how to file charges with the district attorney in los angeles california

Ask the police and your district attorney (“DA”) to press (file) charges against the restrained person Make it clear to both the police and your local district attorney that you want to proceed with criminal charges against the restrained person. Ask the DA how he or she will handle your case.

Full Answer

How do I become a Los Angeles County district attorney?

Email the office at [email protected] or write a letter and send it to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, 211 West Temple Street, Suite 1200, Los Angeles, CA 90012. I want to file a complaint against a police officer or sheriff's deputy.

Does the Los Angeles County district attorney's office take crime reports?

Call (213) 257-2600 to make an appointment to meet with an investigator at the District Attorney’s Child Abduction Section, which is located at 211 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Bring your current valid custody order specifying that you have primary physical custody of your child or children.

What is the history of the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office?

If you are concerned that a senior is being victimized, please contact your local law enforcement agency and/or the Los Angeles County Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-877-4-R-SENIORS (1-877-477-3646). You also may report elder abuse online by visiting the Los Angeles County Adult Protective Services website . View additional resources on keeping ...

How do I file a complaint with the district attorney's office?

Every four years, the voters of Los Angeles County elect a nonpartisan district attorney to serve as their chief prosecutor. A candidate for office must be a law school graduate and member of the State Bar of California. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office was established by an act of the California Legislature on Feb. 27, 1850.

August 16, 2021: Montgomery Honored for Project LEAD Dedication

Congratulations to Deputy District Attorney Melita Montgomery who was named Project LEAD Facilitator of the Year.

July 13, 2021: Deputy District Attorney Sisak Certified in Advanced Cybersecurity

Deputy District Attorney Luke Sisak, of the Cyber Crimes Division, has received a cybersecurity certification that will benefit the prosecution of complex high-tech cases.

June 10, 2021: Child Abduction Unit Reunites Father, Daughter

Clutching a fuzzy stuffed bunny, the 5-year-old girl peered at her father she had not seen since she was 2. His worries that she wouldn't remember him quickly vanished.

June 8, 2021: POALAC Honors District Attorney Employees

Congratulations to the deputy district attorneys, investigators and support staff members who were honored recently by the Peace Officers Association of Los Angeles County (POALAC).

June 7, 2021: D.A. Investigator Recognized for Military Service

Senior Investigator Edgar Murguia was honored May 29 by Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger at her annual Tribute to Veterans and Military Families.

May 5, 2021: Prosecutors Craft Juvenile Three Strikes Reform Legislation

To Deputy District Attorney Michael Mallano, it just seemed wrong for youths to face California’s Three Strikes Law without being given the same rights as adults.

March 24, 2021: Prosecutors Receive Anti-Defamation League Award

Deputy District Attorneys John Chang and Reginald Neal were recognized by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of Los Angeles.

What does the prosecutor decide?

2. The prosecutor then decides whether to file charges and, if so, what charges to file. The prosecutor decides whether to charge the crime as a felony or a misdemeanor. The prosecutor can file charges on all of the crimes for which the police arrested the defendant or can decide to file fewer charges or more charges than were included in ...

How long does it take for a misdemeanor to be tried?

(See section 1382 of the Penal Code). If the defendant is in custody at the arraignment, the trial must start within 30 days of arraignment or plea, whichever is later.

What is the purpose of a police report?

1. Usually, the police cite or arrest someone and write a report. This report summarizes the events leading up to the arrest or citation and provides witnesses’ names and other relevant information. Defendants generally do NOT have a right to get a copy of the arrest report, but their lawyers do.

How long does it take for a trial to start?

But even if the defendant waives time, the law says the trial must start within 10 days after the trial date is set.

What is the first time a defendant appears in court?

The Arraignment . The arraignment is the first time the defendant appears in court. At the arraignment, the judge tells the defendant: • What the charges are, • What his or her constitutional rights are, and. • That if he or she does not have enough money to hire a lawyer, the court will appoint a lawyer free of charge.

How long does it take to get information from a court?

The prosecutor must file the Information within 15 days of the date the defendant was “held to answer” at the preliminary hearing. The trial must start within 60 days of the arraignment on the Information. The defendant can “waive” (give up) the right to a speedy trial.

What happens after a felony arraignment?

In felony cases, after the arraignment, if the case does not settle or get dismissed the judge holds a preliminary hearing. At this hearing, the judge will decide if there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to make the defendant have to appear for a trial.

What to do if a restrained person violates a restraining order?

If the restrained person violates (disobeys) any of the orders in your restraining order, act right away! 1. Call the police. Show the police a copy of your orders. If the restrained person is there and has not been served with (given) a copy of the restraining order, ask the police officer to serve the orders.

How long can you go to jail for violating a restraining order?

The restrained person could be punished with 5 days in jail for each violation of the restraining order.

What happens if you are restrained?

The police can arrest the restrained person.#N#It is a crime to knowingly disobey the judge’s orders. The restrained person can: 1 Be fined, or 2 Go to jail.

Can a restrained person go to jail?

Because the restrained person could go to jail, contempt actions are very serious and should only be used as a last resort, if the restrained person will not stop violating the order. Contempt cases are very difficult and the restrained person will have the right to a court-appointed lawyer.

How to complain about a California attorney?

Your complaint about a California attorney should be directed to the State Bar. You may contact the Bar as follows: Telephone: (213) 765-1000 (outside of CA) or (800) 843-9053 (toll free) Your complaint about a California judge should be directed to the Commission on Judicial Performance.

What is the role of the Attorney General of California?

The Attorney General's role in legislative matters is limited to making recommendations to the California Legislature regarding needed changes in law and to enforcing the laws the Legislature enacts. You may wish to share your concerns with your representatives in the California Legislature.

Where does unclaimed property come from?

The unclaimed property typically stems from bank accounts, dividends, uncashed checks, matured or terminated insurance policies or certificates of deposit. If you want to find out if California is holding money or property for you, please contact: Office of the Controller. Division of Collections.

What is the Commission on Judicial Performance?

The Commission on Judicial Performance is the independent state agency responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct and judicial incapacity and for disciplining judges. You may contact the Commission as follows: Commission on Judicial Performance. 455 Golden Gate Avenue, Suite 14400.

Who is responsible for investigating a crime?

After investigating the crime, the local law enforcement authorities may forward the case to the county district attorney's office for prosecution, if appropriate.

What is a business statement?

Ask for a business statement. A business statement should describe the daily practices of the company. It should provide general information on the company, such as the number of years in business, its locations, the owners and a description of its organizational structure.