Experienced prosecutor seeks to bring public service back to the office. FORT COLLINS, Colorado. – August 1, 2023– Dawn Downs, a northern Colorado native and former Chief Deputy District Attorney in the Eighth Judicial District, announced today that she is seeking the office of District Attorney of the Eighth Judicial District in November 2024. Dawn is running as an unaffiliated candidate, and if elected, she will be the first female to hold the office of District Attorney in Larimer and Jackson counties. Dawn served as a prosecutor in the Eighth Judicial District D.A.’s Office for more than 14 years. She wants to strengthen the office to champion the rights of victims, to hold offenders accountable for the harm they have caused, and to offer paths to recovery. “I have spent most of my career as a prosecutor, holding offenders accountable, and bringing a voice back to victims. I am not a politician. I’m pursuing this position because of my passion for the work and my commitment to public safety,” Dawn said. “From the beginning of my legal career, my goal has been to serve my community as a prosecutor. I will work tirelessly to rebuild a solution-oriented culture in the D.A.’s office that upholds laws, prosecutes crimes, and restores hope that justice is possible for everyone in Larimer and Jackson counties.” Dawn spent over 14 years as a prosecutor in the Eighth Judicial District. Her litigation experience ranges from homicides, violent assaults, arson, and drug distribution to misdemeanors and traffic offenses. Additionally, Dawn worked in the Special Victims Unit, where she prosecuted felony sexual assault and crimes against children cases. Ultimately, Dawn was promoted to Chief Deputy District Attorney, where she supervised the District Court Felony Division, including 17 attorneys and several administrative staff. Under Dawn's supervision, the division was responsible for prosecuting all general felony dockets in Larimer County, including homicides, Drug Task Force cases, major crimes, economic crimes and organized crime cases. Following her time at the District Attorney's Office, Dawn chose to broaden her service experience with the Fort Collins City Attorney’s Office, where she continues her commitment to public safety and victim representation. “Our community deserves a District Attorney motivated by public safety, not politics. This is why I am running to lead the office,” Dawn said. “My years of experience, service, and supervision prove my capability to do the job. The elected District Attorney must be held accountable for legal competence and integrity and for bringing offenders to justice. They must also create an office culture that allows attorneys and staff to operate with high expectations, an inclusive and collaborative mindset, and an unwavering focus on keeping the community safe.” Dawn believes safety, justice, and accountability are the cornerstones of the District Attorney’s mission. This means gaining community trust by maintaining a high standard of accountability for all, including law enforcement agencies. It requires collaborating with local agencies and supporting those who put their own safety on the line to protect the community, while holding high expectations of officer conduct and thorough case investigation. Dawn has the experience, relationships, and integrity to take the reins of the Eighth Judicial District on day one, serving the citizens of Larimer and Jackson counties with the transparency and professionalism they deserve. Dawn lives in Larimer County with her 9-year-old son. Born and raised in Greeley, she attended Greeley Central High School, Northern Arizona University, Whittier Law School, and the University of Colorado Law School. She is currently employed as the Public Safety Section Chief Attorney for the City of Fort Collins, advising Fort Collins Police Services, Code Enforcement, Emergency Management, and supervising the Municipal Prosecution team. Learn more about Dawn's experience and ways to support the campaign at www.DawnForDA.com.
Contact: info@dawnforda.com