C.
Wesley Lane, II
District Attorney
John Jacobsen
First Assistant District Attorney
The District Attorney is an elected state officer with a four-year term whose primary duty is to file criminal charges against and prosecute persons accused of crimes committed in the district.
The districts represented by District Attorneys correspond roughly to the State's judicial districts. Because of its population size, Oklahoma County is a separate District Attorney district. The salaries of the District Attorney and assistants are paid by the State, but some costs are supplemented by the County. The Board of County Commissioners is required to furnish office space.
Duties of the District Attorney:
- Prosecute in the trial courts all crimes in the district - felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile cases, and traffic cases.
- Provide legal opinions and advice to the Board of County Commissioners and other County officers.
- Represent the County in any civil lawsuit involving the County in state or federal court.
- Represent any County employee in court in any action involving the employee's official conduct and duties.
- Assist a grand jury by issuing subpoenas, examining witnesses, advising the grand jury, and drafting indictments.
Bogus Check Service:
The District Attorney vigorously prosecutes bogus check crimes, but before charges are
filed the office makes every effort to contact offenders and get them to make good on
payments. For example, the Bogus Check Division collected more than $1.2 million in 1994
for the merchants of Oklahoma County. This is the only program within the District
Attorney's office that is self sufficient, not costing the taxpayers a dime for the
service.
Consumer & Taxpayer Protection:
The White Collar Crime Division also protects consumers by investigating and prosecuting
cases of consumer fraud, as well as official corruption.
Drug Enforcement:
The Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force is a
specially-trained team of prosecutors, agents, and police officers from law enforcements
agencies within Oklahoma County that handle major drug cases.
Gang Curtailment:
The first Gang Unit in the State of Oklahoma was organized by the District Attorney's
office in an effort to curtail gang activity in the neighborhoods of Oklahoma County.
Sexual Assault:
Another important service is the Sexual Assault Unit, which handles only sexual assault
and child abuse cases.
Truancy Prevention:
The truancy program detains juveniles who try to
avoid attending school.
Victim/Witness Assistance:
One of the most important services offered by the District Attorney's office is the
Victim/Witness Center. This program provides valuable assistance to the most important
people in the criminal justice system - the victims of crimes and the courageous citizens
who testify in court against those criminals who prey on the law-abiding citizens of
Oklahoma County.
Office 505, County Office Building
Telephone # (405) 713-1600
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City of Oklahoma City
