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]

Work boots. Bus passes. A phone. Small things can make a big difference. Chief Deputy Public Defender Athena Reis spoke to the Mid-County Democrats about how PDO’s partnership with the BRIDGE Foundation meets clients’ material needs to support reentry.
@BCounty29292

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

The right to a lawyer should not depend on your ZIP code.
The Davis Vanguard highlights efforts by the California Independent Commission on Public Defense—including Santa Cruz County Chief Public Defender Heather Rogers—to secure reliable state funding for public defense.

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

“Public defense is where public health meets public safety.”

Public Defender Heather Rogers’ Sentinel commentary considers why California must fund the teams that defend clients and connect them to treatment, housing and lasting stability.
https://t.co/VCJBEdRXM2

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

Many PDO clients are unhoused or housing insecure. This winter preparedness notice underscores the need for holistic, client-centered support—and for criminal legal system partners to respond with understanding and flexibility when storms disrupt people’s lives.

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

Chief Public Defender Heather Rogers taught at @NCDC’s workshop at ASU this weekend, helping defenders build client relationships and bring clients’ stories to life through direct examination and opening statements. Great to see so many California defenders!

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

Our Public Defender was honored to be named a Mental Health Hero at Assemblymember Gail Pellerin's Care Fair this weekend. She accepts this recognition on behalf of the whole team at the Santa Cruz County Public Defender's Office.
#MentalHealthMatters #HolisticDefense

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

Public Defender Heather Rogers was honored to speak at Saturday's Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County's 40th anniversary celebration. Congratulations, CRC! 🌳

#RootedInCommunity #RestorativeJustice #SantaCruzCounty

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

Last week, our Director of Holistic Defense, our four incredible advocates, and our PFJ Advocate Supervisor traveled to Atlanta for the annual Partners for Justice Conference! Our team presented, learned, and connected with offices nationwide.

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

Exciting day in Santa Cruz County! Chief Investigator Mara Hickey and Director of Holistic Defense Elizabeth Byrd were proud to attend the opening of the Coastal Community Justice Center. Here’s to building a stronger, more connected Santa Cruz County. 💙

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

HONORING LABOR DAY

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

What a beautiful way to celebrate an extraordinary community leader! Our Social Work Supervisor, María Rodríguez-Castillo was honored to represent the Santa Cruz County Public Defender’s Office at this special gathering celebrating Woman of the Year Maria Elena De La Garza.

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

https://t.co/4cSU0ytbSF

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

What if $75 could help someone leave the criminal legal system? https://t.co/4cSU0ytbSF

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

BRIDGE Foundation to Launch with Natural Bridges Farm Fundraiser https://t.co/TxGsiO3V9T

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

@sccounty

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

YOU'RE INVITED! Help us celebrate the launch of the BRIDGE Foundation, a nonprofit created to help support people served by the Public Defender’s Office. Get your tickets at https://t.co/3Q3rOEwRAn

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

It was an honor to teach last week at the National Criminal Defense College's Deryl Dantzler Trial Practice Institute alongside some of the finest trial lawyers and teachers in the country.

~Heather

#PublicDefense #NCDC #nationalcriminaldefensecollege

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

Thanks to everyone who turned out for National Night Out! We are grateful to be a part of such a dynamic and supportive community.

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

This summer, we're excited to welcome Evelin Chavez to the Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender as part of UC Santa Cruz's Transforming Futures internship program. https://t.co/FVYdMSgqmZ