive services to victims and witnesses of crime through counseling, referral service and community education.
- To conduct special investigations and prosecute cases of public corruption, white-collar crime, tax fraud and arson.
- To investigate and prosecute welfare fraud, food stamp fraud and criminal non-support cases To initiate, investigate and prosecute narcotics cases.
- To initiate, investigate and process asset forfeiture actions To conduct post-trial proceedings and file appeals cases to county, state and federal appeals courts.
- To process federal Habeas Corpus proceedings.
- Effectively utilize grant funding to provide this Office with the ability to devote more prosecutors and support staff for enhanced prosecution efforts and best serve the needs of this County.
- To investigate and prosecute vehicular crimes.
- To assist law enforcement in making a crime scene determination in an auto accident.
- To train law enforcement on new vehicular crime law and technology in investigating vehicular crimes.
- To work with S.T.O.P. DWI by providing monthly statistics and case dispositions to aid them with fine tracking. Also assist them with legal issues, such as conducting a constitutionally valid DWI checkpoint.