Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Adopted Budget - County of Sonoma

DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Jill R. Ravitch, District Attorney
There are several special revenue funds managed by the District Attorney, most notably the Consumer Protection Fund; the Sonoma
County Auto Theft Taskforce (SONCATT) Fund; and the DA-Family Justice Center Fund. The Consumer Protection Fund retains court
ordered penalties used to help fund enforcement of consumer protection laws. The SONCATT Fund was established to deposit funds
received from a portion of vehicle registration fees, which are utilized for programs that enhance the capacity of local police and
prosecutors to deter, investigate and prosecute vehicle theft crimes.
FY 10-11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Implemented a web-based tool on our website which
allows victims and witnesses of a crime to get
information about their upcoming court dates, which
assists us in meeting our obligations under the
Victims’ Bill of Rights Act of 2008 known as Marsy’s
Law.
• A Marsy's Law policy was enacted to ensure all crime
victims are provided prompt notice concerning the
status of their case, they are treated with fairness, and
their privacy and dignity are guarded and respected.
• On behalf of a broad group of stakeholders
representing city, county, and community-based
organizations, the DA’s Office sought approval from
the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to
implement the Family Justice Center Sonoma County
(FJCSC). The Board authorized the use of the
building located at 2755 Mendocino Avenue, Santa
Rosa. A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of
the site’s renovations. In April 2010, six FJCSC
Advocate staff were hired by partner agencies and
began working with prosecution and law enforcement
partners and 1 Inter-Tribal Council Advocate. The
FJCSC advocate staff have served over 900 victims,
and made over 1,200 referrals to partner agencies.
Partner staff co-location has been enhanced in
advance of opening the FJCSC and victims’ services
being carefully tracked with new software.
• Along with five other counties, the District Attorney’s
office reached a $1.1 million settlement in a civil law
enforcement action filed against Sears and Kmart
stores for charging customers more than the lowest
advertised price for items, and for Kmart’s charging
consumers more for beverage containers than allowed
under the state’s recycling law.
• FY 10-11 restitution orders are in excess of
$5,000,000. This is a direct result of increased
awareness by and communication with our criminal
justice partners.
County of Sonoma
FY 2011-2012 Adopted Budget
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FY 11-12 OBJECTIVES
• Continue collaborating with law enforcement to
enhance prosecution of gang offenses and other violent
crimes. Provide opportunities for newer office members
to work with the most experienced lawyers to build a
successful prosecution team.
• Prosecution teams will continue efforts in Early Case
Resolution Court to resolve less complex cases at the
earliest opportunity and allow for more focused efforts
on complex cases.
• The Elder Protection Unit will vigorously investigate
and prosecute those who prey on elders, handling cases
of sexual and physical abuse, the infliction of mental
abuse, and neglect, as well as residential burglary,
identity theft, fraud, and forgery.
• Prosecute violations of California’s unfair competition
and false advertising laws to protect Sonoma County
citizens, and to maintain a level playing field for our
businesses. Examples of the types of prosecutions, in
both the civil and criminal area include, misleading
telephone solicitations, false advertising, harmful health
products, retail price overcharges, mobile home rent
control, slack fill products, Proposition 65, adulterated
or misbranded products, and public nuisance abatement.
• Continue outreach through education in the schools
with the Gang Resistance Education and Training
(G.R.E.A.T.) and the Gun Information for Teens
(G.I.F.T.) programs and by continued participation in
programs to combat DUIs.
• Complete business requirements for a case management
system that will allow information to be acquired
electronically, and streamline work processes to
efficiently manage cases from entry to completion while
managing with reduced staffing.
• The Family Justice Center Sonoma County, which plans
to provide comprehensive services to family violence
victims through a single access point, will open this
year. Meanwhile, partner agencies are enhancing their
collaboration and co-location of staff to support victims
more efficiently.
Justice Services