Welcome to the District Attorney Office
Welcome to the District Attorney Office
Our office mission statement is promoting safety through innovative and collaborative approaches to crime prevention and prosecution while maintaining our commitment to victims' rights, offender rehabilitation, consumer protection, and public engagement.
Program Information
The ARD program exists to give certain offenders the chance to earn an expungement of their criminal charges.
If accepted into the program, Lebanon County Probation supervises the offender until the complete of the program’s conditions.
DUI Court is an alternative to incarceration as a result of an offender’s second or third DUI offense. This crime typically carries a penalty of months in jail. DUI Court focuses on treating the underlying drug and/or alcohol dependency possessed by the offender. The hope is by treating the addiction, and forcing issues of self-awareness and accountability, the offender moves forward as a healthy and productive member of society.
To enter the program, the offender applies via a written application. The application is then returned to the DA’s Office, care of Jennifer Whitman. All questions regarding DUI Court should be directed to Ms. Whitman.
Veteran’s Court is an alternative to incarceration, available only to military veterans. Potential applicants may have any type of criminal charge to apply; the only per se requirement is prior military service.
Veteran’s Court requires an offender utilize a military mentor and undergo treatment for substance abuse, anger management, mental health, and/or any other underlying concern. The program potentially allows for a dismissal of criminal charges if the offender completes all necessary requirements.
To enter the program, the offender applies via a written application. The application is then returned to the DA’s Office, care of Jennifer Whitman. All questions regarding Veteran’s Court should be directed to Ms. Whitman.
Process Information
Right To Know
District Attorney Message
To our citizens of Lebanon County,
The Office of the District Attorney exists to ensure the safety of our community. We handle over 2400 cases per year. In every prosecution, my Office fights to protect those who cannot otherwise protect themselves. Ensuring violent, heinous criminals receive severe consequences for their criminal actions remains our highest priority.
The County of Lebanon funds our Office. To reduce the financial burden on our County, we applied for and received monetary grants at both the State and Federal level. These grants fund programs, victim services, and employee salaries.
When appropriate, we utilize diversionary programs such as A.R.D., Bad Check Program, Veterans’ Court, and D.U.I. Court. These programs focus on treatment for the offender, and give outcomes other than jail if the individual completes the necessary requirements. In many cases, however, the offender’s conduct and the criminal charges warrant incarceration. Our Office takes the responsibilities inherent to our jobs seriously; we fight for serious punishments when warranted.
Being born and raised in Lebanon County, I feel a deep connection with, and responsibility to, our community. I personally handle cases such as homicides, robberies, and serious child abuse. As a prosecutor, we are trained and taught to do ‘the right thing for the right reasons.’ Every day both myself and my Office fight to do so. It is both an honor and a humbling privilege to serve each of you in this capacity.
Respectfully,
Pier Hess Graf
District Attorney of Lebanon County