The City Attorney is the attorney for the City of Santa Ana, and is appointed by the City Council. The attorneys in the Office provide legal services to the Mayor, City Council, Redevelopment Agency and the various agencies, boards, commissions and offices of the City of Santa Ana. The Office also prosecutes violations of the Santa Ana Municipal Code, but not any violations of State law.
The District Attorney is an elected official who investigates and prosecutes criminal activity (other than violations of the Santa Ana Municipal Code) throughout Orange County.