Q. Does your office defend people in court who are charged with criminal violations?

A. The City Attorney represents the City Government, Council and various Departments of the City of San Luis Obispo only. Persons charged with crimes should contact a private attorney or the Public Defender’s Office at 541-5715.

Q. Will your office answer simple legal questions for the citizens of San Luis Obispo?

A. The City Attorney will discuss legal issues pertaining to the City Municipal Code, Council or Planning Commission agenda items or other City-related questions. However, the City Attorney is not permitted to give legal advice to private citizens on personal matters.

Q. Does your office handle consumer affairs, landlord-tenant issues, or small claims questions?

A. The City Attorney’s office is not authorized to respond to questions or problems relating to consumer, landlord-tenant or small claims problems. A division of the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, the Economic Crime Unit, handles those questions. Their telephone number is 781-5856.

Q. Does your office prosecute traffic violations?

A. Traffic violations, most misdemeanor violations (except those that are violations of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code) and felony violations are prosecuted by the San Luis Obispo District Attorney’s Office, telephone number 781-5800.