District attorney is a public official whose chief duties are bringing charges against and prosecuting persons charged with a crime or offense. This official is also called the county attorney, prosecuting attorney, commonwealth attorney, deputy attorney general, or state’s attorney. District attorneys are the attorneys for the state, or “people,” in criminal trials. They may act as attorney for the government in civil suits to collect taxes or to take property for public use. They may appear for the defense in suits brought against the government. In most states, district attorneys have jurisdiction only in a given county. They are elected in some states and appointed in others.
United States district attorneys are officially called United States attorneys. They are appointed by the president, subject to confirmation in the Senate. U.S. attorneys are responsible to the attorney general. A U.S. attorney is appointed for each federal judicial district for a term of four years. United States attorneys serve as attorney for the government when it prosecutes for federal crimes, sues, or is sued.
