Jill Ravitch

Serving her second (elected) term as Sonoma County’s first female District Attorney, Jill Ravitch provided a most enlightening overview of the District Attorney’s Office, outlining, “Who We are & What We Do”.

Quite revealing was the Department’s Mission Statement.  It describes foci on providing both citizen safety and preserving the dignity of victims and their families.

Ms. Ravitch summarized the process from citizen complaint/report through review by the DA’s Office and determination of action, whether to open a file or dismiss the complaint Over 40 attorneys are employed by the department, as well as Investigators who are Sworn Peace Officers.

With a burden of proof “beyond a reasonable doubt”, attorneys last year reviewed 20,396 cases, filed 11,362 of them, 7,228 misdemeanor and 2,021 felony.  With a threshold of loss at $950 between a misdemeanor or felony, the importance of filing an accurate report was emphasized.

Plea Bargaining is a fact of life.  DA Ravitch also spoke of her Office’ strong use of Restitution as a principle in determining justice for the victims.  Age, criminal record, relationship, loss are all factored into a proposed disposition.

Advocates are known as the heart and soul of the District Attorney’s Office.  Within the Department’s 9 Divisions & Programs, Advocates represent the face of outreach to victims, helping them recover dignity, loss and a confidence to move forward.  Supporting them are the resources of the Family Justice Center.  Mandated with creating a safer community, this agency at 2755 Mendocino Avenue serves victims and survivors of domestic & dating violence, child & elder abuse, sexual assault and stalking.

Two special programs for youth protection are GIFT and GREAT:  Gun Info for Teens and Gang Resistance Education and Training.  School based, the curriculum includes social and medical issues.

Curious about the status or outcome of a case?  It is available via the District Attorney’s website.

Without a doubt, District Attorney Jill Ravitch and her staff have a huge mission to serve.  She thanked all jurors in the audience, and left no doubt she embraces the dimensions of prosecution as well as protection in the District Attorney’s Office.  After a tough day in court, she enjoys nothing more than the wagging welcome greeting from Miranda the department’s coincidentally named Companion Dog.  Miranda is beloved by staff as well as members of the public who seek legal counsel and find canine comfort as well.