Mist · 32°

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How do I find out what is happening with the case in which I am a victim?

A

The County Attorney's Office encourages participation from victims, but the County Attorney's Office represents the State of Iowa, not the victim. At the beginning of the case, our office will mail you paperwork in which we ask you to register with our office. If you choose not to fill out the registration form and return it, you may not get the notifications.

At any time, whether you choose to register or not, you may contact the County Attorney's Office to speak with the attorney to get information about your case.

Q

I am a victim of a crime, and I want to drop the charges against someone; what do I do?

A

Once a criminal complaint is filed, the State of Iowa is the prosecutor and has sole discretion on how to proceed. Therefore, just because you may want to drop the charges, it does not automatically happen. You will need to contact the County Attorney's Office to schedule an appointment with the attorney that is assigned to the criminal case to discuss potential outcomes of the case.

Q

I am charged with a crime and I don't have a lawyer. I want to discuss my case with someone; what do I do?

A

 

Contact the County Attorney's Office. Please be aware that the County Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case against you. Any admissions you make may be used against you in any hearing or trial.

Q

I have jury duty and can't make it; what do I do?

A

You will need to speak with the Clerk's Office, call (641) 394-5106, about any questions or concerns you have about jury duty.

Q

I have questions or issues with child support; what should I do?

A

You can visit the child support recovery website.

Q

I missed a court appearance; what do I do?

A

You should contact your attorney. If you are not represented by an attorney, you may contact the County Attorney's office at (641) 394-3446 or the Clerk’s Office at (641) 394-5106.

Q

I need a court-appointed attorney; how do I get one?

A

 

If you have a pending criminal case that qualifies for a court-appointed attorney, you will have to fill out a financial affidavit and it will have to be approved by a judge. To do this, please visit the second floor Clerk's Office in the Courthouse.

Q

I received a subpoena; what do I do?

A

Your subpoena should have contact information for the person or law firm that issued the subpoena. For an explanation of subpoenas, please visit our subpoenas page

Q

I want a no contact order; where do I go?

A

f there's a domestic relationship, please visit the second floor Clerk's Office at the Courthouse.

If criminal charges have been filed, please visit the County Attorney's Office. For an explanation of the difference between the two types of no contact orders, please visit our No Contact Orders page

Q

I want to drop a no contact order; what do I do?

A

If it is a domestic protective order, you will need to go to the second floor Clerk's Office at the Courthouse. If it is a no contact order under a criminal case, you will need to fill out an application at the Clerk of Court's office, and your request will be scheduled for a hearing. Only a judge can cancel the order and it will remain in effect until then.

Q

I want to file charges against someone; what do I need to do?

A

Contact the police department or sheriff’s department to file a report.

Q

Where do I pay my fines?

A

Second floor Clerk's Office at the Chickasaw County Courthouse or Iowa Courts Online.