The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office remains dedicated to justice, defending rights, and transforming lives through unwavering legal representation and social advocacy.
Understanding your voting rights as a justice-involved individual empowers you to participate in democracy and ensures your voice is heard and respected.
Learn about our structured clerkship and internship programs that provide students mentorship from experienced defense attorneys and invaluable real-life experiences.
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.
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.
LACPDO’s groundbreaking Neurocognitive Disorders Team was honored with the prestigious Gold Eagle Award at the 37th Annual County Quality and Productivity Awards
Young, ambitious and smart, 23-year-old Frederick* wanted to earn a degree in business and pursue a career in the music industry. But he had three giant hurdles: He was diagnosed with schizophrenia, he had Crohn’s disease and was self-medicating with an overuse of cannabis.
On a recent Saturday, about 40 LA County Public Defender lawyers, paralegals and support staff pored through countless boxes of court cases with a single mission: To help give people locked up as youths a chance to live a life outside state prison.
Upon receiving the Asian Pacific American Bar Association’s (APABA) Trailblazer-in-the Law Award, LA County Public Defender Ricardo García spoke of his pride at being the first Latino top attorney in the nation’s oldest and largest public defender’s office.
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
🚨‼️NOTICE OF ONE DAY COURT CLOSURE🚨‼️Due to the Los Angeles Dodgers World Series Parade, the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Courts Building in Downtown LA will be closed on Friday, November 1st 2024. All cases will be rescheduled. For questions about your case, contact our office at (213) 974-2811. For additional information on LA County Facilities and Services impacted, visit lacounty.gov/dodgers.