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Celebrating 110 Years of Advocacy

The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office remains dedicated to justice, defending rights, and transforming lives through unwavering legal representation and social advocacy.
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Know Your Rights: Voting

Understanding your voting rights as a justice-involved individual empowers you to participate in democracy and ensures your voice is heard and respected.
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Law Clerk & Volunteer
Student Program

Learn about our structured clerkship and internship programs that provide students mentorship from experienced defense attorneys and invaluable real-life experiences.
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Careers

Join our multidisciplinary team of advocates in the finest criminal defense firm in the nation, including investigators, paralegals, and social workers, to help provide a comprehensive and client-centered strategy.
Available Positions

Outreach Court

The Community Outreach Court (COC) is a collaborative initiative spearheaded by the LA City Attorney’s Office, the LA County Public Defender’s Office, the LA County Alternate Public Defender’s Office, and the LA Mayor’s Office of Community Safety.
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LACPDO Receives Gold Eagle Award

LACPDO’s groundbreaking Neurocognitive Disorders Team was honored with the prestigious Gold Eagle Award at the 37th Annual County Quality and Productivity Awards
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Latest News

Public Defender’s Office, County Justice Leaders, and LA Mission College Launch New Program to Empower Justice-Involved Youth Through Education
LACPDO Receives County Quality and Productivity Commission’s Gold Eagle Award
LA County Rapid Diversion Program Shows Remarkable Success in Helping Individuals with Behavioral Health Challenges, New RAND Report Reveals

Social Media

Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving! In observance of the holiday, our offices will be closed November 28-29, 2024. For additional resources, visit pubdef.lacounty.gov
This Veterans Day and every day, we honor those who served and support their journey home. 🇺🇸 Learn more about how we support through the Veterans Court by visiting our website.
LA Public Defender Ricardo D. GarcÍa has issued the following statement on the election of a new District Attorney: 
“As we prepare for the new District Attorney administration under the leadership of Nathan Hochman, our priority remains steadfast: protecting the rights of our clients and advocating for meaningful changes to the criminal legal system. I urge the incoming DA to prioritize addressing systemic injustices, reducing reliance on over incarceration, and ensuring fairness for all individuals facing prosecution. We work in an adversarial system, but I am committed to working constructively to drive reforms that are necessary for a more equitable and humane criminal legal system. The new DA has a unique opportunity to build on the recent progress made from prioritizing restorative approaches over punitive measures. I look forward to discussing with him how a focus on treatment and healing strengthens public safety.”
Today is Election Day! 🗳️ Find your local polling station or ballot drop box by visiting locator.lavote.gov. Polls are required to stay open until 8 PM. Remember, if you’re in line by 8 PM, you still have the right to cast your vote. Exercise your right and let your voice be heard. Every vote counts in building the future we want!
With over 60% of incarcerated individuals in California’s county jails not yet convicted, it’s essential they have access to their fundamental right to vote. In response, @countyofla is empowering all eligible voters, including pre-trial incarcerated individuals who are presumed innocent, to vote. We’ve been working with @lacountyrrcc to spread the word. Check it out!
“At its core, Prop 36 isn’t about making Californians safer. It funnels funding away from treatment and housing programs and into prisons. California prisons are already overcrowded.  People are already reentering society without adequate access to support. With the promise of less funding for programs and housing at the passage of Prop 36 comes a promise of more individuals experiencing homelessness or turning to substance use – the exact opposite of the solution needed by Californians.” 

VOTE NO ON 36! 

Link to the full Daily Journal column by @rdg_lapubdef in bio.
Here are 3 reasons to #vote YES ✅ on Prop 6:
1) End involuntary servitude for incarcerated individuals 
2) Ensure the right to choose work programs voluntarily
3) Support fairness, dignity and true rehabilitation 

Find your local voting center by visiting lavote.gov
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