The Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the leadership of Sandra Doorley, is charged with prosecuting felony and misdemeanor crimes and violations perpetrated against the citizens of Monroe County. With 79 attorneys and support staff of 68, the DA’s Office is one of the largest law firms in Monroe County. Based on caseload (5,457 Felony and 29,690 Misdemeanor Cases in 2011) the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office ranks in the top ten DA offices statewide.
The District Attorney is a constitutional officer elected to a four-year term as Chief Prosecutor for Monroe County. The work performed by the DAs Office is mandated by state law. The First Assistant District Attorney is appointed by the District Attorney and is responsible for homicide prosecutions, and general office administration. The Second District Attorney is also appointed by the District Attorney.
Overview of the District Attorney’s Office
The office is structured into Bureaus, overseen by a Bureau Chief and Deputy Bureau Chief.
Major Felony
Members of this bureau prosecute career criminals and violent felony offenses like robbery, burglary, assault, rape, and sexual abuse. Homicide prosecutions are overseen directly by the First Assistant District Attorney with assistance from other attorneys assigned to this bureau.
Special Investigations/Gun Bureau
Crimes involving drugs also often involve guns. This bureau prosecutes all felony drug and gun cases, obtains court orders for wiretaps when required, and works with arresting agencies to seize the assets of convicted drug dealers.
Special Victims Trial Division
This newly created division includes the restructured Child Abuse Bureau, Sex Crimes Bureau, Domestic Violence Bureau and Elder Abuse Bureau. This new division will allow Assistant District Attorneys to specialize in certain areas of the law while at same time have the support of other attorneys who specialize in a similar area of the law. The division structure is designed to ensure that victims of crimes receive the services and attention they need.
DWI Bureau
This team of attorneys prosecutes all defendants charged with felony DWI, vehicular assault and homicides, and related cases (Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Vehicle in the First Degree, for example).
Non-Violent Felony Bureau(County Court)
County Court ADA’s prosecute non-violent felony burglary cases, auto theft, grand larceny, felony criminal mischief, and fraud cases not prosecuted by another specialized bureau.
Economic Crime
Economic Crime prosecutes cases of major fraud (generally involving amounts of $10,000 or more) on the part of individuals, businesses, or their employees. They also investigate and prosecute Identity Theft which is on the rise, and all cases of Felony Insurance Fraud, Welfare Fraud, etc... This bureau also investigates bank robberies not involving the use of firearms. They also work with the County Child Support Enforcement Unit to identify and prosecute child support delinquency cases.
Grand Jury Bureau
Grand Jury administrative staff assist all felony attorneys in scheduling cases for Grand Jury presentation, and work with the Office of the Commissioner of Jurors to ensure the smooth operation of the several Grand Juries that are empanelled each court term in Monroe County. The ADA who supervises the bureau also advises prosecutors on presentation procedures and techniques.
Local Courts Bureau
This bureau prosecutes all misdemeanors and violations in city, town, and village courts, and handles traffic matters in the village and town courts. Those assigned to City Court also oversee most felony arraignments. This bureau alone handles more than 29,000 cases per year.
Appeals Bureau
The Appeals Bureau responds to all appeals made in felony cases, and makes appellate motions on behalf of prosecutors assigned to the other bureaus. These attorneys also handle all fugitive matters, extradition cases, Federal Habeas Corpus requests, and Freedom of Information Act inquiries. Attorneys argue cases before all appellate courts, including the US Supreme Court.
Victim Witness Unit
This team works with victims of serious crime, helping them cope with the demands of the criminal justice system. The unit also makes referrals to counseling, arranges rides to and from court, provides interpreters when needed, assists in preparation of victim impact statements, and makes referrals for assistance from the NYS Crime Victims Board. The staff also works with ADAs and Probation to obtain court orders for restitution for losses.
District Attorney Investigators
The members of this bureau locate additional witnesses to enhance the prosecution of cases. The investigators also interview witnesses, and transport victims and witnesses to court appearances.They also undertake sealed investigations under the direction of ADAs, and provide assistance to other police and government agencies in arson and child support delinquency investigations.
Administration/Support Services
The staff manages the DA budget, undertakes grant writing and grant management, oversees personnel procedures, provides all clerical support, data entry, and other support services as required.
About Sandra Doorley, DA
Sandra Doorley is the first woman to serve as District Attorney in the history of Monroe County. She was the first woman to serve as First Assistant District Attorney of Monroe County, and the first woman to oversee the Homicide Bureau as well. Ms. Doorley has served as a trial attorney in the Local Court, DWI, County Court, Domestic Violence, and Major Felony Bureaus. In addition, she has served as Chief of the DWI Bureau. In 2011, Ms. Doorley was honored for her commitment to justice by being chosen for the Robert M. Morgenthau Award. Ms. Doorley joined the District Attorney's Office in 1992.
