District Attorney's Office

This in-depth guide explains how the Harris County TX District Attorney’s Office serves victims, holds offenders accountable, and protects public safety. You’ll learn what the office does day-to-day, how cases move through the local courts, which specialized divisions handle sensitive crimes, where survivors can find support, how to seek a protective order, and the most direct ways to look up a case or contact the correct bureau. Every section below focuses on practical steps, plain-language definitions, and clear next actions for residents of Harris County.

Understand the Mission and Why It Matters to Harris County Families

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office is the chief prosecuting agency for the county’s criminal cases. Prosecutors are sworn to seek justice—not just convictions—balancing public safety with fairness, due process, and transparency. That mandate shows up in charging decisions, discovery and disclosure obligations, plea negotiations, trial strategy, sentencing recommendations, diversion opportunities for appropriate cases, and post-conviction review. The office’s mission centers on truth, survivor support, and equal treatment under the law, and those values drive decisions from intake to appeal.

To learn how the office describes its guiding principles—justice above all, empathy, efficiency, and accountability—start with the plain-language overview on the About Us page at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office website. You can find that overview on the About Us section, which outlines high-level commitments and priorities for the county’s prosecutors and professional staff. See About Us for the office’s foundational approach and commitments.

Visit the About Us page for an overview of the office’s mission and core principles.
Link: About Us

See the Structure Behind the Work: Bureaus, Leadership, and Specialized Teams

Modern prosecution takes a multidisciplinary team: prosecutors, investigators, victim assistance professionals, social workers, policy staff, and administrative specialists. Harris County organizes that team into bureaus and sections that align with the most common—and most serious—public safety needs. Understanding the structure helps residents route questions correctly and reach the right experts faster.

The Bureaus & Leadership section on the official site outlines senior leaders and the specialized units they oversee, including teams focused on intimate partner violence, crimes against children, elder abuse, human trafficking and related exploitation, public corruption, wrongful convictions, and more. Those units coordinate with law enforcement partners and the courts, and they use victim-centered practices while pursuing lawful, evidence-based outcomes.

Learn how the organization is set up and who leads each bureau at Bureaus & Leadership.
Link: Bureaus & Leadership

Map the Criminal Case Journey in Harris County

When a crime occurs, the first step is to report it to law enforcement. Police agencies conduct investigations, gather evidence, and submit cases to the District Attorney’s Office for review. Prosecutors then make charging decisions based on the facts, applicable law, and the interests of justice. Not every incident results in criminal charges; the legal standard, evidence quality, feasibility of proof at trial, and public safety considerations all matter.

If charges are filed, the case is assigned to a court. Prosecutors continue to evaluate admissible evidence, consult with survivors, comply with discovery rules, and prepare the case for resolution—whether that’s a negotiated plea, a diversion agreement where appropriate, or a jury trial. Sentencing recommendations weigh statutory ranges, aggravating and mitigating factors, restitution, community safety, and victim input.

If you need to check the status of a court case or locate docket settings, the Harris County District Clerk provides online access. Use Find your case to search by name or case number as you follow your matter through the courts.

Search current case records at Find your case.
Link: Find your Case

Zero In on Safety Priorities: Explore the Justice & Safety Hub

For quick orientation to the District Attorney’s Office public safety work—what each section prosecutes, how they coordinate with investigators, and what survivors can expect—visit the office’s Justice & Safety hub. You’ll find plain-English descriptions of priorities and how prosecutors distinguish between evidence-supported cases and those that shouldn’t proceed, ensuring resources focus on the matters that truly protect the community.

Browse the office’s safety priorities at Justice & Safety.
Link: Justice & Safety

Strengthen Accountability: How the Public Corruption Team Operates

Public trust rises and falls with the integrity of government. The Harris County Public Integrity Division investigates and prosecutes criminal misconduct by public officials and public servants across all levels of government when wrongdoing is connected to official duties. Typical offenses include theft by a public servant, fraud, bribery, tampering with government records, official oppression, and misuse of official information. The division also prosecutes Election Code violations.

If you have a verifiable account of misconduct by a public servant, you can contact the division. The phone number for the Public Integrity Division is listed at the end of this article in the department directory. For more detail on scope and how complaints are evaluated, review Public Corruption.

Learn how to report official misconduct at Public Corruption.
Link: Public Corruption

Protect Children: What the Crimes Against Children Division Handles

Crimes against children require specialized training, trauma-informed processes, and careful coordination with investigators and child-serving professionals. The Crimes Against Children Division focuses on child sexual abuse by family or household members, abuse by trusted adults (such as educators, coaches, ministers, or childcare workers), long-term abuse patterns, and cases involving multiple victims. Prosecutors in this section work closely with forensic interviewers, medical professionals, and digital evidence specialists to build solid cases while minimizing re-traumatization.

If you’re unsure whether a specific case is assigned to this section, you can call the division directly (see the phone list at the end of this guide). Prompt reporting to law enforcement and early communication with prosecutors help preserve evidence and support services for the child and family. Throughout the case, the office’s social workers and victim assistance staff can help with safety planning, court preparation, and referrals for counseling.

Confront Domestic Violence: How Prosecutors and Caseworkers Support Survivors

Intimate partner violence cuts across neighborhoods, age groups, and income levels. The District Attorney’s Office handles felony and misdemeanor offenses connected to intimate partner abuse and animal cruelty in that context, and it represents eligible individuals seeking protective orders at no cost. Prosecutors, social workers, and caseworkers pursue a survivor-centered approach that keeps safety and accountability front and center while complying with legal standards.

You can learn more about the office’s domestic violence work through the Justice & Safety hub and, when you’re ready to take action, navigate to the protective order information described below. For ongoing support—including safety planning, courtroom accompaniment, and updates on your case—contact the victim assistance team using the number in the directory at the end of this article.

Act Fast When Elder Abuse Is Suspected

“Elderly individual” under Texas law means a person 65 or older. The Elder Abuse Section prosecutes physical, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect-related homicides and illegal boarding homes. These cases often require forensic accounting, medical expertise, and coordinated efforts with protective agencies and police investigators. If you suspect elder abuse, report it to law enforcement so evidence can be preserved and the victim can be safeguarded. Then contact the District Attorney’s Office section for next steps and to understand how the case will be evaluated by prosecutors.

Stop Human Trafficking and Exploitation: A Dual-Track Approach

The Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Section handles trafficking of adults and children for forced labor or sex acts, plus online solicitation of minors and cases involving illegal imagery. The Adult Sex Crimes Section prosecutes sexual assault offenses involving victims aged 17 and older. These teams coordinate closely because many investigations reveal overlapping conduct—trafficking, coercion, assault, digital exploitation, and organized networks. When you contact the office, staff can help determine which section will take the lead and connect you to a social worker who can assist with safety planning and court support.

For a quick overview of how these units function and what conduct is prioritized, refer to the office’s Justice & Safety categories listed above; they outline jurisdictional boundaries, typical charges, and how victims are supported while cases move through court.

Prioritize Survivors: Support, Advocacy, and Clear Next Steps

A criminal case is more than legal filings and hearings; it is a human story that can involve trauma, fear, and uncertainty. The District Attorney’s Office offers practical support to victims and survivors through dedicated professionals who:

Explain court procedures in everyday language

Help complete victim impact statements and restitution information

Coordinate with prosecutors to relay survivor input on plea offers and sentencing recommendations

Connect survivors with trauma-informed services and make sure language access is available

Prepare survivors for testimony when necessary and accompany them to court

Start with the office’s Support for Survivors page to understand available services and how to contact the right team.

Explore services at Support for Survivors.
Link: Support for Survivors

File for Safety: How Protective Orders Work in Harris County

Protective orders are a powerful civil tool to increase safety in domestic violence situations. In Harris County, you’ll meet with a specially trained domestic violence caseworker or social worker who documents your statement and prepares a file for a prosecutor’s review. If approved, the application is filed in family court and you’ll receive a notice with your hearing date. Attendance at the hearing is essential—missing it can result in dismissal. The protective order office is located at 1200 Congress, second floor.

When you’re ready to learn the step-by-step process and what to expect at each stage, visit Obtaining a Protective Order on the official site.

Get the step-by-step process at Obtaining a Protective Order.
Link: Obtaining a Protective Order

Guard Against Wrongful Convictions: Inside the Conviction Integrity Division

Justice requires a second look when new evidence arises. The Conviction Integrity Division (CID) investigates claims of actual innocence for convictions secured by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office where there is no pending post-conviction writ. The CID’s role is to evaluate whether newly discovered or newly available evidence meets the demanding “clear and convincing” standard to show actual innocence. Evidence already presented at trial or in post-conviction proceedings doesn’t qualify as “new.”

If CID’s review indicates the person is likely innocent, prosecutors work to obtain appropriate relief through the courts. Individuals still must file a writ of habeas corpus to secure a court’s formal finding. To understand eligibility and download the case review form, read Wrongful Convictions.

Review criteria and forms at Wrongful Convictions.
Link: Wrongful Convictions

Use Smart Alternatives When They Improve Safety and Outcomes

Not every case calls for the same response. Diversion and specialty courts—when backed by evidence and careful screening—can reduce reoffending, address the root causes of certain criminal behaviors, conserve resources for violent crime, and keep communities safer. Harris County supports multiple options, such as problem-solving courts for mental health or substance use disorders, and structured programs that hold participants accountable while connecting them to services.

For an overview of the county’s philosophy and a concise explanation of why alternatives can be both “tough and smart on crime,” read Alternatives to Prosecution from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

Learn about diversion options at Alternatives to Prosecution.
Link: Alternatives to Prosecution

Stay Informed: Track Policies and Public Updates

The office regularly shares policy updates, major case announcements, and community safety news. When you want official statements, charging announcements, or countywide initiatives, check the newsroom for verified information straight from the District Attorney’s Office. This is the best way to understand local priorities, enforcement trends, and measurable progress.

Find official updates on the Newsroom page of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office site when you need recent press releases and statements.

For general navigation across all services, the office’s Home page is a reliable starting point. It aggregates the most-visited resources and makes it easy to pivot from survivor services to prosecution priorities to career opportunities and research materials.

Navigate from the DA’s Home page.
Link: District Attorney’s Office Home

Contact the Right Team: When to Call, Email, or Visit

Before you call, keep three practical tips in mind:

Emergencies and in-progress crimes should always be reported by calling 911 or your local police department’s non-emergency number for non-urgent incidents. Police reports and evidence collection begin with law enforcement, which then routes cases to prosecutors.

Case-specific questions go faster when you have your cause number, the defendant’s name, or your case contact handy.

Survivor support lines are designed to connect you with caseworkers who can answer questions, coordinate services, and help you prepare for court.

If you aren’t sure where to start or you want to submit a public information request, use the office’s Contact Us page for a simple, guided way to route your inquiry to the right unit.

Route your inquiry through Contact Us.
Link: Contact Us

Harris County District Attorney’s Office — Main Office — 1201 Franklin, Suite 600, Houston, Texas — 713-274-5800

Victim Assistance (Support for Survivors) — 1201 Franklin, Suite 600, Houston, Texas — 713-274-0250

Domestic Violence / Protective Orders — 1200 Congress, Second Floor, Houston, Texas — 713-274-0212

Animal Cruelty Section — 1201 Franklin, Suite 600, Houston, Texas — 713-274-5703

Crimes Against Children Division — 1201 Franklin, Suite 600, Houston, Texas — 713-274-0150

Human Trafficking & Child Exploitation / Adult Sex Crimes — 1201 Franklin, Suite 600, Houston, Texas — 713-274-0150

Elder Abuse Section — 1201 Franklin, Suite 600, Houston, Texas — 713-274-1508

Public Integrity Division (Public Corruption) — 1201 Franklin, Suite 600, Houston, Texas — 713-274-5911

Financial Crimes (Consumer Fraud / Money Laundering / Cybercrimes) — 1201 Franklin, Suite 600, Houston, Texas — 713-274-5600

Bar & Nightclub Safety Concerns — 1201 Franklin, Suite 600, Houston, Texas — 713-274-1500

Harris County District Attorney's Office FAQs

How do I check the status of a criminal case filed in Harris County?

You can look up court settings, filings, and case numbers through the District Clerk’s online portal. Search by defendant name or cause number using Find your Case. For active matters, this is the authoritative source for docket updates, settings changes, and publicly available records tied to cases prosecuted in Harris County courts.

What support does the office provide to victims and survivors?

The office offers trauma-informed services that include crisis support, help with court navigation, and assistance with victim impact statements. Social workers and caseworkers coordinate closely with prosecutors to keep survivors informed and heard throughout the process. Explore available services, eligibility, and how to get connected on Support for Survivors.

How can someone pursue a protective order related to domestic violence?

Protective orders are handled through a step-by-step process that starts with meeting a trained domestic-violence caseworker who documents your statement and prepares the file for a prosecutor’s review. If approved, an application is filed in family court and a hearing date is set; appearing in person is essential to avoid dismissal. Review the process and next steps on Obtaining A Protective Order.

Where should I report concerns about misconduct by public officials?

Allegations involving criminal misconduct by public servants—including tampering with records, bribery, or misuse of official information—are reviewed by the Public Integrity Division. Learn what types of complaints are evaluated and how submissions are handled on Public Corruption.

What if there is new evidence suggesting a wrongful conviction?

Claims of actual innocence for convictions obtained in Harris County are reviewed by the Conviction Integrity Division, which evaluates whether newly discovered or newly available evidence meets the clear-and-convincing standard. Eligibility details and the case review form are available on Wrongful Convictions.