Steve Gunnels was elected in 2022 and sworn in as District Attorney in January 2023. Steve grew up in Deschutes County. He graduated from Redmond High School, Oregon State University and Georgetown University Law School. After graduating from law school, Steve returned to Deschutes County where he has served this community as a prosecutor for the past twenty-nine years, twenty of those as Chief Deputy District Attorney. He has been the prosecutor in our Family Drug Court and Adult Treatment Court Program for over twenty years. He is proud to have prosecuted some of the most serious crimes in Deschutes County over the course of his career. Steve was honored to be a recipient of the Champion of Victims’ Rights Award in 2021.

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As District Attorney, Steve leads a team of approximately 25 lawyers and 50 professional staff including investigators, legal assistants and victim advocates.

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Steve continues to participate in many community outreach activities and serves as a frequent lecturer for law enforcement, County College and high schools. He is committed to enhancing public safety and building trust with the people of Deschutes County.