Auto Insurance Fraud
Perpetrators of auto insurance fraud utilize a variety of fraudulent schemes to illegally collect funds from insurance companies. Individuals may be victimized by staged accidents or repair shops performing incomplete or substandard work after a legitimate accident. Insurance companies and consumers suffer alike when unscrupulous people take out insurance policies after an accident and then falsely claim that it occurred after coverage began. Another ploy used by individuals who are behind in car payments, have excessive miles on a leased car, or who just need money will stage the theft of their own vehicle and then dump, damage or destroy the car in an effort to obtain insurance monies. No matter the nature of the fraud, consumers are ultimately harmed, as costs incurred due to fraud get passed along in the form of higher premiums. In Ventura County, a team of one attorney and one investigator specialize in vertically prosecuting…
Misdemeanor Unit
The majority of the criminal prosecutions of misdemeanor offenses are handled within the Misdemeanor Unit. These crimes include driving under the influence of alcohol, theft, being under the influence of controlled substances, possession of a controlled substance, battery, resisting arrest and many others. Over 10,000 cases a year are prosecuted by the Misdemeanor Unit. Misdemeanor cases are typically submitted by local law enforcement agencies for review by prosecutors who then file charges as appropriate. At the initial court date for arraignment, copies of the complaint and police reports will be available to defense counsel or a defendant without an attorney and a calendar deputy district attorney will inform defense counsel of the recommended disposition. Once a misdemeanor case is set for trial, it is assigned to a deputy district attorney. Questions about cases should be directed to the assigned attorney, since calendar attorneys generally do not depart from recommended case…
Digital Media Unit
The Digital Media Unit is comprised of two skilled professionals who expertly handle audio, video, and photo evidence for all levels of cases. They assist Deputy District Attorneys by creating clear and compelling exhibits for the jury and courtroom presentation, ensuring exhibits are displayed in the most impactful and coherent manner. The unit provides forensic video analysis services, including video enhancement and speed and height estimations. They assist the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement agencies during active investigations, ensuring that digital media, especially video evidence, is utilized effectively. The dedication and expertise of the Digital Media Unit contributes to the modernization of the prosecution process, ensuring every piece of digital evidence achieves its maximum potential in the pursuit of justice.
Court Operations Unit
Auto Theft All car theft and carjacking cases are handled in the Auto Theft Unit. Cases are handled vertically from filing through sentencing, meaning these cases are assigned to an auto theft prosecutor for all purposes once the case is submitted for review by law enforcement. This attorney works closely with local law enforcement agencies through the Ventura Auto Theft Task Force (VENCATT). This collaborative effort provides the most effective means to prosecute auto theft cases and meet the needs of people who are victimized by these types of crimes. Driving Under the Influence The District Attorney’s Office is committed to increasing public safety on Ventura County’s streets and highways by ensuring that all persons who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs are held accountable for their actions. The DUI Unit receives grant monies from the Office of Traffic Safety to fund a team of seasoned prosecutors who…