Highlights from the Annual Report

Public Protection

þ All 5 previous death penalty cases were affirmed by U. S. Supreme Court.  1 new Death Penalty verdict, 8 LWOP (life without possibility of parole) verdicts, 17 murder, 7 manslaughter and 7 attempted murder convictions were obtained.

þ 57 three-strike defendants convicted and sentenced to minimum of 25 - life terms. Another 317 defendants received enhanced sentences as two-strike offenders.

þ 611 felons sent to prison in 2000.  1385 new defendants, led by drug and theft crimes, were convicted of new felony offenses.  182 defendants’ probation revocations resulted in state prison commitments.

þ 11 violent sex offenders were convicted under the state’s 1-strike law and sentenced to a minimum of 25-to-life terms.

þ Murders, sexual assault and crimes of violence dominated Santa Barbara’s trial statistics.

þ In the last two years 57 felony DUI offenders were sent to prison.

þ 539 drug offenders accounted for 38.9% of the county’s new felony convictions.

þ Drug and burglary offenders had the highest probation failure rate.

þ On average during the last 5 years, DUI arrests continued to decline.

þ Santa Barbara’s 27.5 per 1000 people juvenile crime rate is 3^rd lowest in the state and lowest among tri-counties.

þ Vehicle impounds and forfeitures for driving with suspended license continue to be vigorously enforced and a highly successful program.

þ The District Attorney’s Office continues to participate in supporting countywide, multi-agency drug enforcement.  Two DDA’s are assigned to work with law enforcement to intensify enforcement efforts, enhance success and handle asset forfeiture litigation.

Organizational Accomplishments

þ DAMION is HERE.  The criminal operations are now assisted by a highly modern and effective automated case management system. The system operates countywide on a LAN network and possesses the capability to be integrated into a multiple outside agency and county department shared information network.

þ Formation of an “Office Technology Task Force.”  The role of this group is to continually explore the uses and applications of new technology to every phase of the office’s operations.

þ The department created 2 new programs.  The Truancy Prevention and Parental Accountability program was launched in Santa Barbara and then expanded to provide countywide coverage.  At the other end of the age spectrum, the new vertical Elder Abuse Unit focuses on protecting seniors from physical, financial and emotional abuse.

þ Conceptual plans and support for a new District Attorney office building were approved by the County’s Capital Project Planning Committee.  Completion is targeted for June 2003.

Specialized Units

þ 86% of the individuals assisted by the Victim/Witness Unit were victims of violent crimes.  2,449 victims were provided crisis intervention annually. Domestic violence accounted for over 1/3 of the Unit’s caseload. Outreach efforts were expanded to include a “State Street Mile” and “Domestic Violence Awareness Concert” and new “Welfare Child Advocate” program.  Volunteers contributed over 450 hours to help Santa Barbara’s victims of crime.

þ Over the last 3 years the Domestic Violence Vertical Prosecution units averaged filing nearly 750 cases a year. The units obtained 496 convictions in 2000 and provided follow-up assistance to 635 victims.

þ Since its inception in 1997, the DA’s Truancy Prevention program has provided mediation and assessment services to nearly 4000   Santa Barbara County truants.  South Coast full-day truancy figures before the program were 19,299.  The program has reduced the number by half--8,155 in 2000.  Similar results were achieved in the north county with evaluation components showing improved academic performance and reduction in post program criminal violations.

þ The Environmental and Consumer Protection units have scored numerous victories in price scanning, false advertising and unfair business practices, as well as cleanup, civil penalties and ongoing injunctions in hazardous materials or environmental law violations.

þ The Consumer Mediation unit is an all-volunteer unit.  Its 10th year anniversary scorecard shows: $1.5 million in restitution collected, 6,032 phone calls handled, and 4,201 new cases opened. Zero cost to the taxpayers.

þ The NSF/Bad Check Program continued to excel.  Another “no cost to taxpayers” program recovered over $1.5 million in restitution for merchants in the last 5 years, had a collection rate of better than 80% and handles between 6000 to 7000 checks annually.  Total collections for the program since its inception exceed $5.5 million.