News and Press Releases

A report released by the San Francisco City Controller on case costs of the San Francisco Public Defender's Office has found that the the office's representation of 28,000 people every year is the most efficient and cost-effective way to provide legal representation to those who cannot afford lawyers.

The Public Defender's Office is facing a budget cut of about $1.9 million at the same time as the Superior Court is budgeting an additional $1.2 million for handling cases that the public defender can't. Is San Francisco trying to take all of the misdemeanor cases away from the PD's office and give them to private defense lawyers?

by Jeff Adachi Now that it has been operational for three months, the Community Justice Center (CJC) should be evaluated based upon a factual and empirical analysis of objective data from the cases that have been heard in the court.  With the upcoming budget hearings focusing on the city’s dire financial situation, there will no doubt be a discussion as...

AP: Public defenders, who already are stretched to the breaking point by huge caseloads and dwindling staff, face layoffs across the country. Nowhere is the threat more apparent than in California.

On Thursday, June 18, 10am on the Goodlett Steps of San Francisco City Hall, the community will rally in support of public defense and budget justice.