FAQs
- Can I report a crime to the DA's Office?
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In most cases, crimes must be reported to the police department or other law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the city or county where the crime occurred. For example, if the crime occurred in Napa, it should be reported to the Napa Police Department (the Corrections department line is 707-253-4401).
If the crime was committed in the unincorporated area of the county or where the Sheriff is the contracting law enforcement agency (call 707-253-4509 for the Sheriff's Office), the crime should be reported to the Sheriff; however, there are certain exceptions. Specifically, crimes involving consumer fraud or the unlawful discharge of hazardous materials may be reported to the District Attorney's Consumer Fraud or the Environmental Crimes section (the DA's number is 707-253-4211). In addition, crimes involving misconduct by public officials may be reported to the District Attorney's Investigators.
- Does the District Attorney's Office have a law clerk program, internships or volunteering opportunities?
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Yes, we do! Follow the link for more information regarding the following internship or volunteer opportunities in the Napa County District Attorney's Office: Law Clerk Program, Victim Services Program, and Administration of Justice Program.
- Can I talk to District Attorney Haley? I think she's the person who is working on my case since her name appears on documents in my case.
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Allison Haley is the District Attorney of Napa County and, as such, her name appears on all court documents just above the name of the prosecutor who prepared the document. In addition, Allison Haley's name appears on almost all office correspondence just above the signature of the employee who wrote the letter.
The person who actually signed the court document or letter is the person to contact. Should you need to speak to Allison Haley personally or another member of the management team, her executive secretary can forward your message and give you an appropriate response thereafter. Call 707-253-4211 for more information.
- I am a defendant and I don't like the attorney who is representing me. Can I talk to you or one of your deputies about my case?
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No. All attorneys are governed by a code of ethics that prevents them from speaking directly to anyone who has an attorney. As long as you are represented by an attorney, we may speak only to your attorney. Any questions that you have about your case need to be answered by your attorney.
- I am a defendant and I want to get a copy of the police report. How do I get a copy? Is there any cost?
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If you are a defendant in a criminal case and you have an attorney, he or she will be provided a copy of the police report(s) after making a general appearance. If you choose to represent yourself (Pro Per), and it is stated on the record, a copy of your police report will be provided to you by our Discovery Unit. We cannot provide police reports to anyone until after the arraignment. If you have a warrant for your arrest, you must clear this up with the courts, and get a court date before a police report can be obtained.
Please call our office at 707-253-4211 for more information.
- I am the victim in a domestic violence case and I want to drop charges. Can I do that?
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The decision to drop charges in any criminal prosecution can only be made by a prosecutor with the approval of a judge. Should you so desire, you may express your opinion in a written letter and send it to the attention of the Domestic Violence Division. However, please be aware that the victim's wishes alone do not dictate whether or not a case will be filed or dismissed.
- I was the victim of a crime. Can you tell me the defendant's next court date?
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The DA's Office can provide you with the next court date if we have filed charges against the defendant. To obtain this information, call the District Attorney's main line at 707-253-4211 for assistance. Our Victim Services Division may also help obtain this information for you and can be reached by calling 707-299-1414.
- I was the victim of a violent crime. Will the DA's Office pay for my hospital bill and my lost wages?
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The DA's Office cannot pay for your expenses, however, you may be eligible for assistance through the California Victim Compensation Program (Cal VCP) for medical costs, lost income, counseling and other non-reimbursed, crime-related expenses. Contact our Victim Services Division at 707-299-1414 for more information and assistance with filing a Cal VCP application.
- I have been subpoenaed by the District Attorney to appear as a witness in a criminal case. Is there a phone number to call or a web site to find out if I need to appear?
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If you have a date conflict you should contact the Deputy District Attorney handling the case before the appearance date and discuss your conflict. The subpoena contains the name and telephone number of the Deputy District Attorney responsible for the subpoena.
Call our office at (707) 253-4282 after 5:00 PM on the preceding business day to learn if the court date for a jury trial or preliminary hearing has been canceled. As an alternative, you can visit the Napa County Superior Court Web site after 5:00 PM on the preceding business day to search the Court Calendar information.
- I have been subpoenaed by the District Attorney to appear as a witness in a criminal case. What if I can't attend on the date?
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If you have a date conflict you should contact the Deputy District Attorney handling the case before the appearance date and discuss your conflict. The subpoena contains the name and telephone number of the Deputy District Attorney responsible for the subpoena.
Call our office at (707) 253-4211 if you have questions.
- Who do I call to get more information about why I am being subpoenaed?
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Witnesses are not limited to eye witnesses. You may not have seen the crime happen, but you may know something about it, such as where a piece of evidence was found or have other information that is important to the case. If you have questions about why you were ordered to testify in a particular case, you can contact the deputy district attorney listed on the subpoena for more information at (707) 253-4211.
- How do I file a domestic violence complaint with your office?
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Contact your local law enforcement agency. They are responsible for the investigation of domestic violence cases. Our Domestic Violence Unit will review the investigation report and file a criminal complaint, if appropriate. Call our office 707-253-4211 if you have questions.
- What if I want to file a Small Claims case against a merchant?
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If you want to file a small claims court case, you can go to the Small Claims Court for the necessary forms. If you have questions, you may call the Small Claims Court Advisor at 707-253-4524. The Small Claims Advisor is available by telephone only, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. For more information please visit: Small Claims | Napa County Superior Court (ca.gov).
- What is statutory rape?
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Statutory rape is unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor (under 18 years of age), who is not the spouse of the perpetrator.
- Do we prosecute every case?
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No. We evaluate each case independently to determine if criminal charges are appropriate.
- What are we doing in Napa County about these cases?
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Statutory rape cases are aggressively prosecuted in the county. If you know of a teen that is involved in a sexual relationship with an older adult, or an adult who is involved with a teen, contact your local law enforcement agency. The District Attorney's number for more information is 707-253-4211.