governmental services - GORacine.org

FUND: GENERALCRIMINAL JUSTICE & COURTSDISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICEW. Richard Chiapete, District AttorneyPatricia J. Hanson, Deputy District AttorneyOPERATING AUTHORITY AND PURPOSEThe Wisconsin Constitution in Article VI, Section 4, creates the office of the District Attorney. The purpose ofthe Office of the District Attorney is delineated in Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 978. Section 978.05 lists thespecific duties of the District Attorney.The District Attorney shall:Prosecute all criminal actions.Prosecute all state forfeiture actions, county traffic actions, and county ordinance violations.Participate in investigatory (John Doe) proceedings.Supervise expenditures of the office.Cooperate with the Department of Workforce Development in welfare fraud investigations.Brief and argue criminal cases brought by appeal.Institute, commence, or appear in civil actions prescribed by statute.Prosecute or defend actions transferred to another county.Establish other prosecutorial units throughout the county necessary to carry out the duties.Hire, employ, and supervise staff and make appropriate assignments.Prepare a biennial State budget request. Supervise, coordinate and implement Victim Witness services pursuant to Chapter 950.EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE MEASURESBecause of the unique duties of this office, no statistical or other evaluation measurements are useful indetermining our performance level. Statewide statistics continually demonstrate that this office handles morecriminal cases per attorney than almost all other state prosecution units. This office currently has seventeen (17)full-time attorneys and two (2) half-time attorneys. During an average year this office handles approximately1,700-1,800 felony cases, 3,300-3,400 misdemeanor cases, 500-600 juvenile cases, and variety of other casesincluding, but not limited to, criminal traffic cases, child in need of protection and services cases, termination ofparental rights cases, Chapter 980 commitment of sexually violent persons cases, and extraordinary writ cases. Areview of County Staff shows that our clerical staff handles more work than comparable counties.2013 GOALS AND BUDGET STRATEGIESAs always, this office will continue to provide the best service possible for the citizens of Racine County.This office will continue to seek improvement in providing services. Procedures will be continually reviewedto increase efficiency and reduce errors. This office will continue to seek new and innovative ways toelectronically communicate with the courts and the local law enforcement agencies. This office is always mindful of the cost of doing business. We will strive to provide the most effectiveservice to the citizens of Racine County within the budget restraints that affect all government offices.PAGE 33 - 1