The Monroe County District Attorney’s Office is charged with prosecuting felony and misdemeanor crimes and violations perpetrated against the citizens of Monroe County. With 79 attorneys and support staff of 68, the DA’s Office is one of the largest law firms in Monroe County. Based on caseload, (5,525 Felony and 29,790 Misdemeanor Cases in 2010) the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office ranks in the top ten DA offices statewide.
The District Attorney is a constitutional officer elected to a four-year term as Chief Prosecutor for Monroe County. The work performed by the DAs Office is mandated by state law. The First Assistant District Attorney is appointed by the District Attorney and is responsible for homicide prosecutions, and general office administration.
Overview of the District Attorney’s Office
The office is structured into bureaus. Each bureau is overseen by a bureau chief or unit head.
Major Felony/Gun Violence Bureau
Members of this bureau prosecute career criminals and violent felony offense categories of robbery, burglary, assault, rape, and sexual abuse, cases involving the use of firearms in the commission of a felony. In addition, two of the ADAs assigned specialize in prosecuting felonies involving the illegal possession and sale of firearms. They work with the US Attorney’s Office in the Project Exile Program which allows the prosecution of some of these cases in Federal Court to obtain longer prison sentences than State Courts may allow.
Homicide prosecutions are overseen directly by the First Assistant District Attorney with assistance from other attorneys assigned to this bureau.
Special Investigations Bureau
This bureau prosecutes all felony drug possession and drug sale cases, obtains court orders for wiretaps when required, and works with arresting agencies to seize the assets of convicted drug dealers.
Domestic Violence/Child Abuse Bureau
The DV/CAB Bureau prosecutes all domestic violence and child abuse cases, both physical and sexual abuse.
DWI Bureau
This team of attorneys prosecutes all defendants charged with felony DWI, vehicular assault and homicides, and related cases (Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Vehicle 1st for example).
Economic Crime/Non-Violent Felony Bureau(County Court)
Economic Crime ADA’s prosecute cases of major fraud (generally involving amounts of $10,000 or more) on the part of individuals, businesses, or their employees. They also investigate and prosecute county-wide check fraud schemes, all cases of felony Insurance Fraud, Welfare Fraud, and bank robberies not involving the use of firearms. They also work with the County Child Support Enforcement Unit to identify and prosecute child support delinquency cases. County Court ADA’s prosecute non-violent felony burglary cases, auto theft, grand larceny, felony criminal mischief, and fraud cases not prosecuted by another specialized bureau.
Grand Jury Bureau
Grand Jury administrative staff assist all felony attorneys in scheduling cases for Grand Jury presentation, and work with the Office of the Commissioner of Jurors to ensure the smooth operation of the several Grand Juries that are empanelled each court term in Monroe County. The ADA who supervises the bureau also advises prosecutors on presentation procedures and techniques.
Local Courts Bureau
This bureau prosecutes all misdemeanors and violations in city, town, and village courts, and handles traffic matters in the village and town courts. Those assigned to City Court also oversee most felony arraignments. This bureau alone handles more than 29,000 cases per year.
Appeals Bureau
The Appeals Bureau responds to all appeals made in felony cases, and makes appellate motions on behalf of prosecutors assigned to the other bureaus. These attorneys also handle all fugitive matters, extradition cases, Federal Habeas Corpus requests, and Freedom of Information Act inquiries. Attorneys argue cases before all appellate courts, including the US Supreme Court.
Victim Witness Unit
This team works with victims of serious felonies, helping them cope with the demands of the criminal justice system. The unit also makes referrals to counseling, arranges rides to and from court, provides interpreters when needed, assists in preparation of victim impact statements, and makes referrals for assistance from the NYS Crime Victims Board. The staff also works with ADAs and Probation to obtain court orders for restitution for losses.
District Attorney Investigators
The bureau investigators locate additional witnesses to enhance the prosecution of cases, they also interview witnesses, and transport victims and witnesses to court appearances.The investigators also undertake sealed investigations under the direction of ADAs, and provide assistance to other police and government agencies in arson and child support delinquency investigations.
Administration/Support Services
The staff of 50 manages the DA budget, undertakes grant writing and grant management, oversees personnel procedures, provides all clerical support, data entry, and other support services as required.
About Sandra Doorley, DA
Sandra Doorley is the first woman to serve as District Attorney in the history of Monroe County. She was the first woman to serve as First Assistant District Attorney of Monroe County, and the first woman to oversee the Homicide Bureau as well. Doorley has served as a trial attorney in the Local Court, DWI, County Court, Domestic Violence, and Major Felony Bureaus. In addition, she has served as Chief of the DWI Bureau. Sandra has been with the Office for 20 years.
