What is the District Attorney’s jurisdiction?
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes crimes that occur throughout Ventura County.
What if I have a question that is not answered in your FAQs?
Call or visit our office. Our receptionists will try to assist you; however, we cannot give legal advice on private legal issues.
What happens at the arraignment, preliminary hearing, and pre-trial court dates?
At an arraignment, the charges against the defendant are presented, a lawyer is appointed if the defendant cannot afford one, and the defendant’s plea is entered. At a preliminary hearing, the prosecutor presents evidence to a judge to show there is probable cause that the defendant committed the crime(s) charged and should face trial. A pre-trial conference is an opportunity for the parties to discuss the case with the judge, including possible dispositions and dates for future court hearings.
I would like to contact the victim’s family; will you provide their contact information?
To protect the privacy rights of victims, we do not give out contact information regarding victims or their families.
I would like to contact the defense attorney; who is he or she and what is his or her telephone number?
If the defendant is represented by the Public Defender’s Office, call (805) 654-2201. If the defendant is represented by a private attorney, you may look up the attorney’s contact information on the California State Bar Association’s website: https://apps.calbar.ca.gov/attorney/LicenseeSearch/QuickSearch.
I would like information about a criminal case that has been filed in the Ventura County Superior Court. How can I get case information?
You may call (805) 654-2611 or check the Ventura County Superior Court’s web site: https://ventura.courts.ca.gov/online-services/case-inquiry. You will need the defendant’s full name and date of birth to access case information.
I want to file a complaint about a police officer or sheriff’s deputy. Can the District Attorney’s Office help me?
You should report the matter to the officer’s employing agency. Law enforcement agencies are required by law to receive complaints, investigate the matter, and respond back to the complaining party.
I have a complaint about an employee of the District Attorney’s Office. How do I contact you and will you respond?
You may call (805) 654-2500, write a letter to 800 S. Victoria Ave. Suite 314, Ventura, CA 93009 or send an email summarizing your complaint. It will be reviewed by appropriate personnel and in most cases you will be contacted afterwards.
How do I report a Brown Act or open meeting violation? What if I also have any other concerns regarding an elected person or body?
Please submit your complaint in writing to: Ventura County District Attorney’s Office ATTN: Public Integrity Unit800 S. Victoria AvenueVentura, CA 93009
How do I get a copy of a police report?
Contact the police agency that created the report to request a copy.