Standard Operating Procedures

Purpose & Scope

The Standard Operating Procedures are the foundation of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Los Santos. They outline the policies, procedures, and expectations that ensure fairness, accountability, and professionalism in all DOJ operations. These SOPs are binding for all DOJ personnel and will be updated as practices and policies evolve.

Lawyer Rights & Conduct

Unlike an ordinary citizen, a lawyer who has been called to the police station cannot be asked to leave, regardless of behavior, unless they are arrested on a criminal charge.

What the PD must provide

• MustThe arresting officer must give the lawyer a legal affidavit, a written account of what happened. Failure to do so is a felony.
• MustIf the lawyer asks, any officer involved in their client's incident must give an oral recount of events. Failure to do so is a felony.

Lawyer rights

• MustRequest bodycam footage to clarify a lethal incident if no legal affidavit was provided, to establish the burden of proof for a conviction. Officers are not required to have bodycam as long as the burden of proof is otherwise established.
• CanSpeak with their client in private.
• CanBring their private legal team down to cells (maximum of 3).
• CanRecord statements made during PD cell interactions and use them in court without the consent of either party.
• CanFile reports against any member of the PD or the Department of Justice.
• CanRefuse service at their own discretion.
• CanCharge any fee for their services, but must state the fee before negotiations begin. Public defense cases may be subject to separate fee regulations.
• CanArgue for release on time served if their client has served 50% or more of their sentence in cells.

Lawyers cannot

• CannotOrder charges removed. They can dispute charges and negotiate jail time and fines.
• CannotDemand payment from the PD for their time. Payment is the client's responsibility.

Judge Rights & Abilities

Judges are not ordinary citizens. Because they hold positions of power, they carry greater responsibility and authority.

Judges can

• CanClear anyone's criminal record when there is a legal basis for it, such as an expungement or exoneration.
• CanIssue court orders, which must be followed as long as they are lawful, made in good faith, and within the laws of San Andreas.
• CanIssue a verdict or ruling on an individual with or without legal counsel present.
• CanOrder the arrest of any individual on lawful grounds.
• CanChange or dispute charges and set the jail time and fines for a specific individual.
• CanOverride another judge's decision through a Court Appeal Hearing.
• CanRequest protection details, escorts, or motorcades from the PD for official DOJ business. The PD may only decline for lack of personnel.
• CanOpen an investigation into the conduct of any PD member.

Judges cannot

• CannotChange, remove, create, or alter any law without a precedence hearing by the Supreme Court.
• CannotPreside over their own court case.
• CannotIssue a verdict or ruling on an individual who pleads No Contest.
• CannotDiscuss anything brought to them in hearings, warrant requests, or court proceedings with anyone other than the party who brought it to them.
• CannotAvoid or be immune from criminal conviction.

Accountability & duties

• Impeachment: any judge, regardless of position, can be impeached by a majority decision of a panel of at least 3 other justices. If only one justice is available, a panel is still held and that justice may make the decision.
• Exonerations (clearing someone of criminal charges at no financial cost) must be coordinated with every government department involved.
• Payroll is handled by judges.

Expectations

All members of the Department of Justice are held to the highest standard of professionalism, integrity, and lawful practice at all times.

Confidentiality

DOJ personnel must keep all sensitive information confidential, including case details, client communications, and internal discussions. Unauthorized disclosure will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Impartiality

DOJ members must remain unbiased in all proceedings. Favoritism, prejudice, and personal bias of any kind are strictly prohibited. Any potential bias or conflict must be reported to leadership immediately.

Conflicts of Interest

A conflict of interest exists when a DOJ member has a personal, financial, or relational connection that could influence, or appear to influence, their work.

Conflicts include cases involving

• Characters played by the same person as the DOJ member (for example, "cousins" or "souls").
• Direct family members, romantic partners, or others with a close personal relationship. You may represent them, but you may never prosecute them.
• Any familial relationship: immediate family such as siblings and parents, plus any other association that could reasonably be seen as biased.

Rules

1. DOJ personnel may not represent or be involved in a case where a conflict of interest exists.
2. DOJ personnel may not knowingly represent, or have active familial relationships with, gang members or active police officers. PD cousins are allowed; open a ticket to discuss.
3. All potential conflicts must be reported to DOJ leadership immediately. Failing to disclose a conflict will result in disciplinary action.
4. Self-representation is not allowed unless the circumstances require it, such as a DOJ conflict of interest.

Strike System

DOJ personnel are subject to a strike system to ensure accountability. Strikes record violations or misconduct, and accumulated strikes may lead to penalties or further action.

Strikes may be issued for violating DOJ policy, including breaches of confidentiality, failing to meet professional standards, or misconduct such as repeatedly missing scheduled hearings, disrespecting colleagues or the public, or not following courtroom procedure.

Penalties are determined per strike. All strikes must be documented and reviewed by the Chief Justice. If there is no Chief Justice, a panel of 2 judges may issue a strike.

Warrant Procedures

The official legal process the Department of Justice and police must follow to obtain, execute, and document a warrant for arrest, search, or seizure.

Standard warrants

Must be issued based on probable cause supported by ample evidence, including:

• Testimony from at least two credible witnesses.
• Physical evidence directly linking the subject to the alleged crime.
• Surveillance footage or other verifiable documentation.

All evidence must be clearly documented and submitted with the warrant request, in a ticket, for a judge to review. Judges must make sure the warrant meets every procedural requirement before issuing it.

Raid warrants

Require substantial evidence linking the target location to ongoing criminal activity, including intelligence reports verified by law enforcement and evidence of imminent threats to public safety or substantial criminal operations. Raid warrants must be reviewed and approved by a judge. Repeat raid warrants on the same location must include new evidence or justification.

Courtroom Procedures

1. Court cases must move on a reasonable timeline that is efficient but fair. Judges should watch for delays and act to speed up proceedings when needed.
2. Judges have the authority to keep order during proceedings, including managing courtroom behavior, setting time limits for arguments, and dealing with disruptions promptly.
3. Disruptive behavior from attorneys, defendants, or spectators will result in fines, removal, or contempt of court charges.
4. All cases must be properly filed using the designated forms, including evidence submissions and witness lists.
5. Incomplete or improperly filed cases may be dismissed at the judge's discretion.
6. Witnesses should be notified at least 24 hours before appearing in court whenever possible.
7. Witnesses must swear an oath of honesty before giving testimony.
8. If the city is upvoted, any scheduled cases must not go ahead and must be rescheduled for a time that suits the client, their legal representation, and anyone else involved.

Dress code

Everyone in court (judges, lawyers, defendants, officers, and witnesses) is expected to dress appropriately and respectfully.

• Lawyers & judges: formal business attire preferred; neat, presentable casual wear is allowed.
• Defendants & witnesses: clean, modest clothing. Casual wear is fine, but avoid offensive graphics or overly sloppy clothing.
• Law enforcement: standard uniform, or neat casual attire if attending off-duty.
• Accessories & grooming: keep it minimal and professional. No hats or sunglasses in the courtroom unless medically necessary.

Not following the dress code may result in denied entry, delayed proceedings, or a contempt of court charge.

Sanctions & Fines

Legal penalties or monetary charges imposed by a court to punish violations, enforce compliance, and keep order in the judicial process.

All sanctions must be recorded in the DOJ database for transparency and future reference.

Expungements

Expungement is the legal process of removing or sealing a criminal record so it is no longer publicly accessible.

Eligibility

Applicants must have completed every sentencing requirement for their conviction(s), including:

• Paying all fines, fees, and restitution.
• Completing any court-ordered community service.
• Fulfilling any other sentencing obligations imposed by the court.

How to request one

Open a ticket through the DOJ, or ask a lawyer in the city. If you have already arranged a specific lawyer, open a ticket and name them as your representation.

Before continuing, the assigned attorney must gather:

• The charge(s) to be expunged.
• The circumstances surrounding those charges.
• The client's reason for seeking an expungement.
• Any evidence of rehabilitation or positive conduct since the conviction.

The attorney then prepares and submits a formal Letter for Expungement to the presiding judge.

The process

1. Judicial review. The judge reviews the documentation and approves the request, denies it, or asks for more information, typically within 48 hours.
2. Hearing. If the request proceeds, a hearing is scheduled. The applicant, their legal counsel, and the presiding judge must attend. Hearings are public, so the DA's Office, PD, or other interested parties may attend to argue for or against. The judge may question the attorney and applicant, hear testimony on both sides, and review additional evidence before making a decision.
3. Probation. If approved, the applicant is placed on a probationary period set by the judge. The standard requirements are wearing an ankle monitor for at least 7 days and keeping a clean criminal record throughout. The judge may add community service, extra monitoring, counseling or rehabilitation programs, or other conditions. The attorney must complete and file all required paperwork before the process continues, and the judge keeps the ticket open throughout probation. The District Attorney must be present for all probation ankle monitor removals.
4. Final review. When probation ends, the judge reviews the applicant's conduct, confirms every condition was met, and considers any violations or criminal activity during the period.
5. Final expungement. If all requirements were met with no violations, the judge officially expunges the record, documents it in the ticket, waits for the applicant or attorney to acknowledge it, and closes the ticket.

Fees

The DOJ processing fee must be paid before the application is processed.

Attorney fees are separate. You do not need a lawyer to file for an expungement, but if you hire one, their fees are in addition to the DOJ processing fee. Attorney fees are a private agreement between client and attorney. The DOJ does not set, regulate, negotiate, or collect them and is not responsible for those arrangements.

Legal Terms

Key terms used within the Department of Justice and in court.

Pleas

Guilty

The defendant accepts responsibility for the charges and the facts of the incident. The case cannot go to court, but the defendant may be eligible for reduced time through a plea deal.

Not Guilty

The defendant denies the charges and the facts of the incident. Not eligible for a plea deal, but the case can go to court.

No Contest

The defendant does not admit guilt but does not contest the charges, and accepts the consequences. The case can go to court and may be eligible for a plea deal depending on time served and officer discretion.

Terms

Affidavit

A written statement of facts sworn to be true, often used as evidence in court.

Aggravated Perjury

False statements intended to obstruct justice or change the outcome of proceedings.

Aggravating Circumstances

Factors that may increase the severity of a sentence.

Approach the Bench

When an attorney or party is asked to speak with the judge privately during a trial, usually about legal matters outside the jury's hearing.

Bench Trial

A trial decided by a judge without a jury.

Burden of Proof

The responsibility to prove the allegations in a case, usually resting on the prosecution.

Contempt of Court

Any behavior that disrespects or obstructs the court's authority, including disrupting proceedings or ignoring courtroom rules.

Cross-Examination

Questioning of a witness by the opposing party after direct examination.

Direct Examination

The first questioning of a witness by the party who called them to testify.

Expungement

The legal process of removing or sealing a criminal record.

Falsifying Evidence

Knowingly altering, fabricating, or presenting false evidence in legal proceedings.

Fines

Monetary penalties imposed for violations or offenses.

Grounds

The legal reason or basis for a motion, objection, or claim.

Hearsay

Testimony based on what someone else said rather than what the witness personally saw. Generally inadmissible unless an exception applies.

Jury Instructions

Guidance from the judge to the jury on the law and how to deliberate.

Mitigating Circumstances

Factors that may reduce the severity of a sentence.

Motion to Dismiss

A request to end a case before trial for legal or procedural reasons.

Objection

A formal protest by a lawyer during trial, often challenging whether evidence or testimony is admissible.

Order in the Court

A formal call by the judge for silence and decorum during proceedings.

Overruled

The judge denies an objection, allowing the evidence or statement.

Perjury

Knowingly giving false statements under oath.

Probable Cause

Enough evidence or reason to believe a crime was committed or that a person was involved.

Sanctions

Penalties or corrective measures imposed by the court.

Strike

A recorded violation by DOJ personnel that may lead to further penalties.

Subpoena

A legal document ordering someone to appear in court or produce evidence.

Sustained

The judge upholds an objection, disallowing the evidence or testimony.

Warrant

Legal authorization from a judge allowing law enforcement to arrest, search, or seize property.

District Attorney SOPs

How a District Attorney (DA) is expected to conduct themselves, uphold the law, and carry out their duties with integrity, fairness, and accountability. Everything in Part 1 also applies to DAs.

The role

The District Attorney represents the government in criminal prosecutions. The DA oversees legal proceedings, evaluates evidence, files charges, and makes sure justice is served within the law. They may also advise law enforcement, handle plea bargains, and supervise Assistant District Attorneys.

Professional conduct & duties

The DA's primary duty is to uphold the law impartially. A DA must never bully, belittle, or intimidate other attorneys or court participants, must never act as a police department lawyer, and must never show bias in favor of the PD. Decisions must be based on evidence and law, and a DA must avoid any conduct that undermines public confidence in the justice system.

Failing to perform these duties, failing to stay impartial, or showing inappropriate bias toward the PD will result in immediate review and removal from office.

DAs working with any police department, including the Gang Investigation Unit (GIU), must respect all LSPD officers and law enforcement personnel; disrespect will result in immediate disciplinary action. Collaboration depends on mutual respect. Casual interaction and humor are fine, but professionalism and efficiency come first.

Conduct

• CannotCorrupt RP is prohibited. DAs may not take bribes or fabricate evidence. No exceptions will be approved.
• CannotProsecute cases involving direct family members, romantic partners, or close associates.
• CannotProsecute anyone they have represented in another legal capacity.
• CannotProsecute cases where personal bias could reasonably be perceived.
• MustReport all potential conflicts to DA leadership. Failing to disclose a conflict will result in disciplinary action.

Warrants

To keep the judiciary impartial, law enforcement must submit warrant requests to the DA's Office first. The DA reviews them and submits warrants and subpoenas to the appropriate judge. Every warrant must be reviewed and approved by a judge. Evidence standards are covered under Warrant Procedures.

Gang Investigation Unit (GIU)

The GIU investigates and dismantles organized criminal groups, and its intelligence is critical to building cases against repeat offenders.

• Case collaboration: the DA's Office works closely with the GIU to gather and verify evidence before legal action. Every prosecution must be backed by lawfully collected evidence.
• Undercover operations: legal action based on GIU undercover operations must be reviewed and approved by the DA's Office.
• Warrant assistance: the GIU may ask the DA for help securing warrants for surveillance, wiretaps, and property searches.
• Trial coordination: DAs coordinate with GIU agents so the evidence presented matches investigative findings.
• Membership: participation requires an invitation from GIU leadership, permission from higher-ups, completion of GIU-specific training, and strict adherence to GIU guidelines.
• Operations: DAs may attend raids and operations but must follow PD policy and instructions, since operations are under PD jurisdiction.
• NDA: every DA on a GIU case must sign a non-disclosure agreement. Any breach of confidentiality results in immediate termination.

Business Licensing

All business licenses must be kept in good standing and renewed before they expire. Operating without a valid license may result in fines, suspension of business operations, or other enforcement action by the Department of Justice.

Licenses can be applied for through the DOJ's licensing platform or through legal representation.

License fees

Applying through an attorney

Applicants may hire legal counsel to handle licensing. The attorney will collect the required information and documents, collect the licensing fee through approved billing, submit the paperwork to the DOJ, and let the applicant know once the license is approved.

Business License Registry

Once approved, a judge or other authorized judicial official records the license in the official Business License Registry. Each entry includes the business name, the effective date, and the expiration date. Entries are removed or updated when a license expires, is revoked, or isn't renewed.

Inspections & enforcement

1. Inspection. The PD may inspect businesses periodically and check the registry for a valid license. If one is found, no further action is taken.
2. Notice of Violation. An unlicensed business receives a formal Notice of Violation. The officer tells the owner or manager they are operating without a license and have 7 days to get one. The notice is documented in official records.
3. Follow-up. After the 7 days, the PD may inspect again. If the business is still unlicensed, officers may apply for a search and seizure warrant, including documentation of the business's failure to comply. High Command will often contact the Chief Justice to approve a license raid.
4. Enforcement. Once a warrant is approved, law enforcement may seize funds equal to the licensing fee, or assets of equivalent value if funds are insufficient. Seized assets may be redeemed through the department's reimbursement process.
5. Continued non-compliance. A warrant does not satisfy the license requirement. The business gets another 7 days to obtain a license, and further failure may lead to more warrants, fines, or closure proceedings at the court's discretion.

Informant Compensation

Guidelines for how law enforcement uses and compensates confidential informants. Informants can provide valuable information, but compensation must be regulated to keep it fair and accountable.

Authorization

• Payments must be approved by the Chief of Police, Assistant Chief, or a designated High Command member.
• Payments over $50,000 require approval from both LSPD High Command and DOJ Command.
• Officers may not personally promise compensation without proper authorization.

Eligible information

Compensation may only be paid when the information leads to one or more of:

• Identifying suspects involved in criminal activity.
• Discovering evidence that leads to charges.
• Recovering stolen property.
• Preventing major criminal acts.
• Obtaining search warrants or arrests.

Publicly available information, common knowledge, or anything obtained through metagaming is not eligible.

Recommended payments

The Department of Justice has full authority to review, audit, and investigate informant payments to ensure compliance and prevent misuse.

Salaries

DAs receive their base salary with additional compensation based on performance and achievements. Lawyers and paralegals earn most of their income from completed cases, cell calls, and activity bonuses.