District Attorney FAQ

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FAQ – General Information

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:

3701 N. Sillect Ave.
Bakersfield, California 93308
(661) 868-6500

DCSS also maintains an office at:

400 North China Lake Blvd.
Ridgecrest, California 93555

Call (866) 901-3212 for additional locations.
How can I file a complaint about how your office handled a case?

You may send an e-mail to

da@kernda.org

or write a letter to:

Cynthia Zimmer, District Attorney
1215 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, California 93301

Can I report a crime directly to the Kern County District Attorney's Office?

How do I contact the Grand Jury?

The Grand Jury is a separate governmental entity from the District Attorney. Contact the Grand Jury.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Someone claiming to be from the District Attorney's Office wants to ask me some questions. How do I know they really are from your Office?

Every investigator, investigative aide and attorney employed by this Office is issued official identification. Ask to see it.
The court ordered that the defendant in a criminal case pay restitution to me. How do I enforce the order?
Learn more about restitution rights.
Learn more about restitution collection.

Community	Where to Report Crime
Bakersfield	Bakersfield Police Department
Arvin Bear Valley Springs California City Delano Ridgecrest Shafter Stallion Springs Taft	Local Police Department
Maricopa Tehachapi Wasco Any unincorporated area	Kern County Sheriff's Office

View the Restitution Order Reference Letter (PDF).

How do I find out if a defendant in a case is currently in custody (in jail)?

How do I report suspected Welfare Fraud?

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FAQ – Subpoenas

I received a subpoena from the District Attorney's Office to appear as a witness in a criminal case. 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.
I received a subpoena from the District Attorney's Office to appear as a witness in a criminal case. 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.
I received a subpoena from both the D.A. 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.
I received a subpoena from the District Attorney's Office to appear as a witness in a criminal case. 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.

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