The Criminal Division of the County Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecuting adults charged with felony crimes, as well as misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors occurring within the townships. Misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors occurring within the cities of Washington County are prosecuted by the city attorney for each city.
The Criminal Division's prosecutors do not represent individuals in court and cannot provide legal advice to individual citizens, including criminal defendants. Prosecutors cannot take reports of a crime from individuals. To report a crime, contact the local law enforcement agency where the crime occurred.
Levels of Criminal Offense
The laws of Minnesota establish four levels of criminal offenses:
Petty Misdemeanors - punishable by up to a $300 fine
Misdemeanors - punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine
Gross Misdemeanors - punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine