Big Idea

• What is the Mission and Position Description of the office of County Attorney?
• What are the specific duties and areas of responsibilities of the County Attorney?
• How do I contact the County Attorney’s office?
• Who is the incumbent for the County Attorney office?

 
Note: This is Part One of a Five Part Series – County and City Positions up for election in 2024 – Who will you elect?
The following is part one of a five-part series of articles that describes the various position descriptions for those positions within Yavapai County that are up for election in 2024. Some of them have incumbents that are running, some do not. The purpose of this information, and more to follow, is to provide insight into the position requirements so that you can not only compare the candidates that are running, but you can also understand the job they are running for to see if it is a good fit.

With this information, you can ask yourself, is my preferred candidate qualified to manage the various aspects of the position for which he/she is running?  If so, can I then vote for him/her with confidence using the knowledge I have gained about the candidate as he/she relates to the position duties and responsibilities?

The first installment in this series describes the Yavapai County Attorney’s office and the duties for which that office is responsible. 

To follow, future series will be the offices of:  Sheriff, Mayor, City Council and Judges.

Yavapai County Attorney’s Office Vision and Mission

According to the Yavapai County Attorney’s website, "The Office of the Yavapai County Attorney is dedicated to the vigorous, expeditious and fair administration of the criminal law to protect the public and to ensure that justice is done, and to the representation of county government for the best interests of the citizens of Yavapai County."

Description of the County Attorney Position

The County Attorney is responsible for prosecuting all felonies that occur throughout Yavapai County, all misdemeanors that occur in the unincorporated areas of the county and all crimes committed by juveniles. For more detailed information and a complete list of duties go to: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/11/00532.htm.  The County Attorney office is a four-year term with no term limits. The next election will be held in 2024.

The Current Yavapai County Attorney

Dennis McGraneDennis McGrane is the incumbent County Attorney. McGrane was previously the chief deputy of the Yavapai County Attorney’s office for 22 years. McGrane has 28 years of experience as an Arizona prosecutor. He joined the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office in 1995 and was appointed to Chief Deputy in 2001.

Duties of a County Attorney:

• Represent the superior and other courts in the county in prosecutions for public offenses
• Draw up indictments
• Defend the county in legal proceedings 
• Offer written opinions to county officers on issues regarding duties of the office 
• Act as the legal counsel to the Board of Supervisors 

Read the Arizona Legislative State legal description for more detailed duties for a County Attorney.

Specific Areas of Responsibility

"The Yavapai County Attorney's Office vigorously prosecutes crime throughout Yavapai County, protects the rights of victims, and provides legal representation and advice to all the county departments." There are four divisions that handle these duties:

Criminal Division (928) 771-3344
The County Attorney's Criminal Division website states, "The County Attorney is responsible for prosecuting all felonies that occur throughout Yavapai County, all misdemeanors that occur in the unincorporated areas of the county and all crimes committed by juveniles. The Office receives referrals from law enforcement agencies throughout the county who conduct the investigations and refer the cases to this office for prosecution. The Criminal Division consists of prosecutors, litigation specialists, investigators and paralegals to assist in successful prosecutions.

"The County Attorney presents cases to the grand jury two days per week, a process that starts the criminal case. Deputy County Attorneys appear in the superior and justice courts throughout the county."
 
Civil Division (928) 771-3338
The Civil Division page of the County Attorney's site explains, "The County Attorney provides legal representation and advice to all the county departments such as the Board of Supervisors, Development Services, the Treasurer, the Assessor, the Recorder, the Public Fiduciary, the Sheriff, the School Superintendent, Health Services, Human Resources and Risk Management.

"The County Attorney defends lawsuits filed against the county and its employees, litigates property tax assessment and classification appeals, does bankruptcy and condemnation actions on behalf of the county, files and litigates zoning enforcement actions, handles public records litigation, represents the state in mental health commitment proceedings, performs uncontested adoptions, and files guardianships and conservatorships on behalf of the Public Fiduciary."

Bad Check Program (928) 771-3490
The Yavapai County Attorney's Bad Check Program office assists merchants and citizens in collecting bad checks. You can find information on how to submit a dishonored check, write a demand letter and receive bad check assistance here. 

Victim Services (928)-771-3485
The Yavapai County Attorney's Office is dedicated to recognizing the needs of crime victims and the preservation of victim rights.  

The Victim Services Division provides comprehensive victim assistance and compensation services for crime victims in Yavapai County. 

This includes: 

• Examination Costs
• Court Proceedings & Services
• Crime Victim Compensation from Losses
• Volunteer Program and Training
• Notifications
• Victim Protection
• Public Relations Materials, Presentations
• Court Statements
• Court Advocacy and Support Services
• Training for Volunteers and Paid Staff

Contact Information

Prescott
255 East Gurley Street
Prescott, AZ 86301
Ph. (928) 771-3344

Camp Verde
2830 North Commonwealth Drive Ste 106
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Fax: (928) 567-7745 

For more detailed information you can ask for a Public Records Request using the contact information above.