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The Art of Code Enforcement Report Writing

Thursday, October 22
On Demand


This course is designed to provide an introductory overview of Code Enforcement report writing.  Topics will include a brief review in how Code Enforcement investigation reports are used in different enforcement proceedings - with an emphasis on the preparation and use of Code Enforcement reports in criminal cases.  This course will also discuss a prosecutor’s legal and ethical obligations, and how they help shape a Code Enforcement Officer’s investigation report.

 

James Eckart J.D., Partner at Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak LLP

James Eckart is a partner at the Law Offices of Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak, LLP ("DRL"), where he has worked for over 20 years. DRL serves as community preservation attorneys and City Prosecutors for approximately 50 municipalities throughout California enforcing the Cities' municipal codes and applicable State laws through administrative, civil, and criminal remedies.

Mr. Eckart serves as the primary City Prosecutor for the Cities of Downey, Culver City, Covina, Industry, West Hollywood, Bell Gardens, Beverly Hills, and Montclair, as well as several other DRL clients.

Mr. Eckart has drafted ordinances for municipalities on a wide array of topics, including, but not limited to, adult oriented businesses, massage establishments, graffiti, public nuisances, sidewalk vending, smoking restrictions, cost recovery, and administrative citations. Aside from providing legal assistance to DRL’s City clients, Mr. Eckart has trained police officers, Sheriff's deputies, District Attorneys and local  prosecutors, City Attorneys, code enforcement officers, building inspectors, Health Department inspectors, and other governmental personnel on COVID-19 Order enforcement; techniques for general investigations and specialized investigations (e.g., establishments illegally used for gambling, narcotics, and prostitution); search and seizure issues; report writing; criminal prosecutions; and court procedures (including testimony).

Mr. Eckart has been a lecturer for numerous organizations including League of California Cities; California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO); Southern California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (SCACEO); Community Officer Resource Exchange (CORE); Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; Los Angeles County Fire Department; Orange County Fire Prevention Officers Association; and Code Enforcement Workshops.

Mr. Eckart has also taught several mock trial courses at multiple middle and high schools in Los Angeles County.

Prior to working for DRL, Mr. Eckart worked at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, where he was assigned to both the adult and juvenile courts, handling misdemeanors and felonies.

Mr. Eckart received his law degree from Loyola Law School and his undergraduate degree in philosophy from U.C.L.A.

Mr. Eckart and his wife, Monica Guizar Eckart, have two beautiful daughters, Isabella (17) and Rebecca (14).