A more thorough explanation:

Definition: A district attorney is a public official who is either appointed or elected to represent the state in criminal cases within a specific judicial district. They are also known as a prosecutor, public prosecutor, state's attorney, or prosecuting attorney. The abbreviation for district attorney is D.A. They are different from United States Attorneys who represent the federal government.

1. The district attorney is responsible for prosecuting criminals in their jurisdiction. For example, if someone is accused of committing a crime in Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office would be responsible for prosecuting the case.

2. The district attorney works closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate and build cases against suspects. They may also work with victim advocates to ensure that victims of crimes receive the support they need.

3. The district attorney may also be responsible for handling civil cases on behalf of the state or county. For example, they may represent the state in cases involving child support or environmental violations.

These examples illustrate how a district attorney is responsible for representing the state in criminal cases and working to ensure that justice is served. They play a critical role in the criminal justice system and are responsible for upholding the law and protecting the rights of victims and defendants.