Consumer Protection Unit

Unidad de Protección al Consumidor en Español

Head of Division: Michael K. Wear, Deputy District Attorney

Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit

The Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit is dedicated to safeguarding the public by enforcing the law, resolving disputes, and preventing future violations. The Unit carries out this mission through four key mechanisms: enforcement, mediation, referral, and outreach.

Enforcement

The Unit prosecutes both civil and criminal violations of California’s consumer and environmental protection laws. These include, but are not limited to, the Unfair Competition Law, False Advertising Law, Consumer Legal Remedies Act, Contractors License Law, and Proposition 64. To achieve effective enforcement, the Unit collaborates closely with state and local partners such as the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Contractors State License Board, California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Division of Measurement Standards, Marin County Weights and Measures Department, Certified Unified Program Agencies, and the California Attorney General’s Office.

Mediation and Referral Services

The Mediation Unit is staffed by two full-time mediators, one of whom is fluent in both Spanish and English. The unit assists consumers and businesses in resolving disputes outside of court. In addition to mediation, the unit provides consumer education, guidance on rights and responsibilities, and referrals to the appropriate federal, state, or local agencies when specialized issues arise. Referral partners may include the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Public Utilities Commission, Contractors State License Board, and California Department of Corporations.

Outreach and Education

The unit actively engages the community to raise awareness of current consumer fraud trends and practical strategies for prevention. Outreach efforts include providing guest speakers for community groups, publishing a consumer tips column in the Marin Independent Journal, and participating in events such as the annual Marin County Senior Information Fair, where tailored information is provided on scams affecting older adults. Through these initiatives, the Unit works to ensure that residents are informed, vigilant, and equipped to protect themselves against fraud.

Useful Links

Click here for the online Consumer Complaint Form.