Office of the State’s Attorney

WHAT DOES THE HANCOCK COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE DO?

The Hancock County State’s Attorney’s Office serves the citizens of Hancock County, Illinois, which number approximately 19,000. The City of Carthage, with its beautiful courthouse in the middle of the square, is the county seat. The state’s attorney’s office is comprised of the state’s attorney, an assistant state’s attorney, a victim-witness coordinator, an administrative assistant, and an office manager. The office prosecutes approximately 200 felony, 150 misdemeanor, and 2,000 traffic cases each year. The office has a wide range of duties and responsibilities which include: prosecuting felony, misdemeanor, and traffic cases; prosecuting juvenile cases; providing victim-witness services; providing legal guidance to the county board, and elected and appointed county officials.

WHAT DOES THE HANCOCK COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE NOT DO?

Oftentimes, citizens contact the Hancock County State’s Attorney’s Office seeking assistance on matters beyond the office’s scope. In those cases, we try to refer the citizen to the appropriate person or agency. However, it is important for citizens to understand the limitations imposed on the office by law. For example, the office cannot: provide legal representation to persons seeking a divorce or dissolution of marriage; provide legal representation to persons seeking child custody or enforcement of a custody order; offer legal advice to persons involved in civil disputes such as landlord-tenant, bankruptcy, debt collection, adoption, vehicle crashes, and breach of contract. If you are involved in a potential civil dispute, you may wish to consult your personal attorney, the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation (618) 394-7300 or (618) 462-0029, or the Illinois Lawyer Finder Phone Service at (217) 525-5297 or toll free (800) 922-8757.