Small Claims Advisor
Small Claims Advisors with our office are available to help you free of charge at Small Claims Courts in Ventura or Simi Valley. The Ventura office is located at the Ventura Courthouse, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Room 314. The Simi Valley Courthouse is located at 3855-F Alamo Street, Simi Valley, CA 93063. Small Claims cases are currently heard in Oxnard at the Juvenile Justice Center Courthouse, located at 4353 E. Vineyard Avenue on Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and on Mondays at the Simi Valley Courthouse at 9:00 a.m. The Small Claims Advisor can answer your questions and assist in completing the necessary court forms. Our hours are from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. No appointment is necessary to speak with an advisor in person, however assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or…
Real Estate Fraud
Fueled by the real estate boom and bust in the early 2000’s, unscrupulous real estate practitioners and fly-by-night criminal enterprises began preying upon the Hispanic community, the elderly and an increasingly desperate public seeing their home values decline. In 2005, the District Attorney’s Office created the Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Program to address the rise of real estate and mortgage fraud sweeping the nation and Ventura County. The Real Estate Fraud Unit is dedicated to deterring, investigating, and prosecuting real estate fraud. Prosecutors and investigators work closely with the Ventura County Real Estate Fraud Awareness Team (REFAT) click here, comprised of real estate professionals, to educate industry professionals and the general public about real estate crime. Investigators and prosecutors also work closely with other law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Housing and Urban Development Office’s Inspector General. The…
Major Fraud
Major fraud or “white collar” crimes are some of the most complex cases prosecuted in the criminal justice system. Major Fraud Unit attorneys and investigators often conduct lengthy investigations into fraudulent transactions involving businesses, insurance companies, banking institutions, owners of real estate, and investors in corporate securities. Investigations generally involve substantial documents, forensic accounting, forensic computer analysis, and complex legal issues. These cases often involve individual victims as well as businesses that may have suffered millions of dollars in losses. Prosecutors and investigators may coordinate enforcement actions with officials from the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, the Employment Development Department, the State Franchise Tax Board, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and other agencies to form specialized teams, using the latest technology and asset forfeiture procedures to investigate, prosecute and recoup restitution for victims of these sophisticated criminal enterprises. Inquiries or referrals about major fraud cases may be directed to…
Computer Crimes
In 2000, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office joined other Southern California law enforcement agencies to create the Southern California High Technology Crime Task Force (SCHTTF). The Task Force is made up of investigators from the District Attorney’s Office, civilian computer forensic examiners and representatives from other law enforcement agencies. The SCHTTF provides highly technical support and forensic technology services for the District Attorney’s ever-growing number of cases involving digital evidence and provides specialized training to other law enforcement agencies and prosecutors. Hundreds of computers, data storage devices and cellular phones are analyzed annually by the SCHTTF. Digital evidence has proven crucial in the prosecution of capital murder cases, sexual assaults, and other serious cases. Task Force personnel also work with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases involving Internet crimes against children and other computer crimes.
Code Enforcement
Criminal misdemeanor violations of county ordinances and various California laws relating to the areas of weights and measures, building and safety, environmental health and general property maintenance are evaluated for prosecution by an experienced deputy district attorney. This attorney works with the Ventura County Resource Management Agency to coordinate enforcement for zoning, land use and building code violations occurring in unincorporated areas of Ventura County. Cases are generally submitted to this office for review through the Ventura County Resource Management Agency’s Planning, Environmental Health, and Code Enforcement Divisions. Information regarding the assignment of a code enforcement criminal case being handled within the office may be obtained by calling (805) 662-1709.
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…
Five-Year Remembrance of Borderline Bar & Grill Shooting
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will mark the five-year anniversary of the Borderline Bar & Grill shooting with a memorial remembrance on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. That night five years ago, 12 lives were taken including on-duty Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Ron Helus.
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…