A District Attorney (DA) is also commonly known as a prosecutor in most states of the USA, including Oklahoma. However, the role has several other names including formal and informal ones.
For example, in some states, like Florida and Connecticut, the DA might also be known as the State Attorney or State’s Attorney. Similarly, some states might use the terms Commonwealth’s Attorney, solicitor, or circuit solicitor.
Irrespective of the nomenclature, a District Attorney is a law enforcement officer representing a US state in a local area (district). This specific local area can vary between jurisdictions or even states. It can be a city, a county, or in some cases, multiple counties.
In most cases, a DA heads a staff of other prosecutors, including Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) and/or Deputy District Attorneys (DDAs).
Conventionally, a DA is responsible for bringing criminal charges and/or presenting a case against an individual or entity suspected of breaking the law. They may initiate or direct criminal investigations, and may also recommend sentencing. A DA might also participate in Grand Jury proceedings.
As one might guess, the DA doesn’t handle all these matters themselves. A large portion of the work is delegated to ADAs, DDAs, or other members of the staff. However, the DA maintains the overall responsibility for the functioning of their agency.
While conventionally, the DA works on criminal prosecution, it’s not the entire scope of their work. A DA may also defend the county or local government in civil suits or even initiate civil suits on behalf of the county. Similarly, they may also handle other civil matters, including child advocacy, child support, victim assistance, etc.
Depending on the state, a DA might be appointed by the civilian executive of the state, or elected by the members of their relevant county.
In Oklahoma, a District Attorney is elected through a general vote in their relevant county or city.
To be eligible to hold the office of District Attorney in Oklahoma, a person must be at least 28 years of age, be a duly licensed attorney for at least five years, and be a resident of the state for at least two years.
Additionally, the candidate should be a registered voter and resident of the relevant district for at least six months. These conditions must be fulfilled at the date of filing for office.