Saratoga County District Attorney
Office of District Attorney Brett R. Eby
Key Points
- Retaining highly experienced SVU prosecutors
- Promoting Rachael Phelan to Chief of the SVU
- Recruiting additional experienced SVU prosecutors
- Pursuing accountability in cases involving vulnerable victims
OVERVIEW
What this initiative does
Strengthening the Special Victims Unit helps ensure that Saratoga County’s most sensitive cases are handled by experienced prosecutors who understand the legal, emotional, and practical challenges these cases can involve. The initiative focuses on leadership, staffing, victim-centered communication, and strong case preparation.
Experienced prosecutors
SVU cases benefit from prosecutors who are familiar with complex evidence, sensitive victim needs, and serious felony litigation.
Specialized leadership
The initiative elevates leadership within the unit to guide case strategy and support consistent prosecution practices.
Victim-centered work
The Unit works with victims and support staff to help keep victims informed, supported, and treated with dignity.
Accountability
The Office emphasizes strong accountability for offenders while recognizing the sensitivity of cases involving children, families, and vulnerable victims.
WHY IT MATTERS
Specialized cases require specialized care
Cases involving sexual offenses, crimes against children, domestic violence, and related vulnerable-victim matters often require patience, careful communication, and strong collaboration across agencies. A strengthened SVU helps the Office build serious cases while respecting victims’ safety and dignity.
Protection for vulnerable victims
The SVU focuses on cases where victims may face trauma, fear, family pressure, or safety concerns that require careful support.
Stronger case preparation
Specialized prosecutors can help manage evidence, witness concerns, legal issues, and trial preparation in sensitive cases.
Coordination with support services
The initiative connects prosecution work with victim specialists, advocacy organizations, and other agencies when appropriate.
Public trust
A visible commitment to the SVU helps show residents that vulnerable victims will be taken seriously and treated with respect.
HOW IT WORKS
From report to resolution
When a sensitive case comes into the criminal justice system, the SVU helps guide the prosecution from early review through resolution. Prosecutors evaluate the evidence, work with law enforcement, communicate with victims and support staff, prepare witnesses, and pursue outcomes that protect public safety while treating victims with dignity.
Review sensitive cases
SVU prosecutors evaluate cases involving vulnerable victims and complex personal offenses with attention to legal strength and victim safety.
Coordinate support
Prosecutors and victim specialists can connect victims with information, referrals, and support resources throughout the case.
Prepare carefully
The Unit works with law enforcement and partners to prepare evidence, witnesses, motions, and trial strategy.
Pursue accountability
The Office seeks outcomes that protect victims, hold offenders accountable, and strengthen community safety.
Unit approach
Victim-centered prosecution and experienced leadership
The Unit’s approach combines experienced prosecution with careful victim-centered communication. That means building strong cases while also recognizing that victims may need information, referrals, safety-conscious communication, and consistent updates as the case moves through court.
Specialized prosecution
The SVU handles some of the Office’s most sensitive and complex cases, requiring prosecutors who can combine strong courtroom skills with careful victim communication.
• Sexual offense cases
• Crimes against children
• Domestic violence matters
• Animal cruelty and related vulnerable-victim cases
Victim support coordination
SVU prosecutors work alongside victim specialists and outside agencies to help victims understand the process and connect with appropriate services.
• Information and updates
• Safety-conscious communication
• Referrals to support agencies
• Coordination with courts and partners
Leadership, staffing, and public-facing work
Recent Office updates show this initiative moving from a general priority into concrete action. The promotion of experienced SVU leadership, recognition of prosecutors handling special victims matters, and the 100-day report’s focus on strengthening the Unit all show the Office’s commitment to improving how these sensitive cases are prosecuted.
January 14, 2026
Rachael Phelan promoted to SVU Chief
District Attorney Eby announced Rachael Phelan’s promotion to Bureau Chief of the Special Victims Unit, highlighting her experience with sensitive and complex cases.
February 17, 2026
Jennifer Pratt promoted to Senior ADA
The Office recognized Jennifer Pratt’s work in special victims matters, including felony cases involving sexual assault, domestic violence, and crimes against children.
April 2026
100-day report highlights SVU investments
District Attorney Eby’s 100-day report identified strengthening the Special Victims Unit as a key early initiative focused on protecting vulnerable victims.
Victim resources & partnerships
Connecting prosecution with support
The Special Victims Unit does not work alone. These cases often require coordination with law enforcement, victim specialists, advocacy organizations, child-focused resources, domestic violence support services, and the courts. Prosecution fits within a broader network of victim support and public-safety resources.
Victim specialists
Crime victim specialists can provide information and referrals to outside agencies that offer direct victim services.
Child-focused resources
Cases involving children may connect with specialized child advocacy resources, medical exams, and counseling services through appropriate agencies.
Domestic violence support
Domestic violence cases may involve safety concerns, support referrals, and coordination with courts or advocacy organizations.
Related links
Suggested links: Crime Victims Unit, Contact the D.A., Child Advocacy Center, Domestic Violence Awareness resources, and DA News.
Continue exploring this initiative
Residents can return to the main Accomplishments & Initiatives page or review victim-support resources and recent Office updates.
Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office
25 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
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