GILMER COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
GERALD B. HOUGH
CONTACT:
Gilmer County Prosecuting Attorney gerryhough@frontier.com
7 North Court Street Phone: (304) 462-7007
Glenville, WV 26351 Fax: (304) 462-7010
Every four years, all fifty-five counties elect a prosecuting attorney. The prosecuting attorney is the chief legal officer of the
county. They have areas of responsibility in both criminal and civil cases. In
criminal cases, the prosecuting attorney assists in the investigation of all
crimes and other law violations in the county. In civil cases, the prosecuting
attorney acts as legal advisor to the County Commission and other county
officials. They may also be called upon to assist the state Attorney General in
state legal actions within the county. The prosecuting attorney’s office must be
kept open during elections and be available to advise election officials or
answer questions from the public. Other duties and responsibilities
include:
The prosecution of all crimes, both misdemeanors and felonies, within the county
Request warrants to be issued for persons charged with felonies
Try cases before magistrate and circuit judges
Present information to the Grand Jury for indictment of persons in connection with criminal activity
Represent the Department of Health & Human Resources in child abuse and neglect cases
Represent the State in juvenile delinquency cases
Appoint and supervise assistant prosecuting attorneys
Represent all elected county officials and county agencies
Prepare contracts and other documents for the county
File civil suits for county agencies and defend county agencies against civil actions
Serve as special prosecutors as appointed by the Prosecuting Attorneys Institute