The office is responsible for the prosecution of violations of New York state laws.

(Federal law violations in Queens are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York).

The current Queens County District Attorney is Melinda Katz, who assumed the duties of the office on January 1, 2020.

In a legislative act of February 12, 1796, New York State was divided into seven districts, each with its own Assistant Attorney General.

In case of a vacancy, a DA is appointed by the Governor to fill the office temporarily.