The Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit files and prosecutes cases civilly and/or criminally. The cases may involve unfair or unlawful business practices, deceptive advertising, environmental prosecution, or red-light abatement.

Any inquiries from the public or members of the bar should be directed to unit attorneys. However, we encourage the referral of clients for screening through the Consumer Mediation Section of the unit

Members of this unit provide public education by giving talks to schools, service clubs and other groups.

Staff is trained to assist the public in the following areas:

•  Answering questions concerning consumer rights and consumer protection laws, and landlord/tenant laws

•  Making appropriate referrals to other governmental agencies

•  Mediating between consumer and local businesses, and tenants and landlords

•  Obtaining and distributing information on consumer issues

Consumer assistance is available from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at (805) 654-3110 or (805) 654-3180.

An advisor is available to assist in the following areas:

•  Procedural information

•  Case evaluation

•  Evidence requirements

•  Defense of claims and counter suits

•  Appellate rights

•  Judgment enforcement and collection procedures

An advisor is available in person on a first-come/first-serve basis Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and again from 1:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., and by telephone at 654-5054, Monday through Friday during the same hours.

Special Investigations primarily includes governmental crime, charges of misconduct or corruption by public officials, and other investigations designated by the District Attorney. Such investigations may include Brown Act violations, Political Reform Act violations, bribery of public officials, theft by public employees, and cases of police official misconduct. We encourage members of the local bar and the public to refer suspected case of governmental crime or official misconduct to this unit for investigation.