Jan M. Bennetts
From the moment I began my career as a deputy prosecutor in October 1994, it has been a privilege to serve my community in a way that has a positive impact not only in teaming with law enforcement to keep our community safe, but also in giving a voice to crime victims. As the elected Ada County Prosecuting Attorney, I am equally honored to continue my service and to lead the dedicated women and men in my office who are tireless advocates for the citizens of Ada County in both the Criminal and Civil Divisions. It is my passion to be a positive leader for my staff, our partner agencies, our civil clients and for the community as a whole.
It has been my honor to assist in the creation of the Ada County Victim Services Center, which serves vulnerable crime victims by making a variety of services, such as counseling, safety planning, medical care and forensic exams, available in one location. The center provides services and an environment that treats victims with dignity and respect. My office plays a vital role in the operations of the center.
The mission of the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office is to ensure public safety, in partnership with law enforcement, by seeking justice in the prosecution of criminal cases and advocating on behalf of Ada County by engaging in a wide spectrum of government and civil practice.
- Idaho POST Council (February 2015 – present)
- Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association Board (February 2015 – present)
- Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Justice & Professionalism Committee (August 2014 – present), Elected Vice-Chair (Feb. 2015-present)
- Women’s & Children’s Alliance Board Member (October 2014 – present)
- Inn of Court (Bencher, 2012 – 2015)
- Idaho Supreme Court Advancing Justice Committee (2012 – 2018)
- Criminal Justice System Panelist, Historic Joint Session of House and
- Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee (January 2013)
- Instrumental in creation of Ada County Victim Services Center with many collaborative partners
- Instrumental in creation and development of Ada County Domestic Violence Court (Magistrate Court) with many collaborative partners
- Joyce Stein Memorial Award, 2020
- Mills-Adler Award, Outstanding Elected Official, Idaho Association of Counties, 2018
- Willamette University (College of Law), Distinguished Alumni Citation, 2017
- Idaho State Bar Professionalism Award, 2017
- Idaho Business Review, Leaders in Law, 2017
- Idaho Business Review, Idaho Women of the Year, 2017 & 2009
- University of Idaho College of Law Five-Year Service Award, Trial Advocacy Trainer, 2015
- Idaho Women Lawyers, Notable Achievement of the Year Award, 2015
- National District Attorneys Association Award, for: “…exemplifying the best attributes of a prosecutor: exhibiting tenacity, diligence and fairness in the search for truth and justice in the most difficult cases….”, July 2008
- Soroptimist International of Garden City, Outstanding Work to Improve Lives of Other Women, March 2007
- Idaho Victim Witness Association, Victim Services Award, 2006
- Boise State University, Women Making History Award, 2006
- National Association of Women Lawyers, Outstanding Woman Law Graduate (1992-1993)
- Law Review, Form Editor, Willamette University, College of Law (1991-1992)
- University of Idaho Alumni Award for Excellence, Outstanding Academic Achievement (undergrad)