LA County Public Defender Ricardo D. García issued the following statement following the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of City of Grants Pass v. Johnson:

“Criminalizing homelessness is a shameful failure to addressing the underlying issues that led to this crisis. It is fundamentally wrong to punish individuals for their lack of housing, which is often the result of systemic failures rather than personal choice.

Resources are better spent tackling these root causes rather than perpetuating a cycle of criminalization that only deepens the challenges faced by persons experiencing homelessness. The LA County Public Defender’s Office is dedicated to providing our unhoused neighbors with the necessary legal support, clearing their records and connecting them with the resources they need. We work tirelessly to ensure that those we serve have a real chance at a second life, free from the shadows of past convictions. This effort is not just about legal advocacy; it’s about restoring dignity and hope, and empowering individuals with opportunities to integrate fully and equitably into society.”