A district attorney (DA) is a public official responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the government in a specific geographic area, known as a district. They represent the state or the people in court, making decisions about whether to file charges, negotiate plea deals, and present cases during trials. District attorneys work closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes and gather evidence. They also play a role in ensuring justice is served, which includes considering the rights of victims and defendants. DAs are elected or appointed officials, depending on the laws of their jurisdiction.