Many people get confused because both offices are located in Fayetteville. The City of Fayetteville takes complaints and prosecutes misdemeanor cases that are committed within the Fayetteville City Limits. For example: DWI #1 #2 or #3, hot checks under $1000, shoplifting under $1000, Battery 3rd Degree (Domestic Abuse), minor traffic citations and city ordinance violations.

The Washington County Prosecutor's office takes complaints and prosecutes on Felony level cases. For example homicide: DWI #4, hot checks over $1000, shoplifting over $1000 and misdemeanors which occur in Washington County. The county also prosecutes juveniles.