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F.A.Q.
Q: Can a person write a statement and forward it to the District Attorney’s Office regarding a crime they witnessed?
Q: Can I report a crime to the DA’s office?
Q: If a defendant pleads guilty, do I have any input in the case?
Q: I want to participate in an inmate’s parole hearing. Whom should I contact?
Q: Is the defendant going to be present when I testify?
Q: Why am I a witness? I didn't see the crime occur.
Q: If I am a victim of domestic violence and want to drop the charges, can I?
Q: I want a restraining order to keep my [husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend, or other person] away from me. Will the DA’s Office do this for me?
Q: In court, the judge ordered the defendant to pay restitution to me. So far, I haven’t received anything. Who can help me?
Q: How do I get copies of trial transcripts?
 

Q: Can a person write a statement and forward it to the District Attorney’s Office regarding a crime they witnessed?
A: Crimes should be reported to the police department or law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the city or county where the crime occurred.
 
Q: Can I report a crime to the DA’s office?
A: In most cases, crimes must be reported to the police department or law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the city or county where the crime occurred. For example, if the crime occurred in Santa Ana, it should be reported to the Santa Ana Police Department. If the crime was committed in any unincorporated area of Orange County, or in an area where the Orange County Sheriff is the contracting law enforcement agency (e.g., San Clemente), the crime should be reported to the Sheriff’s Department. There are, however, certain exceptions. Specifically, crimes involving consumer fraud or the unlawful discharge of hazardous materials may be reported to the District Attorney’s Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit. In addition, complaints involving misconduct by public officials or voting law violations may be reported in writing to the District Attorney’s Special Projects Unit. Reports of misconduct on the part of law enforcement officers should be reported to the internal affairs or professional standards section of the law enforcement agency with which the officer is employed.
 
Q: If a defendant pleads guilty, do I have any input in the case?
A: Victims of crime may prepare a Victim Impact Statement.  This statement will be considered by the deputy district attorney and the judge when determining the appropriate penalty.
 
Q: I want to participate in an inmate’s parole hearing. Whom should I contact?
A: Board of Prison Terms at (916) 445-4072 or Victim Services at (916) 327-5933428
Mailing address: P.O. Box 4036,  Sacramento, CA 95812.
 
Q: Is the defendant going to be present when I testify?
A: Yes.  The defendant must be present in court to hear what all the witnesses say about him or her.  The lawyer for the defendant is called the defense attorney and is allowed to ask you questions related to the case.
 
Q: Why am I a witness? I didn't see the crime occur.
A: Witnesses are not limited to "eyewitnesses". You may have seen the crime happen or may know something about it. You may also know something about a piece of evidence, or may know something that contradicts another witness’ testimony. If you wonder why you are testifying in a particular case, ask the prosecutor handling it.
 
Q: If I am a victim of domestic violence and want to drop the charges, can I?
A: Many people incorrectly believe a victim of crime has the power to “press charges” and “drop the charges” against a defendant. The District Attorney’s Office prosecutes crimes on behalf of the State of California. The decision to drop charges in any criminal prosecution can only be made by a prosecutor with the approval of a judge. The victim’s wishes will be considered, but the final determination of whether or not the charges will be filed or dismissed rests with the District Attorney’s Office. If you would like to discuss your case, you should contact the deputy district attorney assigned to your case who may arrange a meeting between you, the prosecutor, and an investigator.
 
Q: I want a restraining order to keep my [husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend, or other person] away from me. Will the DA’s Office do this for me?
A: It depends. If there are no pending criminal charges, you may choose to consult a private attorney. If you do not have an attorney, you can call the Lawyer Referral Service which is operated by the Orange County Bar Association at (949) 440-6700. Also, the Victim/Witness Assistance Program may be able to assist you in obtaining a domestic violence restraining order. Contact the Domestic Violence Assistance Program located at the Lamoreaux Justice Center in the City of Orange. Their phone number is (714) 935-7956. If criminal charges are pending against your husband/wife, etc., the District Attorney’s Office generally requests a criminal protective order pending resolution of the case. Protective orders are granted at the discretion of the court. Oftentimes the District Attorney’s Office will request a criminal protective order as part of a defendant’s sentencing. If you are being abused, you should contact your local police agency to file a report. The police agency may also assist you in obtaining an emergency protective order.
 
Q: In court, the judge ordered the defendant to pay restitution to me. So far, I haven’t received anything. Who can help me?
A: If the defendant was placed on “formal” probation, you should call the Orange County Probation Department Restitution Unit at (714) 935-7411. You will need to provide the defendant’s name and the criminal case number. If the defendant was placed on “informal” probation, you should contact the Victim/Witness Assistance Program at the courthouse where the case was heard. If the defendant was sentenced to prison, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation can legally withhold a portion of his or her prison earnings and/or trust account deposits to pay restitution. To have this done, the court must have entered an order for a specific amount of restitution to be paid to you by the defendant. Additionally, you will need to complete a Victim Services and Restitution Collection Request Form (CDC Form 1707) so that monies collected can be disbursed to you. To obtain this form or for more information contact the Department of Corrections, Office of Victim Services and Restitution at (877) 256-6877, the Victim/Witness Assistance Program Restitution Services, or the California Victims of Crime Compensation Program.
 
Q: How do I get copies of trial transcripts?
A: You can request a copy of a trial transcript.  There is a fee for this service.  Please contact Court Reporter Services at (657) 622-7292 or visit their website at https://www.occourts.org/directory/cris/reporter-transcripts.html.
 
 


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