What is the chief prosecutor for serious court cases in a county typically called?

The chief prosecutor for serious court cases in a county is typically referred to as the district attorney. This individual is responsible for overseeing the prosecution of criminal cases, representing the state in legal proceedings, and making decisions regarding the filing of charges against suspects. The district attorney plays a critical role in the judicial system, focusing on enforcing the law and seeking justice for the victims of crime.

In contrast, a county attorney may handle various legal matters for the county, not just criminal cases, while an assistant district attorney works under the direction of the district attorney, assisting in the prosecution efforts. A public defender, on the other hand, represents defendants who cannot afford legal representation, and is not involved in prosecuting cases at all. Thus, the term district attorney specifically denotes the role of the chief prosecutor responsible for serious court cases within a county.