San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office Overview
The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office is committed to upholding justice and protecting the rights of all individuals within San Mateo County. Our mission is to ensure public safety, hold criminals accountable, and provide compassionate support to victims and their families.
Established in 1856, the District Attorney’s Office has a long and distinguished history of serving the community. Notable milestones include the successful prosecution of high-profile cases, the implementation of innovative programs to address crime prevention, and the establishment of specialized units to handle complex legal matters.
Office Structure
The District Attorney’s Office is organized into several divisions and departments, each with a specific focus and area of expertise. These divisions include:
- Criminal Division: Responsible for prosecuting criminal offenses, including felonies and misdemeanors.
- Civil Division: Represents the County in civil litigation and provides legal advice to County departments.
- Juvenile Division: Handles cases involving minors, including delinquency and dependency matters.
- Victim Services Division: Provides support and advocacy to victims of crime, including witness assistance and crisis intervention.
Responsibilities of the District Attorney
The District Attorney (DA) serves as the chief prosecutor for a county or district, bearing a multifaceted role in upholding justice and safeguarding the rights of victims. Their primary responsibilities encompass:
Prosecuting Criminal Cases
The DA’s central duty is to prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the people. This involves investigating crimes, gathering evidence, filing charges, and presenting cases in court. The DA aims to ensure that justice is served by holding offenders accountable and protecting the community from harm.
Representing the County in Legal Matters
Beyond criminal prosecution, the DA represents the county in civil lawsuits and provides legal advice to county officials. They safeguard the county’s interests in various legal matters, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
Upholding Justice and Protecting Victims’ Rights
The DA plays a crucial role in upholding justice by pursuing criminal cases diligently and seeking appropriate punishments for offenders. They prioritize the rights of victims, ensuring that their voices are heard and that they receive support throughout the legal process.
Process of Criminal Prosecution
The criminal prosecution process involves several stages:
- Investigation: Law enforcement investigates the crime and gathers evidence.
- Arrest: If sufficient evidence is found, the suspect is arrested.
- Filing of Charges: The DA files formal charges against the suspect.
- Arraignment: The suspect appears in court to hear the charges and enter a plea.
- Pretrial Motions: The DA and defense attorney file motions to prepare for trial.
- Trial: The DA presents evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Verdict: The jury renders a verdict, determining the defendant’s guilt or innocence.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the DA recommends an appropriate sentence to the court.
Current District Attorney and Key Staff
The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office is led by District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. Wagstaffe has a distinguished career in law enforcement and prosecution, with over 30 years of experience. He previously served as the District Attorney of Santa Cruz County and as a Deputy District Attorney in San Mateo County. Wagstaffe is known for his commitment to justice and his dedication to protecting the rights of victims.
Key staff members within the District Attorney’s Office include:
- Chief Assistant District Attorney Karen Guidotti: Supervises the operations of the office and provides legal advice to the District Attorney.
- Assistant District Attorney Melissa McKowan: Oversees the prosecution of major crimes, including homicides and sexual assaults.
- Assistant District Attorney Brian Owens: Handles juvenile cases and provides training to law enforcement officers on juvenile justice issues.
- Assistant District Attorney Sean Gallagher: Prosecutes environmental crimes and represents the county in civil litigation.
- Victim Services Coordinator Christina Smith: Provides support and assistance to victims of crime and their families.
The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office is located at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063. The phone number is (650) 363-4600.
Notable Cases and Accomplishments
The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office has successfully prosecuted numerous high-profile and complex cases, making a significant impact on the community. The office has also received recognition for its innovative approaches and special initiatives.
One notable case was the prosecution of a serial rapist who targeted multiple women in the county. Through meticulous investigation and DNA evidence, the office secured a conviction and life sentence for the perpetrator, bringing justice to the victims and closure to the community.
Awards and Recognition
The office has received numerous awards for its work, including the California District Attorneys Association’s Prosecutor of the Year Award. The office has also been recognized for its innovative use of technology and its focus on victim advocacy.
Special Initiatives
The office has implemented several special initiatives to address specific community needs. These include a Domestic Violence Unit, a Hate Crimes Unit, and a Community Prosecution Unit that works closely with community organizations to address neighborhood concerns.
Community Involvement and Outreach
The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the importance of fostering a strong connection with the community it serves. Through various initiatives and partnerships, the office strives to engage with residents, address their concerns, and work collaboratively to promote safety and well-being.
Crime Prevention Programs
- The office collaborates with local schools and youth organizations to provide educational programs on topics such as bullying, cyberbullying, and gang prevention.
- Neighborhood Watch programs are supported and encouraged to foster community involvement in crime prevention efforts.
Victim Support Services
- The office’s Victim-Witness Assistance Program provides support and resources to victims of crime, including crisis intervention, legal guidance, and referrals to social services.
- Specialized units focus on supporting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse.
Public Education Campaigns
- The office launches public education campaigns to raise awareness about important legal issues, such as distracted driving, identity theft, and elder fraud.
- Community forums and town hall meetings are held to engage residents and gather feedback on public safety concerns.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The District Attorney’s Office works closely with other agencies and organizations, including law enforcement, social service providers, and community groups. These partnerships enhance the office’s ability to address complex issues and provide comprehensive support to the community.
