{"id":371770,"date":"2023-11-11T17:22:21","date_gmt":"2023-11-11T22:22:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/california-district-attorneys.html"},"modified":"2023-11-11T17:22:21","modified_gmt":"2023-11-11T22:22:21","slug":"california-district-attorneys","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-district-attorneys.html","title":{"rendered":"California District Attorneys"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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California District Attorneys<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lisa Burden, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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District attorneys are responsible for filing criminal charges against suspects within their designated district\u2014typically one or more counties.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Working closely with various law enforcement agencies, a district attorney’s office reviews thousands of law enforcement reports annually. This helps them determine whether sufficient evidence exists to file criminal charges against a suspect. These cases are then classified as either felonies or misdemeanors. Prosecutors in the Superior Court will then handle them. The formal beginning of the state’s criminal case occurs when the district attorney’s (D.A.’s) office files the information<\/a> or when a grand jury decides to indict a suspect<\/a>.
\r\n<\/p>\r\n

To carry out these duties, the D.A.’s office employs various staff, including deputy district attorneys, paralegals, and investigators.<\/p>\r\n

District attorneys in California are elected officials. They serve a four-year term.<\/p>\r\n

The D.A.’s primary objectives are to seek justice in criminal cases and to uphold public safety.<\/p>\r\n

Responsibilities<\/h2>\r\n

The cornerstone of a district attorney’s job is investigating and prosecuting criminal violations of county and state law in court. Many D.A. offices in California have specialized divisions. These divisions include units on domestic violence and units on victim or witness assistance. Advocates provide crisis counseling, community referrals, assistance applying for victim compensation, and other services for those navigating the criminal justice system.<\/p>\r\n

Due to legislative changes, district attorneys no longer oversee<\/a> child support collection and services. These functions have been transferred to county child support services departments.<\/p>\r\n

However, prosecutors are taking on a new role. Los Angeles County D.A. George Gasc\u00f3n recently announced<\/a> the formation of the Labor Justice Unit. The specialized team will focus on prosecuting financial crimes like wage theft.<\/p>\r\n

The district attorney’s office cannot provide legal information, answer legal questions, make referrals, or offer legal advice.<\/p>\r\n

Contacting the Prosecutor<\/h2>\r\n

If you’re negotiating a plea bargain<\/a> or have other valid reasons to contact the D.A.’s office, it’s best to do so with the advice and counsel of a criminal lawyer. After all, you don’t want to reveal your defense strategy or anything that can be used against you at trial.<\/p>\r\n

Representing yourself, called \u201cself-help," is not recommended, especially when dealing with criminal law or criminal court matters.<\/p>\r\n

If you have an attorney, the district attorney’s office is prohibited from communicating with you.<\/p>\r\n

City Attorney<\/h2>\r\n

Several cities in California, such as Los Angeles, Burbank, Long Beach, and Pasadena, have city attorneys. In general, city attorneys are appointed by the city council. They advise city officials and the city council on legal issues. They may prosecute violations of the municipal code but not state law.<\/p>\r\n

Public Defender<\/h2>\r\n

California has county<\/a>, state<\/a>, and federal<\/a> public defenders. If you’re charged with a crime and can’t afford an attorney, you can ask for a court-appointed public defender<\/a>. Generally, you can request a public defender during your arraignment. The arraignment is your first appearance before a judge.<\/p>\r\n

In addition to legal representation, public defenders can help with expungement<\/a>. Expungement means that certain crimes are cleared from your criminal record. Some California prosecutors no longer make blanket objections to expungement requests, making expunging crimes easier than before.<\/p>\r\n

People are sometimes skeptical of the help that a public defender can provide. But they are criminal defense attorneys. Public defenders are members of the state bar association.<\/p>\r\n

California Attorney General<\/h2>\r\n

The California Attorney General<\/a> (A.G.) is California’s highest-ranking prosecutor and law enforcement officer.<\/p>\r\n

While district attorneys file criminal charges within their respective districts, the A.G. represents the state in litigation matters and enforces consumer protection laws, among other duties.<\/p>\r\n

Directory of California District Attorneys<\/h2>\r\n

Each county in California is its own judicial district, with a D.A.’s office filing criminal charges against suspects. If you need more information about your local D.A. or need to get in touch with their office for any reason, click on the corresponding link below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Alameda County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

San Diego County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Alpine County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

San Francisco County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Amador County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

San Joaquin County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Butte County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

San Luis Obispo County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Calaveras County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

San Mateo County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Colusa County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Santa Barbara County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Contra Costa County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Santa Clara County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Del Norte County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Santa Cruz County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

El Dorado County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Shasta County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Fresno County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Sierra County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Glenn County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Siskiyou County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Humboldt County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Solano County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Imperial County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Sonoma County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Inyo County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Stanislaus County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Kern County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Sutter County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Kings County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Tehama County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Lake County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Trinity County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Lassen County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Tulare County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Los Angeles County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Tuolumne County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Madera County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Ventura County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Marin County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Yolo County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Mariposa County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Yuba County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Mendocino County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

 <\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Merced County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

 <\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Modoc County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Anaheim City Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Mono County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Burbank City Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Monterey County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

El Monte City Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Napa County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Long Beach City Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Nevada County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Long Beach City Prosecutor<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Orange County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Los Angeles City Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Placer County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Malibu City Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Plumas County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Oakland City Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Riverside County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Pasadena City Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Sacramento County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Redondo Beach City Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

San Benito County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Sacramento City Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

San Bernardino County District Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

San Diego City Attorney<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: Although we strive to provide the most current contact and website information available for the D.A. offices in this state, this information is subject to change. If you have found contact or website information that is not current, please<\/i> contact us<\/i><\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Charged With a Crime in California? Get Legal Help Today<\/h2>\r\n

If you’ve been charged with a crime in the Golden State, be aware that the California district attorney in your district is working hard to get a conviction. That’s why you’ll want to retain a defense lawyer. Don’t leave it up to guesswork; contact an experienced criminal defense attorney near you<\/a> today.<\/p>\r\n

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