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Texas county attorney

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County attorney is an elected position in the state of Texas according to the state's constitution.

Election

County attorneys are elected to four-year terms by the voters of their county in the same election as the President of the United States.[1][2]

Government roles

If the county has appointed a criminal district attorney, the county attorney position is abolished. When the position is occupied, county attorneys prosecute misdemeanor criminal cases, enforce election violations, vice laws, "going-out-of-business" sale violations and liquor law offenses, act as a juvenile prosecutor, represent county officials and employees in lawsuits related to their duties, represent the county in collecting delinquent taxes and file suit against property violations.

The county attorney may act as an assistant to the commissioners court, assuring the court of legality in lawmaking and contracts, acting as a checkpoint for legal questions, screening open records requests and reviewing claims made against the county.[3]

Position overview

The county attorney enforces criminal statutes and does not represent the county in its general legal or civil business.[1]

Government sector lobbying

County attorneys join district attorneys in the Texas District and County Attorneys Association, which is a government sector lobbying organization associated with the Texas Association of Counties.

External links

Footnotes