Office of the State's Attorney
Jim Drozdz

ABOUT THE STATE'S ATTORNEY

Jim Drozdz, born Chicago, Illinois, 1960; admitted to practice Illinois, 1992; U.S. Supreme Court, 1999. Education: Western Illinois University (B.S. 1981, M.A. 1990); Southern Illinois University School of Law (J.D. 1992); The University of Iowa (Ph.D. 2004). Attended the Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and the National Advocacy Center. Past Fellow of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (1997-1998). Adjunct Instructor in the School of Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice at Western Illinois University (1995-1997; 2005-present). Previously employed by the Illinois State Police (1983-2004) and attained rank of master sergeant. Professional Organizations: Hancock County Bar Association, National District Attorneys Association. Community Organizations: Kiwanis Club (President 2009-2010), Lions Club, Ducks Unlimited (Dallas City Chapter) and Hamilton Fire Department. Parishioner: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (Vice-President Parish Council 2010). Religious Organization: Knights of Columbus (1st Degree). Other Licenses/Certifications: Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic, Certified Firefighter II.

OVERVIEW
Unfortunately, many citizens do not understand the role a state's attorney's office plays in the criminal justice system. The idea behind this site is to familiarize you with the functions and services offered by the Hancock County State's Attorney's Office.

You can help keep our communities safe by becoming involved in crime prevention programs and by being a responsible parent, neighbor, and citizen. The Hancock County State's Attorney's Office is committed to supporting and participating in community-based programs which assist in reducing the opportunity for crime and hastening the arrest of offenders. Working together, we can and will make a difference.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Hancock County State's Attorney's Office is to be a servant of the law and a representative of the majesty of the people.

The Hancock County State's Attorney is entrusted with vast discretion in deciding which cases to pursue, what crimes to charge, and how to allocate finite resources. Because the state's attorney has been given such great power and discretion, he must be charged with a high ethical standard. The state's attorney understands the remarkable responsibility he undertakes when rising in the courtroom to announce an appearance on behalf of the People of the State of Illinois.

Services Provided

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 20,000. 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, and an office manager. The office prosecutes approximately 150 felony, 250 misdemeanor, and 2,500 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; overseeing the bad check restitution program; providing victim-witness services; providing legal guidance to the county board, and elected and appointed county officials.

The elected and appointed officials include the sheriff, circuit clerk, treasurer, coroner, county clerk, superintendent of the regional office of education, director of the shelter care home, county highway engineer, supervisor of assessments, ambulance service coordinator, and public health department director.

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 imitations 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.