News and Press Releases

Newly-appointed Public Defender Manohar Raju is committed to continue to improve the circumstances for our clients, not only post-jail, but also during their time in custody. That’s why we are excited to announce a new partnership with the San Francisco Public Library’s Jail and Reentry Services program (JARS). This program circulates books to people who are incarcerated in San Francisco’s three...

San Francisco— A man with a neurological disorder that was approached and then forcibly pushed to the ground by a police officer while he attempted to board a paratransit van was acquitted of battery and resisting arrest on Wednesday, Public Defender Manohar Raju has announced. Marvin Cosby, 60, was looking at a year in county jail had he been convicted....

San Francisco– Two cases of people charged with domestic violence ended in acquittal this week after juries examined the evidence and decided that each one was based on false assumptions, Public Defender Jeff Adachi announced today. Elijah Watson, 38, and Chenille Moldovan, 43, were both found not guilty after altercations with their partners lead to their arrests. Mr. Watson was...

San Francisco—The jury hung 9 to 3 in favor of acquittal in a case involving a man who defended himself against a group of assailants on Valentine’s Day 2016, Public Defender Jeff Adachi announced today. Richard Contreras, 30, was charged with two homicides, an attempted homicide, carjacking and assault after he fired at men in a group at the Twin Peaks...