The Washington
County Attorney’s Office is responsible for the prosecution of all
felony criminal cases, misdemeanors, traffic offenses which occur
outside of city limits, all juvenile cases, all care and treatment
cases and providing assistance to victims of crimes, including, but
not limited to: bad check collection/prosecution, DUI prosecution,
child in need of care cases, and domestic violence prosecution and victim assistance.
A major emphasis in our office is complying with the provisions of the Kansas Victims Bill of Rights. Our duties include prompt notification of all adult public hearings, providing assistance to victims of crime, locating additional resources to assist victims and their families, arranging for witness appearances and providing support throughout the criminal process. The victim/witness coordinator for the Washington County Attorney’s Office is Laura L. Burt.
Our office is located at 109 East 3rd Street, Washington, Kansas, 66968. The main telephone number is 785-325-2149. We may be also be reached via e-mail at:
coatty@nckcn.com
for the staff and the victim/witness coordinator.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Does your office charge any fees to the public?
A. No
Q. Can individuals call you for personal
representation?
A. Only as a private attorney, not as the County Attorney.
Q. How are you assigned cases?
A. The Sheriff investigates a complaint.After that, it is turned
over to the County Attorney's Office and I decide whether or not to file charges.
Q. Do you have a part in sentencing?
A. I make recommendations to the Judge on behalf of the victim and the State.
Q. Do you have a part in enforcing sentencing?
A. No, but I file motions to revoke probation when a defendant violates the conditions of his/her probation.
Q. Do you handle all types of offenses?
The County Attorney's Office handles criminal, juvenile and traffic cases.
Q. Will I receive compensation for appearing as a witness?
A. By statute, you will receive $10 per day in witness fees along with mileage if you are traveling from outside city limits.
Q.What if I am threatened as a witness?
A. Any attempt to prevent or dissuade a witness from testifying is a violation of Kansas law.
Report any such incident immediately to the sheriff and the prosecuting attorney.
Q. Should I talk to the defense attorney?
A. That is strictly your decision. You may, but you have no legal obligation to talk to the defense attorney.
Q. Can I watch the trial?
A. Unless all witnesses are sequestered, you may watch the trial; however, you should not discuss your testimony with other witnesses.
Q. Can I receive compensation for losses I suffered as a result of the crime?
A. Various means are available to assist you depending on the type of loss. The victim/witness coordinator is the person with whom you will discuss the options available to you.
Q. When can I get my property back?
A. All property will be released as soon as possible; however, under certain circumstances, it cannot be released until it is no
longer needed as evidence. Any evidence seized which is classified
as being illegal to possess will not be returned.
Q. What is a continuance?
A. For a number of reasons, it is frequently necessary to change the date of a court appearance. The County Attorney’s
Office will make every effort to notify you by telephone if the court date changes. If the case is continued, you will receive a new subpoena telling you the new date and time if you have not already been notified. You should call the County Attorney’s Office (785) 325-2149) the day before your court appearance to verify that your appearance is still necessary on the date and time set on the subpoena.
Q. What if I move or change jobs during the proceedings?
A. Always notify the County Attorney’s
Office of a change of residence, telephone number or employment
immediately so that contact may continue during the proceedings.
Q. What if my employer won’t let me come to court?
A. If you are lawfully subpoenaed to appear in court, an employer cannot prevent attendance. When appropriate, the County Attorney’s Office will contact your employer to discuss the importance of your role as a witness.
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