LA County Public Defenders Office

A BIG WELCOME to an our newest class of Deputy Public Defenders! For their first day, our Public Defender Ricardo D. Garcia swore them in and Chief Deputy Justine Esack and Chief of Staff John Mathews welcomed them by engaging in a Q&A panel discussion.

This February 2026, our office will be providing record clearing services at various locations around LA County!
For more information click the link in our bio 🔗

As public defenders, we are committed to zealously advocating for all our clients and working every day to dismantle a legal system built on racial injustice.

We also must confront the reality that Black residents are disproportionately incarcerated compared to their share of the population—an ongoing reflection of systemic racism in our criminal legal system.

During Black History Month, we honor the legacy, resilience, and leadership of African Americans and the many ways Black history has shaped Los Angeles County.

For trafficked youth, that means supporting Safe Harbor laws that redirect minors from prosecution to care—because no young person should be punished for surviving exploitation.

January is Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month. The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office supports survivors of human trafficking at every age by advocating for trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses within the legal system.

Ricardo D. Garcia, L.A. County Public Defender, appeared on Univision 34 Los Angeles to discuss, in spanish, the recently implemented AB1261. This bill requires the state to provide legal representation for immigrant youth in the State of California.

Noah Cox, LA County Deputy Public Defender, joins the Public Defenselessness podcast to talk about the realities clients with cognitive disorders face and the critical work of our Neurocognitive Disorders Team, which helps bridge that gap with understanding, advocacy, and care.

“Justice too long delayed is justice denied.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
 
As we honor his legacy, LA County Public Defender offices will be closed Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.”

This role is essential to ensuring operational efficiency, fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, and alignment with our mission of client-centered representation and justice reform.

This executive-level position is responsible for directing and overseeing all departmental administrative support operations and services.

🚨WE'RE HIRING!🚨The Administrative Deputy II is the highest-level administrative officer in the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. Click the link in our bio or scan the QR code to apply today!

Happy New Year from the Public Defender's Office!

Notice of closure: All our offices will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026 and will reopen on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Looking ahead to 2026, we remain inspired, purpose-driven, and unwavering in our commitment to justice, community safety, and zealous advocacy for our clients.

🎓 Recruitments
From high school students to future attorneys & justice-driven professionals, we’re investing in the next generation of passionate defenders. Our team is building a strong, diverse pipeline—because the future of justice depends on everyone who is ready to serve.

More award highlights here.

🌟 Awards & Recognition
We celebrated extraordinary leadership, unwavering dedication, and nationally recognized achievements. Our team continues to set the standard for excellence in public defense — and we’re carrying this momentum into 2026 with pride and purpose.

⚖️ Expungements & Record Clearing
Each expungement is more than a number — it’s a new beginning and a restored opportunity. In 2026, we remain committed to expanding access to justice, empowering communities, and breaking down barriers.

2025 was a year of incredible achievement, real impact, and powerful advocacy at the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. Swipe to celebrate the milestones that defined our year and the brighter future we’re building together.

Earlier this month, we were able to swear in and welcome a new class of twenty new Deputy Public Defenders! These new public defenders were able to celebrate with their friends and family as well as hear from our very own @rdg_lapubdef.

Happy Holidays from our Public Defender's Office—we wish you a restful season and a hopeful year ahead. Please note that all our offices will be closed on Thursday, December 25th.

Chief Deputy Justine Esack and Lancaster Head Deputy Kris McFarren, discussed efforts to expedite jail closure at the CSIT meeting in Antelope Valley - advocating for our clients with the truth that that no one gets well in a cell. Learn more about CSIT at ceo.lacounty.gov/csit/

🥎 LACPD on the field! 🥎 For the Fall Board of Supervisors County Softball Tournament, our office proudly represented the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office with our team “Swinging for the De-fences.”

The pilot program expands the work of our existing immigration unit and will be staffed by contract attorneys and legal fellows dedicated to supporting immigrants during removal proceedings.

For the first time in 111 years, the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office will help provide representation in immigration court through a new removal defense pilot program.

For more information, read the article through the link in our bio 🔗

Please note: Our offices will be closed November 27–28, 2025. We will resume regular business hours on Monday, December 1, 2025

Happy Thanksgiving from the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office!🍂 
 
We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve, advocate, and uplift our communities every day.

At the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, we remain committed to equitable representation and advancing access to justice for all.