Shortage of prosecutors having impacts across North Dakota

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – State’s Attorney Offices across North Dakota are reporting that they’re having shortages when it comes to prosecutors. That’s according to Ashley Lies the executive director of the state’s attorney association.

“It’s something that we’ve struggled with and that we’re actively working on with the association to find ways to remedy that.” said Lies.

This issue has hit home here in Cass County. Robert Vallie, an assistant state’s attorney, says their office nearly had 10,000 cases last year and being short on personnel puts a strain on everyone. As there has been a lack of viable candidates applying for positions.

“Last couple of years we’ve been seeing a noticeable decline in terms of both the number of candidates that are applying for our office as well as individuals being local.” said Vallie.

For example, Vallie says one prosecutor could have around 100 cases they are working on and could be pushed to someone else if that person leaves. Which is exacerbated by the shortage of prosecutors.

“When you have a full caseload, you can put in long hours trying to figure that out but when you have four or five attorneys gone that doesn’t just turn into an extra hour or two at night. Or maybe a few on the weekend. It turns into 12, 16, 18, 20 hour days.” said Vallie.

According to Ashley Lies, only around 40% of UND school of law graduates are staying and practicing in North Dakota. With some even hitting the private sector. Which means money is a factor.

“Typically our salaries of prosecutors are significantly lower than those attorneys going into private practice.” said Lies.

The Cass County Attorney’s Office says they do have some relief coming in with a prosecutor coming in March. They still have one position still open.