The District Attorney conducts all prosecutions for crimes and offenses occurring in the Courts of the County. This includes the statutory responsibility to present cases to a Grand Jury and where felony indictments are voted to prosecute those cases in County Court. New York State County Law 700 defines the powers, duties and responsiblities of the elected District Attorney of the County of Oswego.

In addition to the statutory mandated duty to prosecute crimes, the District Attorney’s Office provides legal advice and counsel to all police agencies in Oswego County relative to specific criminal investigations, arrests, searches and seizures, all in furtherance of the investigation, arrest and prosecution of crimes occurring in our county.

The District Attorney’s Office prosecutes cases in 27 local and county courts. At least nine police agencies have authority to make arrests in Oswego County. In 2003, the District Attorney’s Office procecuted approximately 6,000 felony and misdemeanor charges. Specific Assistant District Attorneys are assigned to the prosecution of cases in all of the local town, village and city courts.

Every effort is made to seek the view and input of victims of crimes. To offer their view regarding a proposed disposition they may contact the Assistant District Attorney prosecuting the case. Additionally, victim services are provided through Services To Aid Families, which can be contacted at the District Attorney's Office.

District Attorney Dodd also serves and acts as Coroner for Oswego County. This involves the investigation into the cause, manor, and circumstance of unattended pr potentially suspicious deaths occuring in the county.