## Overview The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, officially the Office of the District Attorney of New York County, is the principal prosecutorial authority for Manhattan, responsible for upholding New York state law within the borough[1][3]. Federal crimes in Manhattan, however, are handled by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York[1]. The office is led by Alvin Bragg, who took office in January 2022 after being elected in 2021[1][10]. The organization operates from the New York County Criminal Courthouse at 1 Hogan Place (100 Centre Street) and the Louis J. Lefkowitz State Office Building at 80 Centre Street (141 Worth Street)[1]. ## Functions and Structure The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office prosecutes a wide range of criminal offenses, from misdemeanors to complex white-collar and organized crime cases[2][3]. Its legal work is divided into three main divisions: Trial, Investigation, and Appeals[2][3]. The Trial Division handles the bulk of criminal prosecutions, while the Investigation Division focuses on proactive investigations into economic crimes, corruption, and organized crime. The Appeals Division ensures convictions are upheld through rigorous legal analysis and advocacy[2]. Specialized units include the Hate Crimes Unit, which aggressively prosecutes bias-motivated offenses and engages with community groups, and the Cybercrime and Identity Theft Bureau, which tackles high-tech crimes using digital forensics and cyber analysts[4]. The office is also known for innovative public safety initiatives, such as community engagement programs and partnerships with law enforcement[3][4]. ## Historical Highlights The office has a storied history dating to the early 19th century, with the first elected District Attorney, John McKeon, taking office in 1847[6]. Since the 1930s, only five individuals have held the office, each leaving a significant mark: Thomas E. Dewey (1938–1941), famed fo