The Sacramento County Office of the Public Defender provides free legal representation to people who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. Below is a summary of the services we provide and those we do not.
Services We Provide
- Legal representation for people who qualify for a court-appointed attorney
- Defense of individuals charged with felony offenses, including serious and complex cases
- Defense of individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses
- Representation in juvenile delinquency cases
- Representation in mental health conservatorship and developmental disability cases
- Case support through investigative services, legal research, and administrative assistance
Services We Don't Provide
- Non-criminal cases, such as civil lawsuits, evictions, or workers’ compensation claims
(Other agencies may be able to assist with these matters.) - Traffic infraction cases that are punishable by a fine only
Note: Some traffic-related offenses—such as DUI, reckless driving, hit and run, or driving on a suspended license—are misdemeanor crimes. The Public Defender may represent you in these cases only if you qualify financially.