Domestic Violence
Investigators in the Sexual Assault Family Protection Unit work closely with prosecutors handling sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and domestic violence cases. In most cases, once charges are filed, investigators and victim advocates are assigned to assist the attorneys as members of the prosecution team. Investigators work closely with attorneys to ensure all evidence is obtained and cases are properly prepared for trial. Significant time is spent with victims to prepare them for the trial process. Investigators receive specialized training in proper interviewing of child victims and special care is taken with them in all stages of the case. The unit’s investigators may also partner with local law enforcement agencies in investigations of potential criminal conduct before charges are evaluated by prosecutors. As a result, investigators become engaged in the earliest possible phase of these cases.
Consumer Fraud
The Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit investigates and prosecutes civil and criminal cases to enforce laws protecting the public against environmental violations, as well as unlawful, unfair and fraudulent business practices and deceptive advertising. Attorneys in this unit also seek to increase public awareness of issues regarding consumers and the environment through presentations to schools, service clubs and other groups. Any inquiries or referrals about potential violations of environmental or consumer laws may be directed to unit staff at (805) 662-1750.
Consumer and Environmental Protection
The District Attorney’s Consumer and Environmental Protection investigators work with the unit’s prosecutors to handle a broad range of consumer protection activities including unfair or dishonest business practices in Ventura County. These cases may include claims of false advertising, price-fixing, or deceptive sales practices. The same team of investigators also participates in the investigation of environmental crimes such as oil spills and illegal hazardous waste transportation, treatment, storage, or disposal.
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…