Know Your Rights

Understanding your rights as a justice-involved individual empowers you to participate in democracy and ensures your voice is heard and respected.

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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Juvenile Advocacy

Find support and resources for juvenile justice cases and advocacy.

Immigration

Navigate immigration laws and find the legal support you need.

Treatment Courts

Learn about treatment courts and their benefits for eligible individuals.

Mental Health

Access support and resources for mental health within the legal system.

Record Clearing

Discover your options to clear your criminal record and start fresh.

Custody Search

Use this tool to locate incarcerated individuals and get status updates.

Your Rights

Know your legal rights and protections in various situations.

Authority Accountability

Ensure and report law enforcement accountability with these resources.

Latest News

May 2, 2024

Media Release: Statement by LA County Public Defender Ricardo D. García on UCLA Arrests

LA County Public Defender, Ricardo D. García has issued the following statement: "Our immediate concern is ensuring the fair treatment of all individuals involved in the recent events at UCLA. We are closely monitoring the situation and have deployed our Rapid Response Team to provide on-the-ground support to arrestees.

April 24, 2024

Media Release: LA County Office of the Public Defender Unveils Innovative Office Space and Civic Art Inspired by the Criminal Legal System

In celebration of April as Arts Month, the LA County Office of the Public Defender announces the completion of a major renovation project that transformed a former file-storage warehouse into a modern, state-of-the-art office space, now adorned with unique artwork inspired by the criminal legal system.

April 14, 2024

Media Release: Statement by LA County Public Defender Ricardo D. García on Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall Video

A County Public Defender, Ricardo D. García has issued the following statement: "The video exposing probation officers encouraging violence between detained youth is appalling. These actions by officers violate the duty of care owed to our youth and perpetuate a culture of violence rather than rehabilitation."

This May 2026, our office will be providing record clearing services at various locations around LA County!
For more information click the link in our bio 🔗

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This May 2026, our office will be providing record clearing services at various locations around LA County!
For more information click the link in our bio 🔗

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This month, we are celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by recognizing how the incredible contributions of these diverse cultures have positively shaped LA County.

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This month, we are celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by recognizing how the incredible contributions of these diverse cultures have positively shaped LA County.

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We’re closing out #SecondChanceMonth by highlighting the importance of diversion: an opportunity to reduce incarceration by offering treatment, support and a second chance. As an alternative to incarceration, public defenders advocate for eligible individuals to participate in treatment programs and access community based resources. Diversion promotes public safety by addressing underlying factors that drive system involvement, reducing recidivism and changing lives!

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We’re closing out #SecondChanceMonth by highlighting the importance of diversion: an opportunity to reduce incarceration by offering treatment, support and a second chance. As an alternative to incarceration, public defenders advocate for eligible individuals to participate in treatment programs and access community based resources. Diversion promotes public safety by addressing underlying factors that drive system involvement, reducing recidivism and changing lives!

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Last weekend, in partnership with @californiapublicdefenders, we hosted the 44th annual Youth Defender & Advocate Training Seminar. With remarks from @hoops4justice Director, @ilanahparach, and Father Steve Katsouros, S.J., it was a beautiful day to continue the fight for the well being of our LA County youth as they are confronted with the criminal legal system.

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Last weekend, in partnership with @californiapublicdefenders, we hosted the 44th annual Youth Defender & Advocate Training Seminar. With remarks from @hoops4justice Director, Illana Parach, and Father Steve Katsouros, S.J., it was a beautiful day to continue the fight for the well being of our LA County youth as they are confronted with the criminal legal system.

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📢Tomorrow is Public Defense Day of Action and we’re calling on our community to show support for the Right to Counsel. Legislation changes, prosecutorial practices sway, but there’s always one constant: your right to counsel. Public defenders uphold your constitutional rights with a fraction of the institutional funding and resources provided to prosecutors and law enforcement. It’s time to close the gap!

We invite community to advocate for and show solidarity with us. Public defenders across the country will be wearing black in solidarity on April 23 - show your support by joining us!

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Open post by lapubdef with ID 17951345373141524

$📢Tomorrow is Public Defense Day of Action and we’re calling on our community to show support for the Right to Counsel. Legislation changes, prosecutorial practices sway, but there’s always one constant: your right to counsel. Public defenders uphold your constitutional rights with a fraction of the institutional funding and resources provided to prosecutors and law enforcement. It’s time to close the gap! We invite community to advocate for and show solidarity with us. Public defenders across the country will be wearing black in solidarity on April 23 - show your support by joining us!$

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Today, we celebrate Administrative Professionals Day and recognize the vital contributions of our administrative staff across the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office.

This includes our secretarial staff, administrative analysts, clerical teams, HR, procurement, fiscal, facilities, and operations staff, and the many others who keep our office running each day.

We are all deeply grateful for your professionalism, dedication, and the care you bring to your roles every day.

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Open post by lapubdef with ID 18089618737984214

Today, we celebrate Administrative Professionals Day and recognize the vital contributions of our administrative staff across the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office.

This includes our secretarial staff, administrative analysts, clerical teams, HR, procurement, fiscal, facilities, and operations staff, and the many others who keep our office running each day.

We are all deeply grateful for your professionalism, dedication, and the care you bring to your roles every day.

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This Second Chance Month, we reaffirm our commitment to investing in people and strengthening our community. By removing barriers that otherwise block success and stability, we’re helping individuals rebuild their lives with the goal of preventing further contact with the criminal legal system. Learn more about our expungement services by visiting our website.

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Open post by lapubdef with ID 17880267726553517

This Second Chance Month, we reaffirm our commitment to investing in people and strengthening our community. By removing barriers that otherwise block success and stability, we’re helping individuals rebuild their lives with the goal of preventing further contact with the criminal legal system. Learn more about our expungement services by visiting our website.