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Latest News
We recently welcomed the Los Angeles County Quality and Productivity Commission (QPC) for a department visit highlighting the work underway to advance equitable access to justice and the right to counsel across LA County.
During the visit, PD leadership and staff shared updates on our Rapid Response Team, Youth Services Division, client advocacy and support through @partnersforjustice, and efforts to support our unhoused neighbors, as well as ways data and technology, partnerships and community engagement impact the communities we serve.
Thank you to the Quality and Productivity Commission for visiting and engaging with our mission and impact. Learn more about LACPDO programs and initiatives at pubdef.lacounty.gov
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As we remain committed to expanding access to care over cages and supporting mental health resources, we also acknowledge how treatment, stability, and diversion programs help redirect individuals away from incarceration and toward healing. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available at 800-854-7771 or takeactionla.com.
Your voice matters! The Care First Advisory Committee is conducting a community survey to hear directly from residents about their priorities for local investment and services. This anonymous survey is part of the Care First, Community Investment (CFCI) initiative: LA County’s landmark effort to reinvest public dollars into community health, wellness, and opportunity rather than incarceration. The CFCI Advisory Committee wants to ensure funding decisions reflect what matters most to YOU as local Angeleno. Respondents have the chance to receive a $50 gift card. Survey closes Sunday, May 17.
May is Jewish American Heritage Month and we’re honoring the contributions American Jews have made, and continue to make, to our nation’s history, culture, and society.
Public defenders came together today at the @latinopda annual Cinco de Mayo celebration to award outstanding High School Seniors from the LA Community with a series of scholarships. These students exemplify what it means to not only achieve academically, but also to be a strong voice in advocating for their community. Congratulations to all the recipients - we can’t wait to see how you’ll shape the future!
📣HAVE YOU HEARD?📣
On April 30, 2026 the California Supreme Court agreed: bail shouldn’t depend on money. Pretrial jail can cost people their jobs, housing, and stability before they’ve even had their day in court. The Kowalczyk ruling (2026) says that judges must now consider a person’s actual ability to pay, protecting their jobs and housing while they await trial. Going home should not have a price tag 🏷️
Swipe ➡️ to learn how a $7 cheeseburger 🍔 started it all.
BALANCE THE SCALES
We are standing in support of Assembly Member Ash Kalra putting forth ACR 159: Indigent Defense. This resolution affirms the essential role of public defenders in protecting constitutional rights while recognizing the ongoing challenges of workloads and chronic underfunding.
STRUCTURAL IMBALANCE
As @rdg_lapubdef said, we cannot continue to expect public defenders to uphold constitutional rights while funding them at a fraction of prosecutors and law enforcement. The disparity puts human lives and the Sixth Amendment at risk."
