James C. Backstrom, County Attorney
Dakota County Attorney James C. Backstrom, with the assistance of 30+ Assistant County Attorneys:
- Prosecutes crime:
- all adult felony crimes occurring in Dakota County
- all adult misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes occurring in Dakota County outside city limits or in other limited areas defined by statute
- all juvenile crimes occurring Dakota County
- Provides assistance and support to crime victims, including seeking restitution from the offenders for victims’ out-of-pocket losses
- Serves as legal advisor for the County Board of Commissioners and other County officials
- Represents the County in all civil litigation in which the County is involved
- Initiates legal actions to protect abused or neglected children
- Initiates legal actions to protect vulnerable adults
- Files involuntary commitment actions to provide necessary treatment for individuals who are mentally ill, chemically dependent, or mentally disabled
- Brings legal actions to obtain or enforce child support obligations or to establish paternity of a child, to obtain reimbursement of public welfare funds and assist parents who are not receiving welfare
The County Attorney and his staff are not permitted to represent or provide legal advice to private citizens.