Established as a County department in 1968, the San Joaquin County Public Defender’s Office is dedicated to ensuring justice and protecting the constitutional rights of individuals who cannot afford private legal representation. Together, our team manages more than 1,800 cases each month.
"...dedicated to serving the diverse needs of our community and its justice system by furnishing clients whose cases have been entrusted to the office, with competent, effective, loyal, ethical, zealous, compassionate and efficient advocacy."
Clients are referred to the Public Defender’s Office through court screening based on financial need. Legal services are provided only in cases mandated by law and only to individuals who do not have the present ability to hire a private attorney.
In cases where a conflict of interest arises—such as when multiple individuals are charged in the same case—or when staffing limitations prevent representation, Court Assigned Counsel provides alternate legal services through a contracted panel of attorneys.