FAQs

What is the difference between the City Attorney and the District Attorney?

The City Attorney is the attorney for the City of Oceanside and is appointed by the City Council.  The attorneys in the Office provide a full range of legal services to the Mayor, City Council, City Clerk, City Treasurer as well all City departments, boards and commission and officers.  Among other things, the City Attorney prosecutes violations of the Oceanside City Code, but not violations of state law. In addition, the City Attorney defends the City and its employees in civil lawsuits and the City Attorney also files lawsuits on behalf of the City.

The District Attorney is an elected official who prosecutes all criminal activity in San Diego County, except for violations of the Oceanside City Code.