Vertical Prosecution
What is Vertical Prosecution?
Vertical prosecution is a specialized approach to handling criminal cases where the same prosecutor is assigned to a case from its initiation through its resolution. This method ensures consistency, builds stronger relationships with victims and witnesses, and enhances the effectiveness of case preparation and prosecution. The vertical prosecution approach ensures victims, witnesses, and law enforcement officers involved in a case have one point of contact from the beginning of the process through the end.
Humboldt County District Attorney's Vertical Prosecution Teams
The Humboldt County District Attorney's Office employs vertical prosecution in several specialized units to address complex and sensitive cases. These teams include:
- Elder and Vulnerable Adult Services Team (EVAST): Focuses on cases involving elder abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect of vulnerable adults.
- Organized Retail Theft Vertical Prosecution Team (ORT-VPT): Handles cases related to organized retail theft, ensuring a coordinated response to this growing issue.
- Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Units (DV/SA): Specializes in prosecuting cases of domestic violence and sexual assault, providing support to victims throughout the legal process.
- Violence Against Women Unit (VAWU): Investigates and prosecutes crimes that threaten women’s safety and autonomy—ranging from domestic violence and sexual assault to stalking and human trafficking.
- Environmental and Narcotics Protection Unit (ENU): Investigates and prosecutes offenses threatening environmental integrity and narcotics laws—ranging from illegal dumping to drug trafficking.
- Fraud Investigations Unit (FIU): Investigates and prosecutes offenses that violate financial trust—ranging from identity theft and embezzlement to complex fraud schemes.
Each team works closely with law enforcement, community partners, and other stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and effective response to crime.
About Us
The Humboldt County District Attorney's Office and Adult Protective Services (APS) created the Elder and Vulnerable Adult Services Team (EVAST) to combat elder and vulnerable adult abuse. EVAST addresses cases involving physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, exploitation, neglect, and abandonment, whether committed by family, caregivers, or staff at care facilities.
Our Approach
Using a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) model, EVAST enhances safety for elders and vulnerable adults. The team includes APS Coordinators, Social Workers, Public Health Nurses, Investigators, and Deputy District Attorneys, collaborating with:
- Law Enforcement
- Tribal Partners
- Public Guardian
- Mental Health Services
- Healthcare Agencies
To provide quality service, the team participates in specialized training with emphasis on helping vulnerable individuals.
Our Goals
- Ensure safety and well-being of elders and vulnerable adults.
- Investigate abuse and neglect cases.
- Address financial abuse.
- Prosecute abuse cases.
- Improve access to services and support for those at risk.
How to Report Elder Abuse
Contact Humboldt County Adult Protective Services at 707.476.2100 if you or someone you know may be a victim.
About Us
The Humboldt County District Attorney's Office established the Organized Retail Theft - Vertical Prosecution Team (ORT) to combat the growing issue of organized retail theft in the region. The ORT focuses on addressing complex, large-scale theft operations that impact local businesses, communities, and the economy. By using a vertical prosecution model, the team ensures consistency and accountability throughout the legal process.
Our Approach
The ORT operates with a comprehensive and collaborative strategy to tackle organized retail theft. Key elements of the approach include:
- Vertical Prosecution Model: A dedicated prosecutor handles each case from start to finish, providing a single point of contact for victims, witnesses, and law enforcement.
- Collaboration with Law Enforcement: The team works closely with local police departments, sheriff’s offices, and other agencies to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft cases.
- Partnerships with Retailers: The team engages with local businesses to improve reporting, evidence collection, and prevention strategies.
- Specialized Training: Team members receive training on retail theft trends, evidence gathering, and legal strategies to effectively address crime.
Our Goals
- Dismantle organized retail theft rings operating in Humboldt County.
- Prosecute offenders.
- Reduce the impact of retail theft on local businesses and communities.
- Enhance cooperation between law enforcement, retailers, and the District Attorney’s Office.
- Promote public awareness and prevention of retail theft.
How to Report Organized Retail Theft
If you suspect organized retail theft activity, contact the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office or your local law enforcement agency. Retailers can also collaborate with the ORT to develop strategies for preventing theft and improving security.
About Us
The Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office established the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Unit (DVSAU) to provide specialized, trauma-informed prosecution and support for survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual crimes. By marrying legal expertise with victim-centered advocacy, the DVSAU ensures safety, accountability, and healing throughout the justice process.
Our Approach
- Vertical Prosecution Model: A single, dedicated prosecutor guides each case from charging through resolution, maintaining continuity for survivors, law enforcement, and advocates.
- Victim-Centered Services: The DVSAU collaborates closely with victim-witness advocates to develop safety plans, connect survivors to counseling and shelter, and streamline access to compensation programs.
- Law Enforcement Partnerships: We work hand-in-glove with specialized domestic violence and sexual assault detectives in local police agencies and the Sheriff’s Office to gather evidence, conduct forensic interviews, and assess risk.
- Community Resource Collaboration: Formal links with shelters, mental-health providers, legal aid organizations, and crisis hotlines ensure survivors receive wraparound care.
- Specialized Training: Prosecutors and staff complete ongoing instruction in trauma-informed interviewing, forensic evidence collection, risk assessment, and courtroom advocacy to maximize survivor safety and case effectiveness.
Our Goals
- Enhance survivor safety by securing restraining orders, protective orders, and supportive services
- Hold offenders accountable through thorough investigation and vigorous prosecution
- Reduce repeat offenses by integrating risk assessment, offender monitoring, and restorative justice options when appropriate
- Increase community awareness and prevention through outreach, education, and training for law enforcement and service providers
- Strengthen interagency coordination for a holistic response to domestic violence and sexual assault
How to Report Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, contact the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office:
- In an emergency, dial 911 or reach out to your local police department
- Call our Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline at 707.445.7411, ext. 6
- Submit confidential tips and documentation online at humboldtgov.org/255/Domestic-Violence
- Access 24/7 crisis support, shelter, and advocacy through local partners listed at https://humboldtgov.org/1360/Victim-Witness-Assistance-Program
About Us
The Violence Against Women Unit (VAWU) at the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office is dedicated to addressing crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other forms of violence against women. This specialized unit works tirelessly to ensure justice, support survivors, and prevent further harm to individuals and the community.
Our Approach
VAWU employs a trauma-informed and survivor-centered approach to prosecuting cases of violence against women. The unit focuses on collaboration and expertise to tackle these sensitive and complex cases effectively, partnering with:
- Local Law Enforcement: To investigate crimes and ensure survivors’ safety.
- Advocacy Organizations: To provide survivors with emotional support, legal guidance, and access to resources.
- Healthcare Professionals: To address medical needs and collect forensic evidence.
- Community Partners: To develop prevention programs and raise awareness.
The unit’s team, which includes experienced prosecutors and victim advocates, receives specialized training on issues such as trauma response, victim rights, and navigating the complexities of interpersonal violence cases.
Our Goals
- Hold offenders accountable through skilled and consistent prosecution.
- Ensure survivors are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect throughout the legal process.
- Advocate for the safety and long-term well-being of survivors.
- Work to prevent violence against women through education, outreach, and community engagement.
- Strengthen partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders to enhance support services.
How to Report Violence Against Women
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence and is in urgent need, contact 9-1-1.
You can also reach out to your local law enforcement or the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office.
Survivors can also reach out to local advocacy organizations, such as the Humboldt Domestic Violence Services at 707.443.6042, for confidential support, shelter, and guidance.
About Us
The Humboldt County District Attorney's Office created the Narcotics and Environment Unit to address the complex and often interconnected issues of illegal drug activity and environmental crimes. This specialized unit is dedicated to prosecuting cases that threaten public safety, harm natural resources, and damage the environment through activities such as illegal cannabis cultivation, hazardous waste disposal, and other violations.
Our Approach
The Narcotics and Environment Unit uses a multi-faceted and collaborative strategy to handle cases involving narcotics-related offenses and environmental violations. Key elements of the unit's approach include:
- Enforcement Against Illegal Drug Operations: Prosecuting large-scale narcotics cases, including the manufacturing, distribution, and trafficking of controlled substances.
- Protection of Natural Resources: Investigating and prosecuting environmental crimes that harm ecosystems, such as illegal cannabis grows that lead to chemical pollution or water diversion.
- Collaboration with Agencies: Partnering with local, state, and federal agencies, including:
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office
- Bureau of Land Management
- Community Engagement: Working with community organizations to raise awareness about the impact of narcotics and environmental crimes on public health and safety.
The unit ensures that offenders are held accountable while focusing on restoring and preserving Humboldt County’s unique natural environment.
Our Goals
- Prosecute illegal drug operations that threaten public safety and the community.
- Prevent and address environmental crimes caused by unlawful activities such as hazardous waste disposal and illegal land-use practices.
- Protect Humboldt County’s natural resources, including its forests, rivers, and wildlife.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to implement sustainable practices and policies.
- Promote public awareness about the consequences of environmental and narcotics-related crimes.
How to Report Narcotics or Environmental Crimes
If you suspect illegal narcotics activity or environmental violations, contact the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office or your local law enforcement agency.
You can also report environmental crimes to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1.888.334.2258 or the EPA’s National Response Center.
About Us
The Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office established the Fraud Investigations Unit (FIU) to combat complex financial crimes that prey on consumers, businesses, and public resources. The FIU focuses on uncovering, investigating, and prosecuting deceptive schemes—ensuring consistency and accountability through a specialized, vertically integrated model.
Our Approach
- Vertical Prosecution Model: A dedicated prosecutor shepherds each case from initial complaint to final disposition, serving as a single point of contact for victims, witnesses, and law enforcement.
- Collaboration with Law Enforcement: The FIU works hand-in-glove with local police, the California Department of Justice, FBI, and Secret Service to pool intelligence and resources.
- Partnerships with Regulatory Bodies: Engages consumer protection agencies, financial institutions, and professional associations to strengthen detection, reporting, and prevention of fraud.
- Data-Driven Investigations: Employs forensic accountants, digital forensics experts, and data analysts to trace illicit money flows and build airtight cases.
- Specialized Training: Team members receive ongoing instruction on emerging fraud trends, evidence preservation, and the latest legal strategies.
Our Goals
- Dismantle organized fraud rings operating in Humboldt County
- Obtain convictions and secure restitution for victims
- Safeguard public funds and consumer assets
- Enhance interagency cooperation between government and private-sector partners
- Promote fraud awareness and prevention through community outreach
How to Report Financial Fraud
If you suspect fraudulent activity—such as identity theft, embezzlement, check fraud, or investment scams, for example, —contact the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office:
- Call our Fraud Hotline at 707.445.7411, ext. 5
- Submit tips and supporting documents online at the Fraud Investigations Unit
- Report directly to your local law enforcement agency with any evidence you have collected
District Attorney’s Office
825 5th Street, Fourth Floor
Eureka, CA 95501
Phone: 707.445.7411
Email: districtattorney@co.humboldt.ca.us
Hours of Operation
Open: Monday–Friday
Hours: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. / 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Please note our reception area closes at 4 p.m. daily to allow staff adequate time to fulfill other duties throughout the office.
We are closed on county holidays. We continue operations with limited staff when our local state courts are in session on these days.