DEPARTMENTS

Mental Health Unit   Handles legal proceedings to ensure individuals in mental health crisis receive appropriate care. This includes representing the State in civil commitment and Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) hearings, and helping the public obtain emergency detention orders for those needing urgent psychiatric evaluation.

Child Protective Services Unit  Represents the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) in court cases involving child abuse or neglect to help ensure the safety and well-being of children.

Civil Litigation Unit Represents El Paso County, its officials, and employees in lawsuits, legal claims, and administrative actions. The unit also reviews potential claims the County may have against vendors or other entities, and advises County officials on how to proceed with legal matters.

Bond Forfeiture Unit Represents the State of Texas in cases where defendants fail to appear in court, ensuring the forfeiture of surety, personal recognizance, and cash bonds in County and District Courts.

Environmental Crimes Unit  Prosecutes individuals involved in illegal dumping, trash burning, and other environmental crimes. The unit works closely with law enforcement and health inspectors to protect the community and environment, while also providing education to the public about environmental laws and prevention.

Elder Protection Unit  Represents Adult Protective Services in court to protect abused, neglected, or exploited elderly and disabled persons and files for emergency protection or guardianship.

General Counsel Unit  Provides legal advice, representation, and contract review to County departments, elected officials, and boards to ensure County operations comply with local and state laws.

Land Use/Subdivision  Assists the County to regulate land use, subdivision, and Colonia development to protect the community's health and welfare outside of city limits by enforcing state and local codes.

Nuisance Abatement Team  Uses Texas civil laws to take legal action against property owners who allow their property to be linked to ongoing serious criminal activities like drug trafficking or violent crimes.

Wage Theft  Pursues criminal charges against employers or contractors who illegally fail to pay workers for hours or services performed within El Paso County.

Advanced Medical Directives  Offers free copies of Advance Medical Directives (such as Living Wills and Medical Powers of Attorney) for El Paso residents to download and complete, ensuring your medical wishes are honored.

Internships  Offers paid summer and unpaid semester programs for current law school students to assist the Affirmative Litigation Unit with legal research, drafting memoranda, and supporting advocacy work.

Communications Unit (New Page!!!) Manages internal and external communications, including media relations, press releases, public inquiries, and requests for public information to ensure transparency and public access to information.