District Attorney

The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes criminal violations of law on behalf of the People of the State of California and provides services connected with criminal cases, victims and witnesses, investigations, consumer protection, and court proceedings. This article explains what the District Attorney’s Office handles, how to identify the correct service for a case, where official case information comes from, what victims and witnesses can expect, and how to avoid contacting the wrong agency or relying on the wrong system.

Role of the District Attorney

The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office is the county’s public prosecutorial agency. It represents the interests of the People in the criminal justice system rather than serving as a private attorney for an individual victim, witness, defendant, or other person involved in a case.

The office’s central responsibility is prosecuting people, businesses, and organizations accused of criminal violations committed within San Bernardino County. That jurisdiction includes crimes occurring within city jurisdictions throughout the county. Deputy district attorneys review cases, prepare prosecutions, and present criminal matters in court.

The office also works with law enforcement agencies conducting criminal investigations. Prosecutors may provide legal assistance during investigations, and the District Attorney serves as legal advisor to the grand jury. The office may submit evidence to the grand jury and seek indictments when appropriate.

Other responsibilities can involve civil proceedings connected to criminal enforcement. According to the office’s criminal prosecutions information, these responsibilities include civil commitment petitions involving mentally disordered offenders and sexually violent predators, asset forfeiture proceedings involving proceeds of criminal activity, and actions seeking sanctions or injunctive relief against businesses that create dangerous conditions or violate applicable laws.

Criminal Cases and Prosecutions

Criminal prosecution is the core function most residents associate with the District Attorney’s Office. Cases handled by deputy district attorneys range from property crimes, including theft, burglary, and vandalism, to crimes against persons such as assault and homicide.

The office also maintains specialized prosecution units for cases requiring particular experience or subject-matter knowledge. This structure allows prosecutors and investigators to work on criminal matters that may involve more specialized evidence, investigative techniques, or legal issues.

A person involved in a criminal case should distinguish the prosecutorial role of the District Attorney from the role of the court. The District Attorney prosecutes the criminal case. The Superior Court maintains court proceedings and the official court case system. These are connected parts of the same criminal justice process, but they are not interchangeable agencies or information systems.

Who Is Handling a Case?

Victims and witnesses who need to determine which deputy district attorney has been assigned to a case can contact the District Attorney’s main office. The office states that callers seeking the prosecutor assigned to their case can be forwarded to that deputy district attorney’s extension.

This is different from searching for the status of a court case. An assigned prosecutor is an employee of the District Attorney’s Office, while the official court case record is maintained through the court system. Someone who needs both types of information may therefore need to use two different channels.

Court Case Status

The District Attorney directs users looking for court case information to the San Bernardino County Superior Court’s Odyssey system. The District Attorney’s Courts and Case Information page provides access to court locations and the official case lookup process.

Users should not confuse the District Attorney website’s public news releases or notable case filings with the Superior Court’s case database. The District Attorney specifically states that not all case filings appear on its website. Only filings considered of particular interest to the public and news media are posted there. Absence from the District Attorney’s public case-filings section therefore should not be treated as proof that no court case exists.

For a court case search, the Superior Court case system is the appropriate source. For questions about the prosecutor assigned to a case, the District Attorney’s Office is the appropriate contact.

Subpoenas and Court Appearances

A subpoena is a formal requirement to appear in court. The District Attorney’s court information states that a person who receives a subpoena is required to appear. Failure to appear can result in criminal charges and/or fines.

A subpoena recipient who has concerns about appearing should contact the deputy district attorney assigned to the case. If that is not possible, the District Attorney directs victims and witnesses to contact their victim advocate.

Testimony and cooperation from witnesses can be significant to a prosecution. A person who has never testified before can also use the court-related information provided through the District Attorney’s official site to understand the process before appearing.

Threats Against Victims or Witnesses

A victim or witness who is threatened in connection with a criminal case should notify the deputy district attorney handling the case. The District Attorney states that threats against victims or witnesses are taken seriously and that, when warranted, a criminal investigation may be opened.

This situation is different from an immediate life-threatening emergency. The District Attorney’s law enforcement information directs people facing a life-threatening emergency to call 911.

Victim and Witness Services

The District Attorney’s Bureau of Victim Services provides assistance to crime victims and witnesses throughout the county. The Victim and Witness Services program is intended to make the criminal justice process more understandable and accessible while connecting victims with appropriate support.

Services described by the District Attorney include information or assistance involving:

Victim compensation for qualifying crime victims.
Court locations and court case information.
Court orders.
Victim impact statements.
Parole hearing assistance.
Subpoena information.
Victim rights.
Services for young victims.
Access to victim advocates.

The District Attorney operates victim service centers in several parts of the county so victims do not necessarily have to rely on a single central location.

Work of Victim Advocates

District Attorney victim advocates are trained professionals who support victims and witnesses of crimes. Their work can include emotional support, information about victims’ rights, assistance locating shelter or victim compensation services, and support during criminal justice proceedings.

Victim advocates may accompany victims and witnesses to court appearances, meetings with deputy district attorneys, and other proceedings connected with the criminal justice system. For someone who has received a subpoena or is participating in a prosecution as a victim or witness, the advocate and prosecuting attorney perform different functions. The prosecutor handles the criminal prosecution, while the advocate assists the victim or witness with support and information.

Charges and Victim Requests

One common source of confusion concerns a victim’s ability to “drop charges.” In most criminal cases, charges are brought against the defendant by the State of California. The District Attorney’s Office represents the state in that prosecution.

A victim who wants charges dismissed may discuss that request with the deputy district attorney handling the matter, but the prosecution is not simply a private dispute controlled by the victim. A request from a victim and the prosecutorial decision are not the same thing.

This distinction can prevent delays and frustration. A victim should communicate concerns about the case to the assigned prosecutor rather than assume that withdrawing personal support automatically ends a criminal prosecution.

Restraining Orders and Court Orders

Restraining orders are handled through the courts. The District Attorney’s Office specifically directs people seeking a restraining order to obtain information through the court system.

This is another situation where identifying the responsible agency matters. A pending criminal prosecution may involve the District Attorney, but a person seeking information about obtaining a restraining order should not treat the District Attorney’s prosecutorial office as the court that issues the order.

The Victim Services program also provides information about different types of court orders. Victims who are already working with an advocate can use that relationship for assistance understanding available victim-service information while following the applicable court process.

Bureau of Investigation

The District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation provides investigative services to prosecutors and works with agencies throughout the criminal justice system. Its staff includes sworn peace officers, investigative technicians, trial preparation coordinators, witness coordinators, and other professional personnel.

District Attorney investigators may assist prosecutors by locating witnesses, organizing evidence for trial, and conducting or supporting criminal investigations. The bureau also assists local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

Specialized investigative areas identified by the office include:

Homicides.
Hardcore gangs and career criminals.
High-tech crimes.
Public integrity investigations.
Juvenile crimes.
Major fraud.
Auto insurance and workers’ compensation fraud.
Real estate and consumer fraud.
Child abduction.
Environmental crimes.
Officer-involved shooting response.
Sexually violent predator matters.

Residents should not assume that the Bureau of Investigation replaces local police or the Sheriff’s Department for ordinary crime reporting. The bureau primarily supports prosecution and criminal investigations connected with the District Attorney’s responsibilities.

Reporting Crimes and Incidents

The District Attorney prosecutes criminal cases, while police departments, the Sheriff’s Department, and other investigative agencies generally perform the initial law enforcement investigation. A person who needs to report a crime should therefore distinguish between reporting the incident and communicating with prosecutors after a matter has entered the prosecutorial process.

The District Attorney provides an official list of law enforcement agencies serving the county. It includes municipal police departments, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the California Highway Patrol Inland Division, and law enforcement agencies serving certain educational institutions.

The Sheriff’s Department provides law enforcement service to a number of communities identified by the District Attorney, including Adelanto, Apple Valley, Big Bear Lake, Chino Hills, Grand Terrace, Hesperia, Highland, Loma Linda, Needles, Rancho Cucamonga, Twentynine Palms, Victorville, Yucaipa, and Yucca Valley.

Choosing the appropriate law enforcement agency can help get an incident into the correct investigative process. Once investigators submit a criminal case for prosecutorial consideration, the District Attorney performs its separate review and prosecution role.

Consumer Protection Complaints

The District Attorney also maintains a specialized Consumer Protection Unit. The unit includes deputy district attorneys, investigators, and paralegals who focus on protecting consumers and legitimate businesses from fraudulent, unlawful, or unfair business practices.

The Consumer Protection Unit handles matters that can include false advertising, price-fixing, deceptive sales practices, and other dishonest or unlawful business conduct. Depending on the circumstances, a case may proceed in civil court, criminal court, or both.

Consumers should recognize an important limitation before submitting a complaint. The District Attorney states that nearly all consumer protection complaints are investigated by specialized agencies responsible for the particular type of complaint. When a complaint is submitted to the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit, the office may first refer it to the appropriate investigative agency.

The District Attorney describes itself first and foremost as a prosecutorial agency. Its resources are primarily directed toward prosecuting cases that have already been investigated. The office also states that it cannot provide legal advice.

If someone does not know which agency should receive a particular report, the District Attorney advises contacting the appropriate local law enforcement agency, which can direct the person to the proper agency or, in some circumstances, take a report.

Preparing for District Attorney Contact

The correct preparation depends on why a person is contacting the office. Someone calling about an assigned prosecutor is dealing with a different process from someone searching a Superior Court case, responding to a subpoena, contacting a victim advocate, or reporting a consumer problem.

For an Existing Criminal Case

Use the District Attorney’s Office when the question concerns the prosecutor assigned to the case or communication with the prosecution team. Use the Superior Court case system when the goal is to look up court case status or court information. Keeping those two functions separate avoids relying on a District Attorney news page as though it were the official court docket.

For a Subpoena

Treat the subpoena as a court appearance requirement. If concerns arise about appearing, contact the deputy district attorney assigned to the case or a victim advocate. Do not assume that concerns about attendance cancel the subpoena.

For Victim Assistance

Victims and witnesses can contact a victim service center for support related to the criminal justice process. An advocate can assist with services and information, while the deputy district attorney remains responsible for prosecuting the criminal case.

For a Consumer Complaint

Consider first whether another government investigative agency is responsible for the particular type of business or consumer issue. The Consumer Protection Unit explains that directing a complaint to the specialized agency may save time because many complaints reaching the District Attorney must first be referred for investigation.

Common Service Mistakes

Several mistakes can send residents to the wrong office or create confusion about a criminal matter. The most common problems come from treating separate agencies and systems as though they perform the same function.

Using District Attorney case filings as a complete court search. Publicized filings on the District Attorney website represent only selected cases. Court case status is handled through the Superior Court’s official case system.

Expecting the District Attorney to issue a restraining order. Restraining orders are handled through the courts.

Assuming a victim can automatically terminate criminal charges. Criminal charges are generally brought by the State of California. A victim can discuss dismissal concerns with the assigned prosecutor, but the decision is not simply a private withdrawal of charges.

Ignoring a subpoena while trying to resolve concerns. A subpoena requires an appearance. Concerns should be discussed with the assigned deputy district attorney or victim advocate.

Using the District Attorney as the first reporting agency for every crime. Local police, the Sheriff’s Department, or another appropriate law enforcement agency normally handles the initial criminal report and investigation.

Expecting legal advice from the Consumer Protection Unit. The District Attorney identifies itself as a prosecutorial agency and states that it cannot provide legal advice.

Sending every consumer issue directly to prosecutors. Many consumer complaints are investigated first by specialized government agencies and may be referred there before prosecutorial review.

District Attorney Leadership

Jason Anderson serves as the 36th District Attorney of San Bernardino County. He was elected on June 5, 2018. Before becoming District Attorney, Anderson served as a San Bernardino County deputy district attorney from 1998 through 2014 and handled serious criminal matters, including extensive work involving crimes against children.

The District Attorney’s stated mission emphasizes respect for the rule of law, collaboration with the public, law enforcement, and the judiciary, accountability for criminal conduct, support for crime victims, responsible stewardship of public resources, and equal justice for people involved in the criminal justice system.

The office is supported by deputy district attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, administrative and clerical employees, law clerks, and other professional staff. Together, these groups handle prosecution, investigations, victim assistance, case preparation, administration, and related services throughout the geographically large county.

District Attorney Offices and Centers

San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office
303 West 3rd Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0502
909-382-3800

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Victim Services Center
400 North Pepper Avenue, Colton, CA 92424
909-580-1443

Joshua Tree Victim Services Center
6527 White Feather Road, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
760-366-5740

Rancho Cucamonga Victim Services Center
8303 Haven Avenue, 4th Floor, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
909-945-4241

San Bernardino Victim Services Center
303 W. 3rd Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415
909-382-3846

Victorville Victim Services Center
15371 Civic Dr., 1st Floor, Victorville, CA 92392
760-552-6947

District Attorney FAQs

Can I speak with a victim advocate online?

Yes. The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office offers a Digital Victim Advocate program for victims and witnesses who want to connect with an advocate online. The program was created to make assistance available without requiring an in-person visit to a victim service center. Victim advocates can help explain available services, victims’ rights, court-related concerns, compensation resources, and other issues connected with participating in the criminal justice process. More information is available through the District Attorney’s Victim and Witness Services section.

Where can a crime victim learn about restitution?

The District Attorney’s court information includes guidance for victims seeking to understand restitution and the procedures involved in recovering eligible losses. Restitution is separate from general victim compensation and may depend on the circumstances of the criminal case. Victims looking specifically for restitution information can start with the official Courts and Case Information section, which directs users to the county’s restitution information and related court guidance.

Are District Attorney investigation policies available to the public?

Yes. The Bureau of Investigation publishes certain materials for public access, including publications required under California Assembly Bill 481 concerning military equipment. The bureau also makes its employee manual, District Attorney policy manual, and retiree concealed-carry packet available through its official Bureau of Investigation page. These materials can be useful for people researching bureau procedures, policies, and publicly disclosed equipment information.

Does the District Attorney offer programs for schools and the community?

Yes. The office operates educational and prevention programs that address issues connected with public safety and the justice system. Programs described by the county include the DUI Court in School Project, Let’s End Truancy, Mock Trial, and Camp Good Grief. Eligibility and participation vary by program, so residents, schools, and organizations should review the official community programs information before planning to participate.