News and Press Releases

Public Defender Mano Raju Says “Zero Bail” measure is critical tool to prevent spread of COVID19 in jails throughout the state Today’s Emergency Bail Schedule implementation means people should be released from jails throughout the state starting at 5pm San Francisco — On April 6, the Judicial Council of California voted to implement a set of 11 emergency rules to...

SF-Public-Defender-District-Attorney-Joint-Letter-to-Governor-Newsom-3.27.20-1Download

All of our incarcerated clients – including our clients in immigration detention centers – continue to be at a heightened risk of being exposed to COVID-19, and my office is fighting every day for their health and safety. Immigration detention facilities are particularly at risk with regards to spread of infectious diseases because of congregate-style sleeping arrangements, crowding, the proportion...

Calls Mount for Release of Vulnerable Prisoners as Justice System Struggles to Respond to Coronavirus By Marissa Lagos – KQED As much of California life grinds to a halt because of the coronavirus pandemic, some groups are asking local and state officials to take sweeping actions — including letting people out of prison or jail early — to protect those...