The State’s Attorney’s Office’s primary function is to seek justice. Seeking justice begins by working in partnership with law enforcement and the community to hold accountable those who threaten the safety and welfare of anyone in McHenry County by committing criminal offenses.
Seeking justice continues with attending to the needs of crime victims. Many victims continue to be afflicted, even haunted by the crimes they endured. The State’s Attorney’s Office is committed to ensuring that victims play a central role in criminal proceedings and take part in securing their vision of justice.
Seeking justice also means ensuring that criminal offenders are treated fairly and their rights are protected, that the innocent do not suffer, and that limited resources are not spent incarcerating non-violent offenders. The State’s Attorney’s Office recognizes that all of us confront difficult times that can lead to isolated decisions we regret and do not necessarily define our character. This is so often true of our young people and those suffering from an untreated mental illness or addiction. It is essential that we ensure that the criminal justice system serves a rehabilitative and not merely punitive function.
Ethics
The State’s Attorney’s Office is committed to maintaining the highest moral and ethical standards. Unlike a private attorney that must zealously pursue his or her client’s particular interests, a state’s attorney has no single client. Rather, a state’s attorney represents the people of a county as a whole. The interests of the People in a just, honest, transparent, and fair State’s Attorney’s Office transcends any personal or partisan interest or pride of professional success.
Function
The State's Attorney's Office serves as prosecutor of persons charged with violating the criminal statutes and traffic laws of the State of Illinois. We further provide legal advice and representation to the McHenry County Board, elected officials and department heads as to their duties and responsibilities under the law, represent and advise the County and its Elected Officials in civil litigation arising out of their official duties, enforce County ordinances, file and prosecute petitions in Juvenile Court on behalf of abused or neglected minors, and assist with the collection of child support payments.