Know Your Rights

We want to hear from you! Your input will shape future public education resources for LA County residents.

Take Our Survey

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

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."

March 21, 2024

Media Release: Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office announces collaborative launch of Community Outreach Court (COC)

Today, the Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender, in partnership with the Alternate Public Defender’s Office, Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, and Mayor Karen Bass’ Office of Community Safety announced the official launch of the Community Outreach Court (COC)

February 9, 2024

Media Release: Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office Stands in Solidarity with Alameda County Public Defender’s Office

The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office stands united with the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office and Chief Public Defender Brendon Woods in opposition to deploying state lawyers and National Guard personnel for prosecuting local cases.

Today, @randcorporation published their findings for the independent workload study designed specifically to assess the work and capacity required within our Office. Commissioned in 2024, the study provides a data-informed assessment of Los Angeles Public Defender workload, looking beyond case counts to examine the time and complexity involved in moving cases from filing through resolution.

Read the full report through the link in our bio 🔗

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Today, @randcorporation published their findings for the independent workload study designed specifically to assess the work and capacity required within our Office. Commissioned in 2024, the study provides a data-informed assessment of Los Angeles Public Defender workload, looking beyond case counts to examine the time and complexity involved in moving cases from filing through resolution.

Read the full report through the link in our bio 🔗

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We are recapping our August Defender Digest edition by highlighting the work that keeps our communities informed, supported, and connected. From our Know Your Rights survey to our award-winning services, this edition takes a closer look at how our Office is making an impact across LA County.

Explore community events, resources, stories, and more—and stay connected with the latest from the Public Defender’s Office.

Subscribe to Defender Digest and get future editions delivered straight to your inbox. Link in bio!

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Happy Labor Day! In observance of this holiday, our office hours and services will be impacted. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday September 8, 2026.

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Happy Labor Day! In observance of this holiday, our office hours and services will be impacted. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday September 8, 2026.

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September 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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September 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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Join us for an upcoming blood drive in partnership with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles—an opportunity to give back and support lifesaving care for patients across Los Angeles County.

The drive will take place on Thursday, Sept 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the San Fernando office (950 First St., San Fernando, CA 91340). Sign up for a time slot through the link in our bio🔗

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Knowledge is power. ⚖️ The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office is working to ensure everyone in LA County understands their constitutional rights in the criminal legal system by expanding our public education resources. But first, we want to hear from you! 🗣️

📣 Take the Survey | Haz la encuesta | شارك في الاستطلاع | լրացնել հարցաթերթիկը | 参加我们的调查 | نظرسنجی ما را پر کن | 설문조사 해봐 | Sagutan ang survey

Learn Your Rights, Protect Your Future. Multilingual Survey Links in Bio🔗

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Knowledge is power. ⚖️ The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office is working to ensure everyone in LA County understands their constitutional rights in the criminal legal system by expanding our public education resources. But first, we want to hear from you! 🗣️

📣 Take the Survey | Haz la encuesta | شارك في الاستطلاع | լրացնել հարցաթերթիկը | 参加我们的调查 | نظرسنجی ما را پر کن | 설문조사 해봐 | Sagutan ang survey

Learn Your Rights, Protect Your Future. Multilingual Survey Links in Bio🔗

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Join us Friday, August 28, as Los Angeles County Public Defender Ricardo D. García delivers the keynote at Voices of Change: Community Town Hall—a conversation on reentry, housing and community-based public safety.

📍 The California Endowment
🕤 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
🔗 Register at TinyURL.com/VoicesOfChangeTownHall

Thank you to our partners for hosting this event.
@lareentry.larrp @brilliantcorners_org @safeandjust

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Join us Friday, August 28, as Los Angeles County Public Defender Ricardo D. García delivers the keynote at Voices of Change: Community Town Hall—a conversation on reentry, housing and community-based public safety.

📍 The California Endowment
🕤 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
🔗 Register at TinyURL.com/VoicesOfChangeTownHall

Thank you to our partners for hosting this event.
@lareentry.larrp @brilliantcorners_org @safeandjust

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Defending rights. Protecting due process. Centering people and community. That’s kinda chic. 😎

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Defending rights. Protecting due process. Centering people and community. That’s kinda chic. 😎