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

During criminal investigations, attorneys in the County Attorney's Office will aide and advise law enforcement officers, visit crime scenes, and prepare search and arrest warrants, if needed. The prosecutors also draft criminal charging documents and handle matters through trial and sentencing.

The County Attorney's Office is also responsible for handling civil matters, which include committing persons into state hospitals, child protection matters, vulnerable adult protection matters, as well as pursue child support collections.

The County Attorney also 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 the various departments, including Zoning and Public Health. If the County is sued, it is represented by the County Attorney. 

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, Assistant County Attorney
Matthew D. Hohenstein, Assistant County Attorney
Patrick M. Zimmerman, Assistant County Attorney
Miranda N. Janssen, Assistant County Attorney
 
Mandi Pollock, Office Manager
Shelly Schweikert, Legal Assistant
Michelle Oster, Legal Assistant

Brianna Meyer, Crime Victim/Witness Coordinator

*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.