District attorney is a public official whose chief duties are bringing charges against and prosecuting persons charged with a crime or offense. This official is also called the county attorney, prosecuting attorney, commonwealth attorney, deputy attorney general, or state's attorney. District attorneys are the attorneys for the state, or "people," in criminal trials. They may act as attorney for the government in civil suits to collect taxes or to take property for public use. They may appear for the defense in suits brought against the government. In most states, district attorneys have jurisdiction only in a given county. They are elected in some states and appointed in others.