Attorney's Office

About the Attorney

Lauri Ketola is the Carlton County Attorney. The County Attorney is an elected official with specific obligations set forth by statute that include prosecuting all adult felony crimes in the County as well as misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses occurring the unincorporated areas of the County and other areas defined by statute. The County Attorney is also responsible for the prosecution of all levels of crimes committed by juveniles within the County.

Attorney Responsibilities

The County Attorney provides assistance and support to the victims of crime and their families, including seeking restitution for losses they have incurred. This support is provided through a victim/witness services division.

The County Attorney also serves as chief legal advisor to the County Board of Commissioners and all other County Officials and Department Heads. The County Attorney represents the County in all civil litigation in which the County is involved either personally or through the Minnesota Counties Insurance Trust.

In addition, the County Attorney initiates legal action to protect abused or neglected children and vulnerable adults, including involuntary commitment actions to provide necessary treatment for individuals who are mentally ill, chemically dependent, or mentally handicapped. Likewise, the County Attorney brings actions to obtain or enforce child support obligations, to establish paternity of children, and to obtain reimbursement of these public funds.