Court Staff Roles

Role of The Judge

The Judge's responsibilities are as follows:

• Ensures that all persons before the court are treated fairly and equally
• Ensures that the orders of the court are followed
• Presides over all trials and hearings on other matters
• Sets the terms and conditions of deferred dispositions and other sentences

Role of the Clerks

The Clerk's responsibilities are as follows:

• Answer factual questions regarding the information they have.
• Assist with matters related to explanation of your rights and responsibilities. 
• Carry out the orders of the Judge and the procedures and policies mandated by the State or other authority.

The following are things the Clerk may not do: 

• Give you legal advice or interpret the law for you. 
• Tell you what they think the Judge or the Prosecutor will do in your case. 
• Change the court's orders or make exceptions to the court's rules for any individual.

Role of the Prosecutor

The Prosecutor's responsibilities are as follows:

• The Prosecutor is the attorney for the City and the State. 
• The Prosecutor is not your attorney. - You have the right to speak to the Prosecutor. If you choose to speak to the Prosecutor, be aware that any statement you make may be used against you should you choose to proceed to trial.