District Attorney

Overview

Serving a population of nearly 100,000 people, the District Attorney's office handles prosecution of all criminal matters in more than 50 local criminal courts across the 1397 square miles that make up Steuben County, as well as the County Court and State Court systems. Consequently, the staff of the Office is constantly busy covering the various courts which handle criminal cases - working closely with the more than 11 local, County and State Police Agencies, as well as a number federal law enforcement agencies, on a daily basis.

The Steuben County District Attorney's Office is located on the third floor of the Steuben County Office Building - 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath, NY. By law, the District Attorney prosecutes all criminal cases which arise or are otherwise prosecutable in Steuben County. Each year, the Office prosecutes more than 5000 misdemeanor cases and approximately 1000 felony cases as well as tens of thousands of Vehicle and Traffic Law matters.

Duties

Brooks Baker is the elected District Attorney and leads a dedicated team of 11 assistant district attorneys, 5 of whom work as part-time prosecutors; aided by 2 investigators, 4 paralegals and four clerical staffers. Some ADAs focus on handling specific types of crimes, including Domestic Violence, Sex Offenses, Welfare Fraud, DWI, Appeals, and Drug Crimes; while others handle a general caseload in local and/or County Court.

In addition to prosecuting crimes committed in Steuben County, the District Attorney's Office conducts special investigations either independently or with the assistance of law enforcement agencies. The Office handles all appeals generated by convictions obtained by plea or by trial. Those appeals take representatives of the office into the New York State appellate system as well as into the Federal Court system.

A vital function of the District Attorney's Office is to educate police officers and, to some extent, the public regarding issues legal and criminal justice issues. Prosecutors regularly participate in and sponsor training sessions for police officers working in and around Steuben County. Members of the staff also teach at the Law Enforcement Academy and volunteer to assist with classes there as well. Mr. Baker and several of the Assistant District Attorneys often make presentations to local governments, schools and groups of citizens concerning crime-related issues including: presentations to students regarding the dangers of drinking and driving; discussions with town and village leaders on drug issues; and, presentations to senior citizens regarding economic crimes. If you would like to arrange a presentation for your group or organization please reach out to the District Attorney to request a speaker.