The Davis County Attorney works in a variety of capacities, including presenting at mental health commitment proceedings and juvenile delinquency proceedings, as well as children in need of assistance cases. Most County Attorneys in Iowa are part-time, and many engage in private legal work in addition to their official duties. The role is demanding, but not uncharted territory. Here are the top three candidates for County Attorney:
Troy Rawlings
During his two decades as Davis County attorney, Troy Rawlings has received several death threats and handled some of the state’s most prominent cases. At last week’s meeting, the Davis County Commission honored Rawlings for his accomplishments. Utah Business magazine recently named Rawlings one of the “2020 Utah Legal Elite.”
Rawlings has also received national recognition for his work. He is a member of the Law Enforcement Leaders Organization, the NYU School of Law Advisory Committee, and the National Brennan Center for Justice. In addition, he is a recipient of numerous state professional awards and has presented at national and local legal seminars. Additionally, he has earned a Ph.D. from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.
In addition to being an attorney, Troy has extensive experience in the fields of criminal law, family law, and immigration law. He was integral in the development and continuation of Davis County’s Mental Health Court. Additionally, he is an instructor at the Davis Regional CIT Academy. A member of the Justice Committee, he is committed to ensuring justice in Davis County. At the same time, he maintains a public profile that includes his work as an attorney and a community volunteer.
Glen Dawson
The late Glenn D. Dawson was elected as the county attorney of Davis County, Utah in 1926. He also practiced law in private practice in Salt Lake City. Dawson and Foote worked together for 21 years, ending their partnership in 1958. Dawson and Foote served as Davis County attorneys for over a decade. Upon retirement from the state legislature, Dawson continued practicing law. His legacy lives on through the work of his law firm.
In his capacity as Davis County Attorney, Dawson represents the people of Davis County in criminal matters. He presents at the child in need of assistance cases, mental health commitment proceedings, and juvenile delinquency trials. The position is part-time, and two-thirds of all County Attorneys in Iowa are part-timers. He practices law privately alongside his official duties. In addition to his public duties, Dawson maintains a successful private practice in the area of family law.
Daryl Acumen
Despite being a member of the Davis County Republican Party, Daryl Acumen’s record isn’t rosy. The attorney has never held an election in the Black Assembly and blames the lack of black membership in Utah County on the LDS Church and Republican opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. That said, he has been active in the party for over two decades and he is a prominent figure in the community.
The plaintiffs’ claim against Acumen was based on a false accusation of criminal conduct by him and the media, which reported the Bylaw as “possibly illegal.” Moreover, the plaintiffs could not demonstrate that the attorney knew or recklessly disregarded the falsehood of the publicized matter. Thus, the district court denied the Plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment. In its judgment, the district court ruled in Acumen’s favor on the electronic communications harassment claim.
Rick L. Lynch
Rick L. Lynch, Davis County Attorney, is a part-time lawyer. While he is an elected official in the county, he practices private law, as two-thirds of County Attorneys in Iowa are. He has worked in the Davis County legal community for over 20 years and has been a fixture in the county’s justice system since 1995. The following are some of his highlights. In his first year, he received the Iowa Bar Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
