Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report a crime to the District Attorney's Office?
In most cases, a crime must be reported to the police department or other law enforcement agency which has jurisdiction over the city or county where the crime occurred.
For example, if the crime occurred in Hanford or Lemoore, it should be reported to the Hanford Police Department or the Lemoore Police Department. If the crime was committed in the unincorporated area of Kings County, the crime should be reported to the Sheriff's Office. However, there are certain exceptions. Crimes involving consumer fraud, bad checks, insurance fraud and environmental crimes should be reported directly to the District Attorney's.
I am the victim in a domestic violence case and I want to drop charges? Can I do this?
The decision to drop charges in any criminal prosecution can only be made by a Deputy District Attorney with the approval of a judge. A victim's wishes will be considered, but the final determination as to whether or not charges will be filed or dismissed rests with the District Attorney's Office.
How do I file a domestic violence complaint with your office?
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 any appropriate criminal charges.
In court, the judge ordered the defendant to pay me restitution, but I have not received anything. Can anyone help me?
Call the Probation Department at (559) 582-3211 ext. 2850 and ask for the probation officer assigned to your case. The officer can help you get your money if restitution was a condition of the defendant's probation.
I think I have been cheated by a contractor, tradesman or other person who provides labor or services. Can the District Attorney's Office help me?
The District Attorney's Office may be able to help or they may refer you to an agency that can help you. The District Attorney's Office also helps consumers who have been victims of false or misleading advertising and unlawful business practices.
I am a merchant. Can the District Attorney's Office help me collect on a bad check?
The District Attorney's Office has established the Bad Check Restitution Program which may be able to help you. For further information, phone (559) 582-0326. You may also obtain further information by linking to Check Restitution on the Home Page.
I want a divorce. I also want help obtaining child support for my children. Can the District Attorney help me?
The District Attorney cannot provide legal advice or take legal action on your divorce. You should consult with your lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, you can contact the Kings County Bar Association at (530) 626-4906 for a referral.
While in the past the District Attorney was able to help you obtain child support, effective July 1, 2002, California state law removed this authority from the District Attorney and created a separate agency called the Department of Child Support Services. While the District Attorney cannot help you with child support establishment or collection, it is very likely that this new agency can.
You can reach them by calling(559) 584-1425 or go to the Child Support Services website.
I have been subpoenaed by the District Attorney to appear as a witness in a criminal case. Can I get witness fees? What if I can't attend on the date stated in the subpoena?
Whether a witness receives any witness fee is within the discretion of the court. A court can order that you receive witness fees (not to exceed $18 per day) plus reasonable and necessary expenses after testifying. If you have a conflict with the date on the subpoena, contact the Deputy District Attorney handling the case before the appearance date and discuss your conflict. You may obtain this information by calling (559) 582-0326.
I was cited and released by the police. Can you tell me if the District Attorney filed charges against me?
To find out whether charges have been filed against you, call the District Attorney's Office at (559) 582-0326.
Can I talk to Mr. Calhoun? I think he's handling my case since his name is on all the documents.
Mr. Calhoun is the Kings County District Attorney and his name appears on most court documents in your case. Mr. Calhoun's name also appears on most District Attorney's Office correspondence in your case just above the signature of the employee who wrote the letter. The person working on your case is most likely the person who actually signed the court document or letter. This is the person you should contact.
I am a defendant and I don't like the attorney representing me. Can I talk to you or one of your deputies about my case?
No. All attorneys are governed by a code of ethics which 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 should be answered by your attorney.
I have a complaint about your office. How do I contact you and will you respond?
Please write to the Kings County District Attorney's Office, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd., Hanford, Ca 93230. Mr. Calhoun or someone in authority, will contact you in writing, telephone, or schedule an appointment. |
