Understanding the Role of Assistant District Attorneys in Criminal Cases
Who is prosecuting your criminal case? Hi, my name is Aaron Grubb. I’m the Tahlequah felony attorney at Wirth Law Office. In this video, we’re going to talk about Assistant District Attorneys, or ADAs, and their role in your criminal case.
The Function of ADAs in the Prosecutorial Process
You may know that your case is being handled by the District Attorney’s Office, but do you know who is actually prosecuting you on behalf of the state? Typically, it’s not the District Attorney themselves, but rather an Assistant District Attorney.
Each county has a District Attorney who oversees all criminal prosecutions in that jurisdiction. However, most individual cases are handled by ADAs—attorneys who work under the supervision of the elected District Attorney. Depending on the county, these ADAs can range from seasoned prosecutors to newer attorneys who are still learning the ropes.
Why Understanding Your Case Matters
For example, we once had a case where an ADA charged our client with possession of a firearm—when in fact, the item in question was an airsoft gun. That oversight could have been avoided with a more thorough review of the facts and a clear understanding of the law.
That’s why it’s critical to have a defense attorney who can review the charges, examine the evidence, and identify any mistakes made by the prosecution. Even a simple misclassification could lead to a wrongful or excessive charge—and possibly a dismissal if caught in time.
Get Legal Assistance for Your Case
If you have a pending criminal or civil case, contact Tahlequah criminal defense attorney Aaron Grubb here at Wirth Law Office. We’re ready to help. Call us today at (918) 458-2677 to schedule a low-cost initial strategy session. Thank you.