The Sacramento County Office of the Public Defender has served the community since 1948. We provide free legal representation to people who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Our office represents clients in adult criminal cases, juvenile delinquency cases, mental health conservatorships, and some family law and probate matters. We are committed to protecting our clients’ rights, treating them with dignity, and working toward fair outcomes in the justice system. We believe strong defense work looks at the whole person, not just the case.
Our Attorneys
Our attorneys are experienced, well-trained advocates who are committed to public service. We hire attorneys with strong academic backgrounds and a dedication to defending people in need. Attorneys gain courtroom experience early in their careers, starting with misdemeanor cases and moving on to more serious felony cases. Because of the work we do, our attorneys often gain more trial experience than many private attorneys. Cases are reviewed and supported by senior attorneys to ensure thoughtful strategy and sound legal decisions. Our office also provides ongoing training that is certified by the State Bar of California.
Our Support Staff
A strong support staff assists fully in the legal defense. Criminal investigators locate and interview witnesses, as well as prepare thorough reports. The most current technological tools are generally available. The legal research assistants (law students) assist in the various divisions and interview and represent clients, under the guidance of a senior attorney. Others assist in legal research work. Our clerical staff processes our services and organizes our case files, assist in case document preparation, and answer a myriad of inquiries. Our Administrative Staff keeps the "business" of the office running smoothly.
Our Defense Team
Defending a case takes a team. In addition to attorneys, our office includes social workers, investigators, legal research assistants, and administrative staff who work together to support our clients.
- Social Workers are a key part of our defense team. They help clients connect to mental health care, substance use treatment, housing, benefits, and other community services. Their work helps stabilize clients during their case and can reduce unnecessary jail time while supporting long-term success.
- Criminal Investigators find and interview witnesses, gather evidence, and prepare detailed reports that help attorneys build strong cases.
- Legal Research Assistants, including law students, help with research, client interviews, and court work under attorney supervision.
- Clerical and Administrative Staff keep the office running smoothly by managing files, preparing documents, answering questions, and supporting daily operations.
Our Mission
To zealously protect and defend the rights, liberties, and dignity of our clients through compassionate and client-centered legal representation of the highest quality, in pursuit of a fair system of justice for all.
Our Vision
To improve the lives of our clients and the communities we serve through high quality legal defense and client-centered advocacy.
Our Values
Excellence; Respect, Dignity, and Compassion; Equity; Employee Support; and Community and Collaboration.
- Excellence -We are committed to providing highly skilled representation. Whether we are attorneys, investigators, social workers, or support staff, we are all dedicated to ensuring that our clients receive equal and fair justice under the law.
- Respect, Dignity, and Compassion - We respect and honor the humanity of our clients and the communities we serve. We listen and give voice to our clients and treat them with compassion and dignity.
- Equity - We support policies, procedures, and practices that foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Employee Support - We recognize and value our employees as our greatest asset and are committed to supporting their professional development and well-being.
- Community and Collaboration - We recognize the important role of the community in advocating for our clients. We work collaboratively with the community and other agencies to help our clients.