Linda A. Thompson

Government Code Section 27706 defines the duties of the Public Defender. Generally, the Public Defender is responsible for representing any person financially unable to employ counsel and who is charged with the commission of any contempt or criminal offense triable in the Superior Courts of the County at all stages of the proceedings. The Public Defender also represents minors in wardship proceedings, persons alleged to be sexually violent predators or mentally disordered sex offenders, and mentally ill persons at hearings to determine their mental condition, and in conservatorship proceedings. The Public Defender protects the constitutional rights of every individual charged with misdemeanors and felonies in this county by its presence at every critical stage of the proceedings in every court at every calendar, to provide the crucible in determining whether charges brought are true in whole, in part, or at all. We take seriously our office motto.

The Noblest Motive is the Public Good, and we believe it is an honor to serve our clients.