District Attorney (D.A.) Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term District Attorney (D.A.).

District Attorney (D.A.) (noun)

A District Attorney, often abbreviated as D.A., is an elected official who oversees the legal prosecution of criminal offenses within their appointed jurisdiction, typically a county or district. They administrate the prosecutor's office, carry out investigations into supposed crimes, and initiate criminal charges. In addition to this, they present evidence to a Grand Jury, facilitating an indictment for a crime. The title can vary based on geographical location and may be known as the County Attorney or State’s Attorney in some states. A U.S. Attorney or Federal District Attorney is a similar role, but they are appointed by the President and act as prosecutors within districts for the Department of Justice.