The District Attorney is a lawyer who manages and represents the government in criminal cases. The DA is elected in the state and, for the federal government, is appointed (See District Attorneys of the US.) The duties of a DA typically include deciding whether to bring criminal charges against people who have been arresting and prosecuting criminal charges in court. The District Attorney will also supervise assistant District Attorneys or Deputy District Attorneys in the prosecution of cases. Some states may call the District Attorney a Prosecuting Attorney, County Attorney or State’s Attorney.