What is the difference between the City Attorney and the District Attorney?
The City Attorney is the attorney for the City of Modesto in all if its functions as a municipal corporation. The role of the City Attorney is similar to that of the general counsel of a large private corporation. The attorneys in the Office provide legal advice and services to the City Council, City officials, staff, departments, boards, commissions, and related City entities and enterprises. In addition, the City Attorney is responsible for prosecuting all misdemeanor and infraction all violations of the Modesto Municipal Code which includes animal control, housing and building issues and other City laws.

The District Attorney is an elected official serving the entire County of Stanislaus. The District Attorney investigates and prosecutes all felony crimes occurring within the City of Modesto, and all felony crimes and misdemeanor violations of state law occurring in Stanislaus County outside of the City of Modesto.

Show All Answers

1. What is the difference between the City Attorney and the District Attorney?
2. Can the City Attorney represent private citizens?
3. Who does the City Attorney work for?
4. How can I get a copy of the City Code or a City ordinance?
5. Who do I call to report a potential Modesto City Code violation?
6. My neighbor's tree limbs and branches overhang my property. Can I trim them without my neighbor's permission?
7. My neighbor's tree limbs and branches overhang my property. If my neighbor's tree limbs and branches fall on my property, can I make my neighbor clean them up?
8. I drove my car through a pothole in the street and sustained damage to my car. I feel the City was negligent. Will the City pay for this?