Consumer Mediation
The Consumer Mediation Unit staff attempt to resolve disputes between businesses and consumers on a wide range of issues. Mediation is a way for parties to reach a mutually agreed upon resolution to a dispute without the need to go to court or hire an attorney. There is no charge to either party to use mediation to settle a dispute. The information obtained through mediation is kept confidential. Although not permitted to give legal advice, the staff in Consumer Mediation are trained to assist the public in the following areas: Mediations are conducted by telephone, e-mail and letters. There is no need to schedule or attend a meeting to resolve a dispute. Neither party is bound to accept an offer to settle a case in mediation. Any resolution is agreed upon by all parties. Allegations of criminal conduct made by either party are not investigated in the mediation process. When…
Consumer Fraud
The Consumer Protection Unit investigates and prosecutes civil and criminal cases to enforce laws protecting the public against unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent business practices and deceptive advertising. Attorneys in this unit also seek to increase public awareness of issues regarding consumers through presentations to schools, service clubs and other groups. Any inquiries or referrals about potential violations of consumer laws may be directed to unit staff at (805) 662-1750.
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…
Asset Forfeiture
The District Attorney’s Office takes an active role in depriving drug dealers of ill-gotten gains associated with the sale of illegal drugs in Ventura County. Prosecution of civil narcotics asset forfeiture cases is conducted pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 11470 et seq. Cases are submitted to this office by various law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation of suspected drug dealing. In addition to management and prosecution of these cases, a dedicated attorney provides training to Ventura County law enforcement personnel in asset forfeiture law and procedures. The Asset Forfeiture Unit’s goal is to ethically prosecute these cases and protect the rights of innocent owners in the process. Information regarding the assignment of civil forfeiture cases may be obtained from the Asset Forfeiture Unit at (805) 662-1709.