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.

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.

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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

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

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.

October 3, 2023

Deputy Public Defender

Now accepting applications for Deputy Public Defender I. Applicants pending California State Bar exam results are eligible to apply.

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.

6 0

Open post by lapubdef with ID 18122059963713904

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.

6 0

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."

8 0

Open post by lapubdef with ID 17927743422275481

$STRUCTURAL IMBALANCE As @rdg_lapubdef said, we cannot continue to expect public defenders to uphold constitutional rights while funding them at a fraction of prosecutors and law enforcement. The disparity puts human lives and the Sixth Amendment at risk."$

8 0

FUND PUBLIC DEFENSE

The @californiapublicdefenders is calling for the allocation of $45 million in funding over three years. The right to counsel requires sustained funding. Balance the scales. Fund Public Defense.

40 0

Open post by lapubdef with ID 18110168917678149

FUND PUBLIC DEFENSE

The @californiapublicdefenders is calling for the allocation of $45 million in funding over three years. The right to counsel requires sustained funding. Balance the scales. Fund Public Defense.

40 0

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 🔗

3 0

Open post by lapubdef with ID 18087441026033959

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 🔗

3 0

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.

11 0

Open post by lapubdef with ID 18094812782325970

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.

11 0

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!

17 0

Open post by lapubdef with ID 18089660557995619

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!

17 0

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.

36 2

Open post by lapubdef with ID 17939532663196847

36 2

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.

115 8

Open post by lapubdef with ID 18073946114257429