News and Press Releases

Public Defender Jeff Adachi pulls out of CJC, citing the Mayor's refusal to fund indigent defense counsel. Adachi also explains how the Public Defender's Office has set the standard high for representing indigent persons in CJC.

Add justice to the list of California's budget victims. The Alameda County public defender's office is telling judges that it can't represent about 10,200 clients over the next year.

Hector Velez, 61, was found not guilty of murder and voluntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Ralph Ruiz, 59. The jury found Velez guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

Months of budget battles came to an end Tuesday as the Board of Supervisors voted to restore $650,000 to the Public Defender’s Office. The restoration is in addition to $300,000 that the Budget and Finance Committee voted to allocate to the office last month.

“Parity” is not the same as equality when it comes to funding this country’s promise of justice for all.