Erie County District Attorney

FRANK J. CLARK
Erie County District Attorney
PHONE: 716-858-2424
FAX: 716-858-7425

The District Attorney is Erie County's chief prosecutor, responsible for investigating crime, presenting evidence to the Grand Jury, and implementing the just prosecution of persons indicted for criminal offenses. The District Attorney tries felonies in Erie County and New York Sate Supreme Courts, as well as misdemeanors and non-criminal offenses in the city, town and village courts of Erie County. In related duties, the District Attorney also argues appeals and handles other post-conviction matters, institutes forfeiture proceedings, oversees extradition of wanted persons and litigates habeas corpus petitions brought in both state and federal court. To assist the prosecution of certain investigations, the District Attorney's Office receives state and federal funds supporting special programs.

SERVICE OBJECTIVES

• To prosecute cases in the 12 City Court criminal courts for misdemeanors and other offenses originating in the City of Buffalo.
• To prosecute cases in the 38 Justice criminal courts for misdemeanors and other offenses originating in cities, towns and villages outside the City of Buffalo.
• To present evidence to the Grand Jury in felony cases.
• To prosecute offenses in Superior Court that includes career criminal cases and major violent offenses.
• To investigate and prosecute assault, rape and sexual abuse cases.
• To manage, investigate and prosecute felony and misdemeanor level cases of domestic violence.
• To initiate, investigate and prosecute narcotic cases.
• To conduct special investigations and prosecute cases of public corruption, white collar crime and arsons.
• To investigate and prosecute cases of welfare and food stamp fraud.
• To initiate, investigate and process asset forfeiture actions.
• To conduct post-trial proceedings and file appeals cases to county, state and federal appeals courts.
• To process federal Habeas Corpus proceedings.
• To provide supportive services to victims and witnesses of crime through counseling, referral service and community education.

The Erie County District Attorney's Office handles approximately 45,000 misdemeanor and 2,500 felony matters a year. This office is presently comprised of approximately 95 lawyers and 85 support staff. The Erie County District Attorney's Office is broken up into 11 bureaus to prosecute all different types of crimes:

Click on a bureau for more information: