FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2024 MEDIA CONTACT: San Francisco Public Defender’s Office | PDR-MediaRelations@sfgov.org **PRESS STATEMENT** SF Public Defender Applauds Restoration of State’s Public Defender Pilot Program and Urges Permanent Funding SAN FRANCISCO, CA – This week, the California State Legislature and Governor reached an agreement that restores funding to the Public Defender Pilot...Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2024 MEDIA CONTACT: PDR-MediaRelations@sfgov.org **PRESS STATEMENT** David DePape’s Public Defender Reacts to Verdict in State Case Argues “vindictive prosecution” issue will be looked at going forward SAN FRANCISCO – Today, in the state case against David DePape, a San Francisco jury found DePape guilty of five felonies related to his...Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2024 MEDIA CONTACT: SF Public Defender’s Office | PDR-MediaRelations@sfgov.org ***PRESS RELEASE*** SF Public Defender MAGIC Program & City Leaders Celebrate Summer Kickoff for Youth Programs in Fillmore Western Addition  SAN FRANCISCO – Today at Civic Center Plaza, the San Francisco Public Defender’s MAGIC Programs co-hosted its annual Summer Kickoff for youth programs within the Mo’MAGIC Collaborative,...Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 5, 2024 PRESS CONTACT: San Francisco Public Defender’s Office | pdr-mediarelations@sfgov.org     **PRESS RELEASE** San Francisco Public Defender’s Office Urges Gov. Newsom to Restore Resentencing Funding The CA Legislature requested last week that the governor restore this effective program, which reunites families and saves taxpayers millions. SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco...Read More

This press release was updated at 1:39pm on 5/15/24. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2024 MEDIA CONTACT: PDR-MediaRelations@sfgov.org  **PRESS RELEASE** SF Jury Acquits Man Wrongly Charged in Castro Incidents Muhammed Abdullah spent 340 days in jail and was acquitted of all charges SAN FRANCISCO – On May 9, a San Francisco jury acquitted Muhammed Abdullah,...Read More

Since 2020, more than double the number of people have died from overdoses in SF than from COVID.  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2024MEDIA CONTACT: Lance Wilson (341) 203-0888; lance@theworkeragency.com **PRESS RELEASE** Collaborative Efforts in SF: Doctors and Public Health Experts Address Overdose EpidemicMore than double the number of people have died from overdoses in SF...Read More

Speakers say AB 2354 (Bonta) would help, as it would allow human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual violence survivors clear their records and move forward with their lives. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2024PRESS CONTACT: SF Public Defender Public Relations Officer Jessie Seyfer | (415) 851-2212 | jessie.seyfer@sfgov.org   **PRESS RELEASE** Care Providers, Violence Survivors Say...Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 12, 2024 CONTACT: PDR-MediaRelations@sfgov.org **PRESS STATEMENT** Despite SFPD’s Touted Reforms, Racial Bias and Excessive Force Persist SAN FRANCISCO — Today at City Hall, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) held a ceremony to mark the completion of the final of 272 reforms collectively known as the Collaborative Reform Initiative (CRI). These...Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2024MEDIA CONTACT: PDR-MediaRelations@sfgov.org  **PRESS RELEASE** All Charges Dismissed Against William Palmer, SF Sheriff’s Dept. Oversight Board MemberPalmer spent five months in jail; DA dismissed case on the eve of trial SAN FRANCISCO — On April 2, the SF District Attorney’s Office dismissed all charges against William Palmer, a member of...Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2024PRESS CONTACT: Rabiah Alicia Burks, r.burks@nlada.org, (202) 452-0620 Public Defense Chiefs Push Back on Misleading Crime NarrativesThat Are Driving Policy This Election YearSpeaking at Gideon Day press briefing, chiefs encourage reporters to speak to public defenders for better-informed stories, and discuss ways public defenders promote community safety WASHINGTON — Chief...Read More