Nez Perce County Chief Criminal Prosecutor April Smith received a professionalism award from the Idaho State Bar.
Smith was selected as the winner for the 2nd District Professionalism Award by other attorneys within the Idaho State Bar. The award is given to those who have devoted their careers to the practice of law that upholds the standards of civility and professionalism, according to a news release from the Nez Perce County Prosecutor’s Office.
Smith also received nominations from community leaders, including the Lewiston Police Department and the YWCA. One of the letters stated that “(Smith) is a credit to the Idaho State Bar. She has served Idaho citizens for almost two decades and is unrelenting in her pursuit of justice — especially for victims from our marginalized populations,” according to the news release.
“(Smith) is absolutely invaluable to the Prosecutor’s Office,” said Nez Perce County Prosecutor Justin Coleman in the news release. “She handles a large range of cases and other difficult issues on a daily basis. She is always professional, even in this adversarial system, while she advocates for victims and for our community. She sets an exemplary example for the other deputy prosecutors in the office. No one is more deserving of this award.”
Smith began her legal career in 2004 after graduating from the University of Idaho law school. While working at the prosecutor’s office she has handled misdemeanor cases to multiple felony murders. She is the “go-to” prosecutor for all sexual assault cases in Nez Perce County, according to the news release.
