Karen A. Heggen said she’s excited to embark on the next chapter of her life, one which features her as First Assistant District Attorney of Saratoga County, announced by District Attorney Jim Murphy on Monday, March 22, and is effective immediately. Heggen takes the role most recently held by David Harper who stepped down to pursue the 20th Congressional District seat.
Heggen, a graduate of Ballston Spa High School and current resident of Malta, first became a part of the county’s district attorney office in 1993. When appointed by Murphy to Chief Trial Assistant District Attorney in 1998, Heggen assumed the duties of prosecuting violent felonies, grand jury presentations and general office oversight in the absence of the district attorney. She will continue those duties, plus take on statutory duties which include acting as the district attorney should Murphy be absent or unavailable. She can also sign indictments, wiretap applications and grand jury subpoenas for confidential investigations.
Even with all her new duties, Heggen said she’s just looking forward to continue building upon what Murphy put in place 13 years ago.
I’m most excited about getting a chance to continue to work with Jim Murphy on initiatives and programs he’s put together. I hope that I bring a level of dedication and desire to continue the pursuit of justice that has been a hallmark of this office for the time period since I’ve been affiliated, said Heggen. `I do appreciate this opportunity and look to continue the good works Mr. Murphy has laid the path for.`
Heggen has tried numerous felony cases in county court, including an armed robbery committed by three defendants which resulted in a cumulative sentence of more than 30 years in state prison after a lengthy jury trial, according to information from Murphy’s office. She was also assigned to handle local justice courts including Clifton Park Town Court, where she prosecuted cases for nearly 12 years. She said her relationship with the police departments has enabled her to do her job well.
`The police around here do an amazing job and our office works closely in concert with them. I think because of that good relationship our office as continued to bring about justice in so many cases, both for victims and members of our community,` said Heggen.
The district attorney office’s mission is to seek justice, said Heggen, and being able to uphold and fulfill that is what makes her enjoy what she does for so long.
`To be able to speak on behalf of a victim or individual who has been thrust into often very difficult situations, often not of their own choosing, and to be able to advocate and make sure their voice is heard, that is important to me,` said Heggen. `I want to make sure our community continues to be a place people want to live and spend time in.`
Besides holding the role of prosecutor, Heggen is involved in community organizations like Saratoga Bridges, the Charlton School for Girls, and has volunteered her time at places like the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County, The Ballston Spa Educational Foundation and Saratoga County Youth Court.
`I have had the pleasure of working with Karen for 17 years. She has demonstrated time and time again the highest ethical standards and commitment to justice that I expect in a prosecutor and as a member of this office. I rely on her good judgment, guidance and counsel and look forward to working with her as a policy maker and advisor. She is not only a role model for women, but for all attorneys,` said Murphy in a statement.
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