Attorney

The County Attorney is an elected official for a 4-year term. The duties and responsibilities of this office are provided by statute. The most prevalent function of the County Attorney is that of prosecutor. 

Responsibilities

Prosecutors review evidence provided by law enforcement agencies and draft criminal charging documents. They then handle the prosecution of these matters through trial and sentencing. During criminal investigations, our attorneys will aide and advise law enforcement officers, visit crime scenes, and assist with the preparation of search and arrest warrants. 

Our team is also responsible for handling many civil matters, such as commitments, guardianships, child protection matters, vulnerable adult protection matters, and child support collections.

The County Attorney attends County Board of Commissioners meetings and Meeker County Memorial Hospital Board meetings, and provides legal advice to both. She also advises other department heads and county employees on legal matters, and pursues enforcement of various County Ordinances and other laws for all County departments, including Zoning and Public Health. If the County is sued, it is represented by the County Attorney. 

Find out more information on what kind of work a County Attorney's Office does by clicking here. 

Citizens Seeking Advice

The County Attorney is not permitted to provide legal advice to citizens, but can refer them to a department or other agency that can help them.  Citizens requesting help with civil matters may seek out assistance from private law firms.

Our Victim Services Office Staff provides assistance throughout the prosecution process, as well as direct advocacy to victims who have been impacted by a crime.  We also work with and on behalf of indirect victims of crime who have incurred a loss or trauma.  Assistance with filing claims for restitution and seeking other resources is also available.

Staff:

Brandi L. Schiefelbein, Meeker County Attorney
John P. Fitzgerald, First Assistant County Attorney
Matthew D. Hohenstein, Assistant County Attorney
Jakob K. Manska, Assistant County Attorney
Alexis O. Knaeble, Assistant County Attorney

Mandi Pollock, Office Manager
Shelly Schweikert, Legal Assistant
Michelle Oster, Legal Assistant

Brianna Meyer, Crime Victim/Witness Coordinator
Joy Vines, Victim Advocate Assistant

*For assistance with Orders for Protection or Harassment Restraining Orders not connected to an open criminal matter, please contact Safe Avenues at (320) 593-0876. Safe Avenues is a Community-Based Advocacy Center that is not affiliated with the Meeker County Attorney's Office.