Section 273.82 Of Chapter 2.5. Spousal Abusers From California Penal Code >> Title 9. >> Part 1. >> Chapter 2.5.
273.82
. Spousal abuser prosecution units receiving funds under this
chapter shall concentrate enhanced prosecution efforts and resources
upon individuals identified under selection criteria set forth in
Section 273.83. Enhanced prosecution efforts and resources shall
include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(a) (1) Vertical prosecutorial representation, whereby the
prosecutor who, or prosecution unit that, makes all major court
appearances on that particular case through its conclusion, including
bail evaluation, preliminary hearing, significant law and motion
litigation, trial, and sentencing.
(2) Vertical counselor representation, whereby a trained domestic
violence counselor maintains liaison from initial court appearances
through the case's conclusion, including the sentencing phase.
(b) The assignment of highly qualified investigators and
prosecutors to spousal abuser cases. "Highly qualified" for the
purposes of this chapter means any of the following:
(1) Individuals with one year of experience in the investigation
and prosecution of felonies.
(2) Individuals with at least two years of experience in the
investigation and prosecution of misdemeanors.
(3) Individuals who have attended a program providing domestic
violence training as approved by the Office of Emergency Services or
the Department of Justice.
(c) A significant reduction of caseloads for investigators and
prosecutors assigned to spousal abuser cases.
(d) Coordination with local rape victim counseling centers,
spousal abuse services programs, and victim-witness assistance
programs. That coordination shall include, but not be limited to:
referrals of individuals to receive client services; participation in
local training programs; membership and participation in local task
forces established to improve communication between criminal justice
system agencies and community service agencies; and cooperating with
individuals serving as liaison representatives of local rape victim
counseling centers, spousal abuse victim programs, and victim-witness
assistance programs.