I was the victim of a crime. What services are available to me?
Our Crime Victims’ Assistance Unit offers a variety of services to victims of crime. You may also call (805) 654-3622 to inquire about what services may be available to you as a crime victim.
If I miss work to testify, will the district attorney pay for my loss in wages?
Generally, witnesses, apart from experts retained by the parties, must come to court to testify about matters that they have knowledge of without payment. It is a civic duty imposed upon all citizens in order to insure a just and fair judicial system.
As a witness, do I have to talk in front of the defendant when I am in court?
Yes. The defendant has the right to be present in court to hear what all the witnesses say about him or her. Both the prosecutor and the defendant’s attorney will ask you questions.
Why am I a witness? I didn’t see the crime happen.
Witnesses are not limited to eye witnesses. You may not have seen the crime happen but you may know something about it. You may also know something about a piece of evidence, or you may know something that contradicts another witness’s testimony. If you wonder why you are testifying in a particular case, you may ask the prosecutor who issued the subpoena.
If I get a subpoena do I have to go to court?
When you receive a subpoena from the District Attorney’s Office, please call our Witness Coordination Unit for further instructions. From Camarillo, Ojai, Oxnard, Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, Saticoy and Ventura, please call (805) 654-3006. From other areas inside California, call (800) 692-8887. From outside California, you may call collect to (805) 654-3006. Para asistencia en Español, llame (805) 654-3708.
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 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.
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.
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 Unit 800 S. Victoria Avenue Ventura, CA 93009
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.