A prosecutor represents the government at either a state or federal level, has the burden of producing competent and substantial evidence, and, if the case proceeds to trial, of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the person they have accused of a crime is guilty of that crime. A prosecutor is the most powerful person in the room in a criminal case because they can decide to dismiss the charges, change the charges, and even offer a plea deal - things that not even the judge can do. A prosecutor decides what charges to bring, if any, and what punishment to seek.