Albany County District Attorney David Soares appeared before the county’s Law and Audit & Finance Committees Wednesday night.

The longtime DA took issue with the timeline in which allegations of misconduct began to surface involving a $23,500 bonus he gave himself last year via state grant money.

“The only career in my life that I have ever had is that of a prosecutor,” Soares said. “I am proud to speak for myself and my office and for the institution because we take great care to ensure that while we are doing our job that we are also providing due process to those who stand accused.”

Some county leaders believe this distribution of grant money violates the county charter and that it would’ve required the county legislature to pass a local law that would allow Soares to receive more compensation than his $202,800 salary as determined by the state.

Others believe the county’s processes surrounding this issue are too convoluted and not understood.

“On day one, those Democratic leaders found the DA in essence guilty before anybody had an opportunity to respond,” County Legislator Paul Burgdorf said.

Soares refused to answer whether bad judgment was exercised but later admitted that it “wasn’t perfect.” He maintains there was no wrongdoing.

"There has been an indictment, not in a court of law but in the court of public opinion,” Soares told the panel Wednesday. “I am here to defend not only my office; I am here to defend my name and I am here to defend the things that I stand for."

Soares says he’s in the process of figuring out how to return the money but said the county comptroller’s office provided him with a figure well beyond $23,500. He claims it included longevity bonuses dating back to his first term which he and various other county officials including his successors are entitled to.

Soares is dealing with some political fallout as he works to secure a sixth term later this year. The Democrat lost his party’s endorsement, which he secured in January, and will now likely face primary challengers.

It’s unclear what the next steps are, but committee members said they will reconvene on the matter if needed once the investigation is complete.