Does the District Attorney Represent the Victim in California?
The prosecutor represents the People of the State of California in the criminal case. That role is not the same as serving as the victim's privately retained attorney.
The prosecutor's role
Prosecutors make decisions about criminal charges and litigation on behalf of the government. Marsy's Law gives victims important rights to reasonable consultation, notice, participation, and other protections, but those rights do not turn the victim into the prosecuting party.
The victim's own lawyer
A private crime-victim attorney represents the victim individually. That can include advising the victim, communicating concerns, preparing for proceedings, helping with restitution, and seeking enforcement of rights protected by California law.
When separate counsel may be worth considering
Private representation may be especially useful in serious or complex matters, when an important hearing is approaching, when safety or privacy is at issue, when restitution is substantial, or when the victim wants sustained legal guidance through the process.