Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender

To courageously defend the accused. To demand equal justice for all. To empower our clients with inspired advocacy in the courtroom and community.

[Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender @CruzDefender]

Thank you, Bridge Foundation of Santa Cruz County for helping us provide our clients with healing, opportunity, and support.

[Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender @CruzDefender]

Public Defender Heather Rogers looks forward to serving on California’s newly formed Independent Commission on Public Defense to advocate for sustainable state funding for public defense.
https://t.co/cuZWbQ7Ghy

[Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender @CruzDefender]

Thank you, California Defense Investigators Association for inviting Public Defender Heather Rogers to speak on Theory & Theme at the Annual Meeting in beautiful Monterey, where we explored how interdisciplinary teams can work together to tell powerful stories.

[Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender @CruzDefender]

We are proud to march in the Pride Parade! Every person deserves dignity, respect, and access to justice. Pride is a celebration of authenticity, belonging, and the freedom to live openly—and we are honored to stand with our LGBTQ+ community.
Happy Pride! 🌈

[Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender @CruzDefender]

Som

Recently, one of our attorneys helped facilitate a visit between a client and his beloved dog. Moments like these remind us of the critical role defenders pay in keeping people connected to their natural support systems during a difficult time.

[Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender @CruzDefender]

Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, Inc's Heroes in Prevention Awards recognizes and celebrates individuals, organizations, and community leaders who are making a positive impact in the Pajaro Valley through prevention, wellness, and youth empowerment!

[Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender @CruzDefender]

Social Worker Supervisor María Rodríguez-Castillo is in Chicago this week with County and community leaders, participating in the Annie E. Casey Foundation Results Count Applied Leadership Network Cohort.
@countyofsantacruz
@watsonvillepd
@bronxdefenders

[Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender @CruzDefender]

Thanks to everyone who came out to Honor Judge Stephen S. Siegel and support High School Mock Trial and the 5th Grade Elementary Law Program ("Cookie Court") at last night's Elbow Rub. If you didn't get a chance to donate, visit https://t.co/IzYAiLQzHL or use the QR code below.

[Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender @CruzDefender]

In a landmark due process decision that *should* finally put an end to wealth-based detention in California, the California Supreme Court on April 30 issued In re Kowalczyk.

https://t.co/Zj2qHD2suq

[Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender @CruzDefender]

I spent Monday at the Capitol with public defenders from across California supporting ACR 159 — a resolution recognizing the critical role of public defense and the urgent need for meaningful investment in public defense. Thanks @Ash_Kalra for this important resolution. - Heather

[Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender @CruzDefender]

Congratulations to our Partners for Justice client advocates whose deep commitment to our community was recognized by Supervisor Felipe Hernandez in a proclamation, honoring their hard work, compassion and dedication during their 2-year fellowship at our office. @PFJ_USA

[Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender @CruzDefender]

We are proud to support Santa Cruz County Trial Lawyer Association's 5th Grade Elementary Law Program ("Cookie Court"). This week, the Public Defender facilitated a cookie trial at the courthouse and then gave students from Mountain Elementary School a tour of our office.

[Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender @CruzDefender]

Thank you, Idaho Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers for inviting me to present on impeachment in Sun Valley. It was amazing to learn with, and from, you and to share ideas about elevating public defense! -Heather

[Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender @CruzDefender]

Join us on May 7, 5-7:30 pm at the Harvey West Clubhouse for Santa Cruz County Trial Lawyers Association's 2026 Elbow Rub, honoring Judge Stephen S. Siegel. Membership not required. Sliding scale donations--all are welcome!

[Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender @CruzDefender]

We are proud to stand with community and congratulate the winners of the 2026 United in Purpose awards. We are inspired by all of the recipients and the impact they are making across the County.

[Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender @CruzDefender]

This week, court staff, Probation, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Public Defender’s Office—represented by our Director of Holistic Defense, Elizabeth Byrd—traveled to Brisbane to visit the Jericho Project and learn about the work they are doing to help rebuild lives.

[Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender @CruzDefender]

Join us April 26 at Guelaguetza, a family-friendly celebration of Oaxacan culture, with food, dance, music and crafts. For more information, visit the Senderos website: https://t.co/nhPSaOiqf9