Roles in the Criminal Justice System

The Role of Law Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies are on the front line, responding to emergencies, investigating crimes, and making arrests when appropriate.We work closely with multiple local, state and federal law enforcement agencies across a wide range of jurisdictions and specialties, including: Camden County Sheriff's Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Osage Beach Police Department, Camdenton Police Department, Lake Ozark Police Department, Sunrise Beach Police Department, Linn Creek Police Department, the Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force and Missouri State Conservation. Additionally, our office routinely collaborates with federal law enforcement agencies such as FBI, DEA, ATF, HSI and DHS. Agencies submit reports and evidence to our office for independent charging decisions. This collaborative relationship works to ensure cases are thoroughly investigated and appropriately prosecuted.

The Role of the Prosecutor

Prosecutors have a unique dual responsibility: to seek justice and protect everyone's rights including victims, witnesses, and defendants.

Our duty isn't simply to win cases or lock offenders up, but to ensure justice is truly served. As truth-seekers, we make critical decisions at every stage - from filing charges to negotiating pleas to trying cases. We regularly appear in court to present cases, argue bond motions, suppression hearings, pre-trial motions, etc. We make sentencing recommendations following trials or guilty pleas Throughout this process, we must carefully consider the law, evaluate the evidence, respect the needs of victims, protect public safety and uphold fairness. Balancing these factors ensures that our justice system remains fair and effective, prioritizing integrity over simply securing convictions.

All individuals are treated with dignity and respect by prosecutors, regardless of their role in the justice system. Prosecutors are bound by rules of professional conduct that hold them to the highest ethical standards.

The Camden County Prosecuting Attorney's Office does not serve as legal advisors to law enforcement. However, we assist in helping guide investigations and ensure evidence is gathered properly, when allowed. Because Camden County is a first-class county, the prosecutor does not act as the county attorney. The Camden County Commission has a county attorney that acts as the attorney for each county office. Additionally, the Camden County Sheriff’s Office has an attorney that represents the Sheriff’s Office. Other law enforcement agencies in the area have attorneys that represent them, respectively.

The Role of the Defense Attorney

Defense attorneys protect the constitutional rights of people accused of crimes. Every defendant has the right to hire their own legal representation, and some defendants qualify for representation by a public defender.Defense attorneys advocate for their clients throughout the criminal process, reviewing evidence, filing motions, negotiating pleas, and presenting defenses at trial. While prosecutors represent the State, we recognize defense attorneys serve a crucial function. The adversarial system helps ensure justice is achieved and due process is honored.

Camden County Prosecuting Attorney's Office — Q&A

Q: Why don't you charge every case that police bring to you?

A: Justice requires we pursue cases based upon the law and the evidence. When there is insufficient evidence, despite our belief in the case or even when we believe we have the right person, we must decline to prosecute until sufficient evidence is developed. We have a legal and ethical obligation to protect the rights of both victims and defendants. To take away someone's liberty without proper evidence goes against our obligation to pursue justice for all.

Q: Why don't you win every case you take to trial?

A: We take cases to trial when we believe we have the evidence to support the law. Our system is set up to allow a jury to decide whether the evidence proves beyond a reasonable doubt that someone is guilty. Some cases have a lot of evidence to show a jury and other cases don't. It would be irresponsible to only bring cases we have 100% certainty of winning. We pursue cases that we believe align with our ethical and legal obligations under the law.

Q: As prosecutors, who do you represent? The state or the county?

A: Technically, we file cases on behalf of the State of Missouri. That's why you'll see case names listed as State of Missouri v. [Defendant]. But make no mistake: our heart and our mission is rooted right here in Camden County. We are your neighbors. We worship at the same churches, shop at the same stores, and send our kids to the same schools. Every decision we make is driven by what is best for the safety and well-being of this community.

We represent the people of Camden County — the victims of crime, the families who deserve peace of mind, and the law-abiding citizens who expect their Prosecuting Attorney's Office to stand firm for justice. The State gives us the legal authority to act. Camden County gives us our purpose.