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County News Center | Office of Communications and Public Affairs
County News Center | Office of Communications and Public Affairs

Office of the Public Defender

The Office of the Public Defender provides legal representation in criminal matters to the indigent accused in Santa Clara County. We represent minors charged in Juvenile Justice Court and individuals charged with civil commitment matters, including persons with developmental disabilities and mental impairment under the Probate Code. The Office includes the Alternate Defender and has branches in San Jose, Morgan Hill, Palo Alto and at Juvenile Hall.

2019 Accomplishments

  • Created a pre-arraignment (PARR) unit to see and interview the accused and develop a case plan for clients after arrest and before arraignment.
  • Petitioned the court on behalf of mentally ill clients to get them diverted under California AB 1810 (Mental Health Diversion).
  • Assisted homeless clients in getting bench warrants recalled and fines/fees reduced or deleted through community outreach attorneys.
  • Delivered pizza to incarcerated youth at Juvenile Hall, the James Ranch and the Bill Wilson Center on Christmas Eve.
  • Helped collaboratively develop SB 439 protocol for law enforcement interactions with minors under the age of 12.
  • Maintained robust post-conviction unit that handled expungements, Prop 64 reductions, 1170 recall efforts, youth offender parole hearings, and certificates of rehabilitation.
  • Implemented the Wise Warrior employee wellness program, including twice weekly meditation drop-in, six week introduction to mindfulness class, yoga and movement classes, and presentations outside the office about Wise Warrior.
  • Provided immigration consultation to hundreds of Public Defender Office clients as required under Padilla v. Kentucky. 

2020 Goals

  • Increase immigration representation for clients by expanding unit.
  • Increase community outreach efforts to the homeless, youth and disenfranchised community members.
  • Collaborate with County and court agencies to implement Caregiver Diversion under SB 394.
  • Expand post-conviction services.