| COUNTY HOME | |
 |
|
|
|
| NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS | |
| ABOUT US | |
| SERVICES | |
| SECTIONS | |
| LEGAL LINKS |
| SEARCH | CONTACT DEPARTMENT | DEPARTMENT HOME |
| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) |
| Criminal Division Home | |
| 1. |
Does the District Attorney still handle child support enforcement? No. In January of 2002 the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) became a separate department, and is no longer part of the District Attorney Office. The main office is located at: 1300 18th Street Bakersfield, California 93301 (661) 868-6500 DCSS also maintains an office at: 400 North China Lake Blvd. Ridgecrest, California 93555 Back to Top |
||||||||
| 2. |
How can I file a complaint about how your office handled a case?
Edward R. Jagels, District Attorney 1215 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, California 93301 Back to Top |
||||||||
| 3. |
Can I report a crime directly to the Kern County District Attorney's Office? A crime should be reported to the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the community where the crime was committed.
Back to Top |
||||||||
| 4. |
How do I contact the Grand Jury? The Grand Jury is a separate governmental entity from the District Attorney. Contact the Grand Jury. Back to Top |
||||||||
| 5. |
Does the District Attorney's Office investigate complaints against attorneys? No. If you believe that an attorney has committed a crime, you should contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. If you believe an attorney has engaged in unethical conduct, you should contact the State Bar of California. Back to Top |
||||||||
| 6. |
Does the District Attorney's Office investigate complaints against police officers? No. The conduct of a police officer in the performance of his or her duties is a personnel matter to be investigated by the law enforcement agency that employs the officer. Back to Top |
||||||||
| 7. |
Does the District Attorney's Office investigate complaints against judges? No. Complaints against judges should be addressed to the Commission on Judicial Performance. The address is: 455 Golden Gate Avenue San Francisco, California 94102 (415) 557-1200 Back to Top |
||||||||
| 8. |
I am the victim of a crime, but the District Attorney did not file charges. What can I do? The decision whether or not to file criminal charges can only be made by a Deputy District Attorney. The most common reason a case is not filed is insufficiency of the evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Sometimes a case is not filed because additional investigation is necessary. Back to Top |
||||||||
| 9. |
I am the victim in a case, and I want to drop charges. What should I do? Crimes are charged by the District Attorney's Office on behalf of the People of the State of California, not on behalf of the victim. The decision to dismiss charges can only be made by an attorney in the District Attorney's office. If you are the victim in a case that has been filed, and you wish to have the case dismissed, you should discuss your reasons with a representative of this Office. Your request and the reasons for it will be considered, but the final determination as to whether or not charges will be filed or dismissed can only be made by a Deputy District Attorney. Back to Top |
||||||||
| 10. |
What financial assistance is available for victims of violent crimes? Contact the District Attorney's Office. We can help you with information regarding qualification for various services, including losses covered through the Victims of Violent Crimes Program and information on where to file a claim for restitution. Back to Top |
||||||||
| 11. |
Can the District Attorney's Office help me collect on a bad check? The District Attorney's "Checkbusters" Unit may be able to help you. For further information, call (661) 868-8500. Back to Top |
||||||||
| 12. |
Someone claiming to be from the District Attorney's Office wants to ask me some questions. How do I know who they really are from your Office? Every investigator, investigative aide and attorney employed by this Office is issued official identification. Ask to see it. Back to Top |
||||||||
| 13. |
The court ordered that the defendant in a criminal case pay restitution to me. How do I enforce the order? View the Restitution Order Reference Letter (298K PDF) Back to Top |
| Subpoena Questions | ||
| I received a subpoena from the District Attorney's Office to appear as a witness in a criminal case. | ||
|
||
| 1. |
What do I do if I am unable to appear on the date stated in the subpoena? If you have a calendar conflict, you should contact the deputy district attorney assigned to the case at least three days before the appearance date and explain your conflict. The name and phone number of the assigned attorney is not necessarily the name on your subpoena. Call the telephone number on the subpoena, and give the case name and number to the receptionist. Your call will be routed either to the assigned attorney, or the Supervising Deputy District Attorney. Do not ignore the subpoena. A subpoena is a court order. Willful failure to appear as ordered is punishable as contempt, and may constitute a crime. If you fail to appear without receiving prior permission from the Deputy District Attorney, a warrant may be issued for your arrest. Back to Subpoena Questions Back to Top |
|
| 2. |
I also received a subpoena from the defendant's attorney to appear as a witness on the same criminal case. Why? The defendant in a criminal case can also compel attendance of witnesses through a subpoena. A subpoena from the defense is also a court order, and willful failure to appear as ordered is also punishable as contempt, and may constitute a crime. You should contact the defense attorney regarding any questions about appearing in court. Back to Subpoena Questions Back to Top |
|
| 3. |
I received a subpoena from both the DA and the defendant's attorney. The District Attorney called and told me I did not have to appear in court. Do I still need to appear on the subpoena from the defense attorney? Yes. If you have received a subpoena from both the prosecution and the defense, you must appear unless both sides release you from the subpoenas. Back to Subpoena Questions Back to Top |
|
| 4. |
I do not want to spend hours in the courthouse waiting to testify. What can I do? Contact the attorney handling the case. Sometimes a witness may be placed "on call," if he or she is able to appear in court within 30 minutes to an hour of a telephone call telling them to come to court. Such arrangements must be made no later than the day before the date stated on the subpoena. Back to Subpoena Questions Back to Top |
|
|
| County Home | Search | Contact Department | Department Home | | New and Announcements | About Us | Services | Sections | Legal Links | |
|
Last Modified 6/25/2008 |
Site Maintained by
da@co.kern.ca.us |
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |