Criminal Prosecutions

Crimes committed by, for the benefit of, in association with, or at the direction of active criminal street gang members are prosecuted by experienced attorneys dedicated to achieving justice in these cases. Even though Ventura County is consistently ranked as one of the safest counties in the western United States, many violent criminal street gangs pose an ongoing threat to local residents. The crimes committed by those involved in gang activity may include vandalism, burglary, robbery, extortion, assault with a deadly weapon, trafficking in controlled substances, and murder. While the intended targets of such crimes may often be other gang members, the collateral risk and trauma caused by these crimes to innocent bystanders and the community as a whole mandate that all provable cases be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. For these reasons, the prosecutors and investigators assigned to handle gang cases are among the most experienced and talented people within the District Attorney’s Office.

Most felony cases submitted by law enforcement agencies to the District Attorney’s Office are handled by the General Felony Unit. Seasoned attorneys within the unit are primarily responsible for reviewing and filing these cases.

Once felony charges are filed, defendants are arraigned in court and bail is set. In cases that do not resolve at an early stage, prosecutors present evidence at preliminary hearings to establish there is probable cause to hold charged defendants to answer at jury trial. Cases are reevaluated to determine the appropriateness of all charges and then assigned to attorneys for trial.

All cases involving serious or violent crimes are prosecuted vertically, meaning these cases are assigned to more experienced deputy district attorneys for all purposes once charges are filed. Cases involving auto theft are also handled by a dedicated prosecutor from review through sentencing. This attorney works in partnership with the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VENCATT) in prosecuting auto theft cases and other crimes associated with motor vehicles.

Where cases result in convictions by guilty plea or trial, prosecutors in the General Felony Unit seek appropriate punishment at sentencing hearings conducted in court. Defendants may face a combination of local custody (jail), probation, fines and orders to pay victim restitution. Prison sentences are sought and imposed based on factors including the nature of the crime, the impact upon any victims and a defendant’s criminal history. The name and telephone number of the assigned attorney may be obtained by calling the general felonies desk at 805-654-2545.

Murders, cold-case homicides and similar unlawful killings are prosecuted by the Major Crimes Unit. Cases prosecuted by this unit involve some of the most heinous crimes committed within Ventura County and often entail substantial follow-up investigation, trial preparation, and the use of cutting edge forensic DNA analysis and evidence. In addition, other special interest crimes are also assigned to the unit when it is determined that the complexity of the case requires the experience of a major crimes attorney.

The Major Crimes Unit’s prosecutors also respond to 24-hour a day on-call requests from law enforcement seeking legal assistance with search warrants, crime scene evaluation, and officer-involved shooting matters. Other duties of prosecutors in the Major Crimes Unit include law enforcement training, assisting in selected special investigations, and appearing at California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation parole hearings.

The Narcotics Unit takes an aggressive and proactive stance towards drug trafficking in Ventura County and the surrounding areas. A wide range of cases involving methamphetamine labs, street-level drug dealing and high-level drug trafficking organizations involving multiple pound quantities of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine are handled by the vertical prosecution Narcotics Unit. These prosecutors work closely with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies during complex multi-level narcotics investigations that utilize confidential informants, search warrants and court authorized wiretaps. These investigations lead to the prosecution of narcotics traffickers for manufacturing, sales and possession for sales of controlled substances, as well as conspiracy and money laundering. The Narcotics Unit is also responsible for reviewing, filing and prosecuting cases involving drug-endangered children, prescription drug diversion and vice crimes including human trafficking, pimping, pandering and prostitution.

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.

When people are taken to the hospital because they pose a danger to themselves or others, their constitutional right to bear arms is restricted for five years. Any weapon in their possession may be seized by law enforcement and destroyed unless a petitioner convinces the court a weapon may safely be returned to its owner. Such hearings are routinely held after a hospitalization to determine if such people can safely possess firearms.