Deputy County Attorney

Statewide Award Winner

Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane announced that Deputy County Attorney Dana Owens has received the 2024 Arizona Prosecutor's Advisory Council's (APAAC) Lifetime Achievement Award during a ceremony held on June 20, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona.

“I have worked with Dana since she began here 24 years ago and quickly learned what an incredible and consummate prosecutor she is,” said County Attorney Dennis McGrane. “I believe in being tough on criminals, but also addressing the factors that led them to commit crimes. Dana is the perfect person to accomplish both goals. Several years ago, I asked Dana to lead the Yavapai County Attorney's Office's Diversion Program. This innovative program allows non-violent offenders with minimal criminal histories and who commit crimes related to mental health or substance use to address the underlying issues behind their behavior and become productive members of their communities.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award is intended to recognize an individual who has had a distinguished career as a prosecutor of at least 18 years, who has made significant contributions to the protection of public safety and the administration of justice, and whose career embodies the highest standards of dedication and commitment to the profession. Due to the nature of this award, it may not be awarded every year.

Mr. Owens has served the Yavapai County Attorney's Office for over 20 years, handling numerous felony cases and overseeing numerous divisions within the office. In addition to prosecuting serious cases, Mr. Owens currently leads the diversion program mentioned above. He also volunteers and teaches on numerous criminal law issues throughout the state and volunteers as an emergency medical technician (EMT). Due to Mr. Owens' success with the Yavapai County Attorney's Diversion Program, he was asked to serve as co-chair of the Statewide Diversion Working Group that Arizona formed with the goal of promoting and improving the success of diversion programs throughout the state.

Attached photo courtesy of APAAC: (left to right) APAAC Executive Director Elizabeth Barton Ortiz, Yavapai County Deputy Attorney Dana Owens, Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane, and Coconino County Attorney and APAAC Chair Bill Ring.