The District Attorney is an attorney who is elected for a four-year term by the voters within the district he or she serves. District Attorneys are not allowed to engage in the private practice of law.

The primary duty of the District Attorney is to prosecute all criminal cases filed in the district. The District Attorney represents the state in all criminal and some juvenile matters. In addition, the District Attorney is responsible for preparing the criminal trial docket and advising law enforcement officers in the district.

The District Attorney for Durham County is Satana Deberry.