Attorney's Office

The Carlton County Attorney is an elected official with specific obligations that are set forth in Minnesota Statutes. County Attorney Lauri Ketola leads an office staff consisting of a Chief Deputy County Attorney, five Assistant County Attorneys, Office Administrator, Paralegal/Legal Secretary, two Senior Legal Secretaries, and Victim Services Coordinator. The office is located in the Carlton County Law Enforcement Center, Carlton, MN.

Our mission is to serve our community and further justice with integrity and professionalism by protecting the vulnerable, prosecuting crime, and advising county government.

The Carlton County Attorney's Office serves as the chief prosecutor for all adult felony crimes in the County as well as misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses occurring in unincorporated areas of the County and other areas defined by statute.   The County Attorney is also responsible for the prosecution of all levels of crimes committed by juveniles within the County. 

The Carlton County Attorney’s Office serves as chief legal counsel for the Carlton County Board of Commissioners and the various departments established and maintained by the Carlton County Board of Commissioners, as well as the Soil Water Conservation District.

The Carlton County Attorney's Office does not offer legal opinions to private individuals. The County does not provide opinions to private parties in civil matters. Among the areas that are considered civil are: landlord/tenant, boundary lines, private covenants, collection of judgments, writ of execution, wills, probate, conservatorships, orders for protection, and dissolutions. This office does not conduct investigations. If you have further information on a pending matter, you must contact your local law enforcement agency.

The County Attorney's Office has the following functions:

  • Prosecutes felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor, ordinance violations and juvenile crimes within the County as defined by statute.
  • Provides legal advice to the County Board and other county departments as needed.
  • May defend the County and/or its officers in civil litigation where such a suit is not covered by the County's insurance trust.
  • Reviews legal documents, such as contracts and agreements that are developed between the County and other parties.

The County Attorney's Office is not authorized to provide legal advice to private citizens.  The County Attorney’s Office ethically cannot speak to a party who is represented by an attorney.

Legal Assistance

If you need legal assistance, you may contact one of the following numbers:

  • Minnesota State Bar Association (800) 882-MSBA or (800) 882-6722
  • Attorney Referral Service (800) 292-4152
  • Legal Aid (800) 622-7773
  • Public Defender's Office (218) 733-1027 

To Report a Crime

To report a crime, please contact your local law enforcement.  If it is an emergency, please call 911.