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Mission Statement

The Mission of the York County District Attorney’s Office is to attain justice through pursuing the truth and safeguarding the fundamental fairness guaranteed to all individuals through the Constitutions and laws of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This office will neither make nor tolerate any actions, procedures, or decisions based upon invidious discrimination, as such measures are contrary to any notion of justice.

In the pursuit of justice, the York County District Attorney’s Office will vigorously assert the rights of victims, while also firmly protecting the rights of the accused. All prosecutorial decisions, including charging and final disposition, shall be made with consideration of the general sentencing standards outlined in the Judicial Code, which include the protection of the public, the gravity of the offense as it relates to the impact on the life of the victim and on the community, and the rehabilitative needs of the defendant.

The York County District Attorney’s Office shall serve as a leader in establishing justice system innovations that promote public safety and community well-being. This office will accomplish these measures through collaboration and developing partnerships with the diverse York County community, which include neighborhood leaders and stakeholders, law enforcement, business and professional institutions, service providers, faith-based entities, and other governmental agencies and elected officials. The use of evidence based practices shall guide this office in determining which methodologies will best reduce recidivism, increase public safety, and improve the quality of life for all individuals within York County.

Our Commitment To Diversity

York County is enriched through having a diverse community. The York County District Attorney’s Office supports and promotes this diversity as a key component in the pursuit of justice and public safety, as well as for the general prosperity of the community. The personnel of this office should reflect our community diversity, which strengthens the fundamental fairness and acumen necessary to achieve our mission.

Accordingly, the York County District Attorney’s Office commits to employing a diverse staff of prosecutors, administrators, detectives, and support personnel. We further commit to promoting and maintaining an inclusive environment within this office, which provides encouragement and opportunity to all employees in the development and advancement of their careers, their profession, and their community, while furthering the mission of this office.

Primary Functions Performed by the District Attorney's Office

  • Prosecute all misdemeanor, felony and homicide cases before the Court of Common Pleas of York County.
  • Provide investigative support and advice to all local police.
  • Provide assistance to victims of crime.
  • Provide training and assistance to agencies combating child abuse and domestic violence.
  • Conduct educational programs in local schools.

York County District Attorney's Office

The District Attorney, as the chief law enforcement officer of the county, is mandated by law to sign all bills of indictment and conduct in court all criminal and other prosecutions in the name of the Commonwealth.

He is also a minister of justice and must exercise his duties with complete impartiality. The District Attorney has jurisdiction over all felony, misdemeanor, and summary offenses. In addition, he is responsible for providing legal guidance in criminal matters for various police agencies and county departments.

The District Attorney's office works frequently with other county agencies such as Juvenile Probation, Children and Youth Services, Area Agency on Aging, Human Services, Prison, Adult Probation, County Home, and a long list of state agencies in providing the best possible criminal justice service to the citizens of York County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The daily functions of the District Attorney's office demands the full time teamwork of dedicated professionals consisting of Attorneys, Administrative Staff, and Detectives. This team currently processes approximately 8,500 new adult cases each year. We also become involved in probation and parole violations, juvenile delinquency matters, criminal contempt petitions, appeals, and criminal investigations.

The District Attorney's office is located in the York County Judicial Center, 45 North George Street York, PA 17401, and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Deputy prosecutors and investigative personnel are assigned on call status and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by pager or through a 911 dispatcher.