The Public Defender Office has a group of litigation professionals that works directly with clients to develop defense strategies.  Additionally, the office couldn't function without the dedicated teams of administrative and technical support professionals who provide constant and invaluable reinforcement, enabling the litigation group to focus their attention on our clients' defense. 

Litigation and Holistic Services

Attorneys

When charges have been filed by the district attorney’s office and the case is referred to the Public Defender’s Office for legal representation, an attorney will be assigned to the case. 

The attorney works up the case, requests and reviews the discovery, collaborates with an investigator, negotiates on behalf of the client with the District Attorney, and communicates with the assigned probation officer.  

The attorney appears at all court dates, and the client is encouraged to contact their attorney with any questions or concerns.

If you are a client seeking to get in touch with your assigned attorney, you can find the attorney's contact information on the office's contact page.

Paralegals

A Public Defender paralegal interviews clients, either in custody or at the Public Defender Office. The paralegal will talk to the client about the facts of the case and the client’s background.  The paralegal is part of the client’s defense team and everything disclosed during this conversation is confidential.

The paralegal helps the Public Defender determine if there is a conflict of interest and the case needs to go the Alternate Defender or Independent Defender Office.  The paralegal also conducts a variety of tasks to assist the attorney in representing the client, such as requesting school, medical, and mental health records.​​​

​Social workers

An attorney may enlist the help of a specially trained Public Defender social worker to aid in advocacy for the client. 

A social worker supports the client in many ways including: housing, educational and family support, mental health linkage, substance use treatment, homelessness resourcing, safety planning, school placement/advocacy, treatment placement coordination, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) consultations, and general assistance support. 

Investigators

At the direction of the attorney, a team of highly trained investigators will work on the case and help develop a defense strategy.   The investigator may interview witnesses involved in the police report and other witnesses that come to the defense's attention. They will also investigate crime scenes and evaluate evidence, among other investigative duties.

Community Outreach Specialists

Community Outreach Specialists develop community partnerships and services that support clients released from incarceration. These supports include developing a stable life plan, housing, health care, social security, medical insurance coverage, transportation, clothes, food, reunification plans with family and other types of support. These specialized staff focus on providing support not otherwise available in our community networks, maximizing the use of public services to avoid clients falling through the cracks as they undergo rehabilitation and re-entry. These strategic client services ensure long term self-sufficiency, positive life outcomes and public safety.

Administrative and Technical Support

Legal clerks

Legal clerks prepare the client’s file for the attorney, processing and uploading discovery pertaining to the client’s case. They open and close case files and notify clients when they miss a court hearing.               

Information Technology Services

The highly skilled technology staff develop, build, maintain, and provide application and help-desk support for the Information Technology systems that the office relies on constantly.  

Fiscal Management and Accounting

Accounting professionals keep meticulous records to ensure payroll is completed accurately and the offices' bills are paid properly and timely.  The team also prepares cost data for grant reimbursement to bring funds to the office that would otherwise be missed.

Office Specialists and Material Supply Specialists

Office Specialists are the pistons of our engine.  They provide services such as front desk support, courier duties, and records management.  The Material Supply Specialists support building management and manage office supply inventory and ordering.

Human Resources

The human resources staff provide invaluable support for all personnel matters.  

Confidential Secretaries

Confidential Secretary provide administrative, organizational, and communication support for executive management.  

Legal Secretaries

Legal secretaries transcribe and translate audio and video evidence, as well as prepare and file writs with the court.  They also provide office support for investigators when needed.  

Business/Operational Analysis

Business/Operational Analysis staff conduct data and policy analysis, manage data in the office's case management systems, and work with management to improve logistical operations where needed.  

If you need to get in touch with anyone at the Public Defender Office’s, you can call (408) 299-7700.