MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Office of the District Attorney is to represent the people of the State of California in an efficient, effective and ethical manner as an administrator of justice and a protector of the guarantees set forth in the Constitution of the State of California and the United States of America. We actively protect the citizens of Tulare County from violence and exploitation through aggressive investigation, prosecution and enforcement of all criminal and civil laws.
In furtherance of our mission, we vigorously seek civil remedies on behalf of defrauded consumers and businesses put at a competitive disadvantage by unfair business practices, protect our elderly and children and provide compassion and support for victims of crime.
JUSTICE
District Attorney Tim Ward leads a staff of nearly two hundred dedicated individuals. Sixty-five attorneys carry out the core function of prosecution supported by 130 team members composed of investigators, administrative assistants, victim/witness service specialists, support staff, witness coordinators, fiscal staff, public information staff, and interns.
Our office consists of hard-working professionals of the highest integrity, skill and courage. We are dedicated to the attainment of justice and strive to make Tulare County a safer and better place to live.
WHO WE SERVE
The Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare is located in California’s Central Valley. The Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are located in the northeast area of Tulare County. Mount Whitney, which is the highest summit in the contiguous United States is located on Tulare County’s eastern border. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 442,179. The Office of the District Attorney serves 26 cities, townships, and districts in the county’s 4,863 square miles with offices in Visalia and Porterville.
We participate in the life of our community, support appropriate efforts to prevent crime, provide opportunities for our youth to make intelligent choices and educate our citizens about the causes of crime and its impact on our quality of life and democratic system of self-government.
History
District Attorney’s Since 1852
1852
F. A. Sanford
1853-1855
D. C. French
1855-1861
Samuel Carr Brown
1861-1862
Samuel W. Beckham
1863-1866
S.A. Sheppard
1867-1868
Allen J. Atwell
1869-1870
Robert C. Redd
1871-1872
Allen J. Atwell
1873
George S. Palmer
1874-1876
W. W. Cross
1877-1882
E. J. Edwards
1882-1884
Oregon Sanders
1884-1886
W. B. Wallace
1886-1888
C. G. Lamberson
1888-1890
W. R. Jacobs
1890-1894
M. E. Power
1894-1896
F. B. Howard
1898-1902
J. A. Allen
1902-1910
Daniel McFadzean
1910-1918
Frank Lamberson
1918-1924
Fred Scott
1924-1930
Leroy McCornick
1930-1946
Walter C. Haight
1946-1954
Robert K. Meyers
1954
Ralph Jordan
1954-1955
Francis L. Smee
1955-1958
Robert Haden
1958-1966
Jay Ballantyne
1966-1978
Jay Powell
1978-1987
Will Richmond
1987-1992
Gerald Sevier
1992-2012
Philip J. Cline
2012-Present
Tim Ward