The Matagorda County DAO represents the State of Texas in all criminal cases that arise anywhere in Matagorda County. The only exceptions are low-grade misdemeanors filed in the Municipal Courts of Bay City and Palacios. Local Police Departments and the Sheriff's Department are the agencies that routinely investigate reports of criminal conduct. Criminal cases are then filed in Justice of the Peace Courts, County Courts, and District Courts in Matagorda County. Once a case has been filed, prosecutors from the DAO appear in these courts to represent the State of Texas and the interests of crime victims.
The duty of the prosecutor is to see that justice is achieved in the case. Prosecutors also assist police agencies on the legal aspects of criminal investigations and present evidence to county grand juries in felony cases. A prosecutor is assigned to the case from the time it is filed in court until it is disposed of by plea of guilty, trial, or dismissal. The DAO continues to oversee handling of a case if it is appealed to a higher court.
The chief prosecutor in Matagorda County is the elected District Attorney, Steven E. Reis. Three Assistant District Attorneys help the District Attorney handle these cases. District Attorney Investigators assist the prosecutors with their cases. These prosecutors and investigators are backed up by support staff members. The DAO is informally divided into various sections. Each section has distinct responsibilities.
FELONY SECTION
Prosecutes felony cases (e.g. murder, robbery, sexual and aggravated offenses) where a defendant could be sent to prison or State Jail. The two District Courts (23rd and 130th) have jurisdiction over felony cases.
Phone: (979) 244-7657
Fax: (979) 245-9409
MISDEMEANOR SECTION
Prosecutes misdemeanor cases (e.g. driving while intoxicated, assaults, thefts) where a defendant could be sentenced to time in the county jail. The County Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor cases.
Phone: (979) 244-7657
Fax: (979) 245-9409
JUVENILE LAW SECTION
Prosecutes all juvenile cases.
Phone: (979) 244-7657
Fax: (979) 245-9409
WORTHLESS CHECK SECTION
Prosecutes insufficient fund or account closed check cases.
Phone: (979) 244-7657
Fax: (979) 245-9409
VICTIM ASSISTANCE SECTION
Assists crime victims with questions regarding case settings, victim's rights issues, and victim compensation claims.
Phone: (979) 244-7657
Fax: (979) 245-9409
GRAND JURY SECTION
Presents all felony cases to Matagorda County grand juries.
Phone: (979) 244-7657
Fax: (979) 245-9409
INVESTIGATOR SECTION
Investigators assist prosecutors in the preparation of cases for trial. Also assists law enforcement agencies with case investigations as requested.
Phone: (979) 244-7652
Fax: (979) 245-9409
The members of the DAO are public servants. Their job is to effectively and responsibly prosecute criminal offenses committed in Matagorda County. If you have any questions about a case or the criminal justice system, please feel free to call on us.
Thank you,
STEVEN E. REIS
District Attorney