Consumer Fraud
The Consumer Protection Unit investigates and prosecutes civil and criminal cases to enforce laws protecting the public against unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent business practices and deceptive advertising. Attorneys in this unit also seek to increase public awareness of issues regarding consumers through presentations to schools, service clubs and other groups. Any inquiries or referrals about potential violations of consumer laws may be directed to unit staff at (805) 662-1750.
Writs, Appeals and Training Unit
Writs and Appeals The Writs, Appeals and Training Unit files and responds to writs and appeals in state courts, including the California Supreme Court, California Court of Appeal and Superior Court Appellate Division. The unit also responds to habeas corpus petitions in state and federal courts. The attorneys in the unit handle approximately 100 writs and appeals per year. Responses to defense writs and appeals in completed felony cases are handled by the State Attorney General. The District Attorney’s Office responds to writs in felony cases that are still pending trial, writs in misdemeanor cases and misdemeanor appeals. The District Attorney’s Office also initiates and handles People’s appeals and People’s writs in misdemeanor and felony cases. The District Attorney’s Office ordinarily does not file briefs or participate in oral arguments in traffic infraction cases. Additionally, the unit handles post-conviction review of cases under new legislation that allows judicial consideration of…
Public Integrity
The Public Integrity Unit evaluates and prosecutes complaints against public officials and others in a position of public trust for misappropriation of public funds and other misuse of public office. Matters handled by the unit include embezzlement by government officials or by officials of non-profit organizations, misuse of government resources, conflicts of interest, failing to report economic interests, and violations of election laws. Some violations may be referred for investigation and/or administrative action to the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), which has concurrent jurisdiction with the District Attorney for violations of the Political Reform Act.
Child Abduction Recovery
When a child is being wrongfully withheld or concealed from a person with a right of custody, the District Attorney’s Child Abduction and Recovery Unit seeks to act on behalf of the court to assist in the enforcement of custody and visitation orders. The District Attorney’s Office does not represent either parent or party and is not a substitute for private counsel. Wrongfully concealing or withholding a child from someone with a right to custody or visitation can be a felony; however in most cases, the Child Recovery Unit will attempt to facilitate voluntary compliance with court orders, including the return of the child to the jurisdiction where the child was wrongfully removed from, regardless of where that may be. There are also specific provisions that apply to international cases. To obtain more information, please visit the California Superior Court’s Family Law Self-Help Center website at: https://www.ventura.courts.ca.gov/self-help.html. Additional information regarding…
Asset Forfeiture
The District Attorney’s Office takes an active role in depriving drug dealers of ill-gotten gains associated with the sale of illegal drugs in Ventura County. Prosecution of civil narcotics asset forfeiture cases is conducted pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 11470 et seq. Cases are submitted to this office by various law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation of suspected drug dealing. In addition to management and prosecution of these cases, a dedicated attorney provides training to Ventura County law enforcement personnel in asset forfeiture law and procedures. The Asset Forfeiture Unit’s goal is to ethically prosecute these cases and protect the rights of innocent owners in the process. Information regarding the assignment of civil forfeiture cases may be obtained from the Asset Forfeiture Unit at (805) 662-1709.
Sexual Assault
Crimes involving sexual assault, whether by fear, force or other means, are among the most serious cases handled by the District Attorney’s Office. Such crimes include statutory rape, child molestation and numerous forcible and other sex crimes that may be punishable by lengthy prison sentences. The Sexual Assault Unit handles all misdemeanor and felony sexual assault, physical child abuse, elder abuse, victims with disabilities, sexual offender registrants, and domestic violence cases. Cases involving sexual assault and domestic violence crimes are assigned by the unit supervisor in a vertical prosecution format. This means an individual deputy district attorney is assigned to each case from the point when law enforcement completes their investigation through all hearings, trial and sentencing. Unit attorneys receive specialized training to reduce the anxiety and uncertainty crime victims, especially children, have about the criminal justice process. In this unit, deputy district attorneys work as a team with an…
Victim Services Volunteer Program
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office provides services to thousands of victims every year and seeks qualified volunteers to make an important contribution to public safety and crime victims in Ventura County. Volunteer staff complete an initial 48 hours of training, which prepares them to assist victims with certain services, including obtaining a restraining order, emergency shelter placement, and court accompaniment. Volunteer training includes the following subject areas. For more information Click here.
Safe Harbor MDIC
Safe Harbor Ventura County is a coalition of public and private agencies to assist investigations and provide services to victims of child physical and sexual abuse and to adult victims of sexual assault. Administered by the District Attorney’s Office, partner agencies include all law enforcement agencies in the county, Child Protective Services of the Ventura County Human Services Agency, the Coalition for Family Harmony, the Partnership for Safe Families and Communities of Ventura County, Casa Pacifica, the Ventura County Health Care Agency, and the Ventura County Medical Association. Safe Harbor operates two Multi-Disciplinary Interview Centers (MDIC): one located in Ventura serving West County, and one in Simi Valley serving East County. The centers are located in houses that were adapted to provide comfortable, secure and confidential environments for interviews and medical examinations. The program promotes dignity and minimizes trauma for victims by reducing the number of interviews a victim must…
Family Justice Center
The Ventura County Family Justice Center (FJC), was opened to improve the lives of those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder and dependent adult abuse, human trafficking, and other violent crimes. District Attorney staff collaborates with a team of more than 35 agencies dedicated to a shared, vital cause — to reduce trauma, eliminate repeat victimization, mitigate future risks and make a lasting, positive difference in countless lives. Through our welcoming community and comprehensive, holistic services that focus on the whole person, Family Justice Center empowers and supports survivors of all ages and their families. District Attorney victim advocates and volunteers also provide traditional services and classes in both English and Spanish on the process and forms required to obtain restraining orders as well as information on the dynamics and dangers of violent relationships.
Family Protection
Law enforcement agencies in Ventura County have joined the District Attorney’s Office in our joint effort to thoroughly investigate and prosecute all crimes of domestic violence. In accordance with our protocol, police are trained in proper methods for investigating these cases so that all available evidence is gathered in a timely manner. This may include obtaining recorded statements of witnesses, photographs, documentation of all injuries, and securing other evidence. Due to the challenging nature of proving domestic violence charges in court, these cases are assigned to and handled vertically by deputy district attorneys. For Sexual Assault click here.