I received a bad check. What can I do?
If you are a merchant or a private citizen in Ventura County who has received a bad check, please contact our Small Claims Advisor at (805) 654-3110 for more information.
I am the victim of a crime and I want a restraining order to keep a person away from me. Will your office do this for me?
Our office does offer assistance in obtaining certain types of restraining orders. When a case involves domestic violence, we work with victims to obtain domestic violence restraining orders. We also work with victims and witnesses in obtaining criminal protective orders after a criminal case has been filed. If a case is presented and filed, the assigned prosecutor can request a criminal protective order in court. You may call our Crime Victims’ Assistance Unit at (805) 654-3622 to determine if either of these orders may be appropriate in your matter.
I am the victim in a domestic violence case. Can I file a complaint with your office?
Please contact the law enforcement agency where the crime occurred. That agency is responsible for investigating domestic violence cases.
I am the victim in a domestic violence case and I want to drop charges. Can I do that?
All criminal complaints are prosecuted on behalf of the State of California. Only the prosecutor can issue or dismiss charges. Although the decision whether to prosecute or not prosecute is ultimately up to the prosecutor, the victim’s opinion is important and the prosecutor will take those wishes into account when making his or her decisions regarding the case. If you wish to submit a “Request for Dismissal” you must do so in person at the District Attorney’s Office and provide photo identification.
I was the victim of a crime. Can you tell me the name of the defendant and the defendant’s next court date?
If the case has been submitted to our office by law enforcement and charges have been filed, we can provide you with the name of the defendant and the next court date. To obtain this information, please call (805) 654-2500.
How can I get my property returned in a criminal case?
When a criminal case has been resolved, our office sends a property release to the police agency that handled the case. You should contact that police agency directly. If they do not have a release on file, please contact our office and the attorney who handled the case will review your request and prepare a property release, if appropriate. In certain cases, we are required to wait at least 60 days to see if an appeal is filed. If you are the victim, in many cases we may be able to have your property photographed and returned to you. We do not authorize the release of firearms or other contraband to defendants after a conviction.
The judge ordered the defendant to pay restitution to me but I have not received anything. Who can help me?
If the defendant is on probation, restitution is usually paid through the Court Collections Department and you may call them at (805) 639-5010. If the defendant is on formal probation, you may also contact the assigned probation officer by calling the Probation Agency at (805) 654-2132.
Who is the victim advocate assigned to my case?
Please call our office at (805) 654-3622 to obtain this information.
I was the victim of a violent crime. Will your office pay for my medical bills? Will your office help me collect for lost wages and for pain and suffering?
We may be able to help you recover medical expenses and other financial losses. Other services may also be available to you. Please contact our Crime Victims’ Assistance Unit or call (805) 654-3622 for more information.