Prosecutor Profile - Mathias H. Heck, Jr.

44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 110 Prosecutor Profile - Mathias H. Heck, Jr.

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Mathias H. Heck, Jr.

It seems that for NDAA President Mat Heck (formally Mathias H. Heck, Jr.), his new position as leader of our organization was written in the stars. Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Heck spent most of his life surrounded by prosecutors. His father served as justice of the peace and as an assistant attorney general before being elected as the Montgomery County prosecuting attorney for four terms. Heck still remembers tagging along with his father to work on Saturdays, manning the switchboard and talking to other prosecutors in the office. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marquette University, Heck attended law school at Georgetown University. Upon graduation he turned down two job offers at large banks to work with his father in his private law firm while simultaneously serving as assistant county prosecutor in Montgomery County. As an assistant county prosecutor, Heck served under former NDAA president Lee Falke, who was an assistant for Heck’s father when he served as prosecuting attorney. Heck prosecuted in Montgomery County for 20 years before being elected as prosecuting attorney in 1992, an office he has held ever since.

Located in the birthplace of aviation, Montgomery County has a population of approximately 600,000. Heck’s office employs 85 full time assistant prosecutors and 100 support staff. They handle felony cases against adults and indict approximately 5000 cases each year. His juvenile division prosecutes traffic, misdemeanors and felony cases, and represents the children services agency in abuse, neglect and dependency cases. The Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office has its own appellate division and also handles civil cases, serving as the chief legal advisor for the county, handling all legal matters for county officials, boards, agencies, etc. When asked about the most serious problem facing his jurisdiction, Heck said, “The impact of drugs on crime is certainly startling all over the county. We are also seeing a big increase in child abuse cases, especially those involving the Internet, as well as gun cases involving juveniles and adults alike.”

Heck’s success as a career prosecutor was not handed to him. Years of hard work and dedication have paid off, but he began at the bottom. Heck started as a go-fer, running errands, picking up lunch and delivering exhibits to court. During law school he clerked for Lee Falke doing basic work such as research. It took years for Heck to obtain the position as chief trial counsel where he handled the high profile felony cases for Montgomery County. He held that position before he was elected. “I was fortunate. I had good mentors and worked with great trial lawyers. I took the time to watch and learn from good lawyers.” He offers one piece of advice to new lawyers—“Nothing substitutes for hard work.”

As NDAA president, Heck is excited to move beyond the realm of his office and address the needs of prosecutors throughout the nation. “I’m so excited to have this opportunity. The people, relationships, advice and shared experiences offered to NDAA members is something for which there is no substitute. The friends you make here will remain your friends forever. I’m proud to be a lawyer, especially a prosecutor and NDAA is a terrific organization.” Heck also acknowledged his staff and family for their support in this great endeavor. “I have a great staff who is dedicated and committed and a very understanding wife and children. They allow me to serve as NDAA president, which is the highlight of my career.”

While it may sound like it, Heck does not spend all of his time in the office. He ensures that the number one priority in his life is his family. He and his wife, Cindi, who was recently elected municipal court judge, have two children and a grandchild on the way. They live on an active farm—the same farm that Heck grew up on. They grow corn and soy beans and raise Angus cattle—40 to 45 at a time. “It is a release to get out there and work the farm. I love it.” Heck enjoys fishing, hunting deer and turkey, and playing tennis.

This organization will surely benefit greatly from Heck’s commitment and dedication to prosecution. He has much experience to share and is excited to serve the nation’s prosecutors as president of NDAA.

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