Criminal Prosecutions

Criminal ProsecutionsSteve2022-08-31T13:41:47-08:00

Adult Sexual Assault (ASAP)

Prosecutes sexual offenses involving victims age 14 and older, including many forcible sexual assaults and “statutory rape” cases. ASAP works with the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), which includes law enforcement, WEAVE counselors and medical professionals specially trained in the collection of sexual assault evidence.

Animal Cruelty Unit

This unit and the regional Sacramento Animal Cruelty Task Force was formed to address animal abuse throughout Sacramento County. This specialized unit will result in consistent and skilled vertical prosecution of these offenders.

Career Criminal Prosecution

Focuses on criminal recidivists who commit robbery and residential burglary, with the goal of seeking maximum sentences consistent with justice for multiple and repeat offenders. This unit includes subunits: Targeting Armed Recidivist Gangsters Enforcement Team (TARGET) and Vehicle Theft.

Community Prosecution Unit

Prosecutors work in neighborhoods throughout the city and county, creating partnerships with citizens, law enforcement, community groups, and businesses to proactively address quality of life issues such as blight, prostitution, graffiti, and homelessness.

Cyber Crimes

Prosecutes crimes committed against children using the Internet or social media, including the possession or distribution of child pornography. The unit also handles financial crimes by use of computer devices.

Domestic Violence (Elder Abuse & Human Trafficking)

Attorneys, victim advocates, investigators and support staff are all involved in the prosecution of domestic violence cases, elder abuse and human trafficking. Cases include sexual abuse, physical abuse, stalking and restraining order violations.

Felony Bureau

Handles felony cases not assigned to a specialized unit, including thefts, assaults, three strikes offenses, robbery, burglary, firearms charges, manslaughter and attempted murder. The phases of felony prosecutions are: Superior Court Review (pretrial court appearances), Preliminary Hearing and Felony Trial Teams. Collaborative Courts are also under this unit.

Gangs & Hate Crimes

Vertically prosecutes street gang offenders, targeting gang-related violent felonies, and hate and bias-related criminal conduct. The team collaborates with other agencies to share information about gang trends and develop investigative strategies to aid prosecution of these crimes.

Homicides

Prosecutes murders, cold-case homicides, vehicular homicides, and similar unlawful killings. These cases involve heinous crimes, often entailing substantial follow-up investigation, trial preparation, and the use of cutting edge forensic DNA analysis and evidence.

Juvenile

Prosecutes minors who engage in criminal activity. The goal is to preserve and strengthen the minor’s family ties whenever possible, removing the minor from the custody of his/her parents only when necessary for his/her welfare or for the safety of the public. The Sacramento Superior Court created a video on juvenile court proceedings.

Major Narcotics

Prosecutes the county’s largest drug cases, including clandestine methamphetamine labs, transportation, sales and possession for sale of controlled substances. The unit has a 24/7 on-call service for narcotics enforcement agencies to review search warrants and handles Asset Forfeitures, depriving drug dealers of their illegally attained gains.

Misdemeanor Court Review

Handles the misdemeanor calendar departments and all misdemeanor appeals. The unit utilizes a large number of interns who gain a valuable experience and a broad view of a trial lawyer’s responsibilities and how the office operates.

Misdemeanor Jury Trials

Handles all misdemeanor cases set for trial in Sacramento. This unit also appears for special calendars including writs and W&I 6500 petitions.

Prison Crimes

Prosecutes crimes committed at state prison facilities in Sacramento County. This includes crimes committed by inmates, staff and visitors as well as state prison inmates in transit or in escape status.

Public Assistance Fraud

Prosecutes all fraud, including aid ineligibility, non-existing dependents, forgery, duplicate aid, food stamp trafficking or employee fraud. Fraud allegations are investigated by the Department of Human Assistance. Report fraud to 916.875.8909 or Public Integrity website.

Special Assault and Child Abuse

Prosecutes crimes committed against the most vulnerable victims: children. This unit works closely with victim advocates to ensure cases progress efficiently while providing support for the victims.

TARGET

The Targeting Armed Recidivist Gangsters Enforcement Team (TARGET) prosecutes violent armed recidivists and current validated gang members who present the highest level of threat to the community. TARGET collaborates with law enforcement to intercept and convict individuals before they injure or kill another citizen.

Vehicle Theft

Prosecutes serious vehicle theft crimes, including carjackings, “chop shops,” two strikes vehicle thefts, vehicle thefts involving high-speed chases that result in injury or death and vehicle thefts committed by individuals who have already been convicted of vehicle theft at least twice.