Alameda County Public Defenders

This #nativeamericanheritagemonth we honor the Ohlone people and remain committed to fighting for all who have been impacted by systemic racism. #racialjustice #publicdefense #ohloneland

People with disabilities are failed by the criminal legal system time & time again. After disproportionate contact with law enforcement, unaccommodating courts, and unequipped jails, thousands with disabilities are locked up in state prisons on a given day.

New — Just saw Dem Rep. Madeleine Dean confront Speaker Johnson off House floor over CR, health care, recessing chamber, Trump’s speech. And on Trump’s AI video, Johnson says “it wasn't my style."   Dean: “Not your style? It's disgraceful. It's racist. You should call it out.”

"This is unacceptable and part of a coordinated, racist, authoritarian campaign to criminalize immigrants and dismantle our democracy from the inside out." -@Nikkiforallofus #SanctuaryForAll #JusticeforMigrants #HumanRights #PublicDefense #DueProcess mercurynews.com/2025/09/23/ice…

“It’s time to pick a side. Either you allow this to happen to members of our community, or you take action to prevent it.” @BrendonWoodsPD #DueProcess #MigrantRights #PublicDefense kqed.org/news/12057368/…

Courts must be spaces of safety and due process, not fear and detention. @BrendonWoodsPD #DueProcess #HumanRights #PublicDefense sfchronicle.com/bayarea/articl…

“People who follow a judge’s orders to attend court should not have to fear federal agents kidnapping them and dragging them away to detention centers. Our democracy cannot function if this continues.” @BrendonWoodsPD #DueProcess mercurynews.com/2025/09/22/ala…

Trump announced today he's ending “cashless bail” in DC & threatening cities across the country. It’s all based on fear—not facts. I was a public defender for a decade. I work with orgs across the country. Here’s what’s really true about bail, crime, & safety. 🧵

Alameda County DA is moving to send more kids to adult court-a major shift from past policy. Public Defender Brendon Woods says children deserve rehabilitation, not decades in adult prison. Judges will make the final call. Read more: shorturl.at/VNVsv #JuvenileJustice

Happening this morning: Press conference on #AB1071. #ProtectDueProcess #RacialJusticeNow @Ash_Kalra @initiatejustice

ICE in courthouses interferes with justice both for defendants and for victims. Read the story: shorturl.at/OU2un #KeepICEOutOfCourts #ProtectDueProcess #ImmigrantRights #DueProcess @BrendonWoodsPD @NPR @meg_anders

We'll be in SAC Aug.20 pushing for #AB1071 !!! Federal threats to due process & fairness in courts are growing. In California, this how we're fighting back. W/ this bill, communities can access legal support and data to expose and challenge racial discrimination in the courts.

“...When we transfer children to adult court, we are admitting failure as a society for that child.” – Alphonso Mance, Alameda County Public Defender’s Office 🗞️ Read more: shorturl.at/S5hD8 #JuvenileJustice #AlamedaCounty #CareNotCages @BrendonWoodsPD @EastBayTimes

Courts should be places of fairness, not racial bias. AB 1071 gives communities the tools to hold the legal system accountable. Join us this Wed 8/20 in Sacramento to demand #RacialJusticeNow #ProtectDueProcess

We join the California Public Defenders Association in calling for the immediate restoration of human rights inside California's prisons. Read CPDA's full statement here: shorturl.at/O2Pam #HumanRights #PublicDefense #EndMassIncarceration #CareNotCages

The Block Party is back! Sat, May 31, 12-4PM, DeFremery Park, West Oakland! Free food, DJ, bike raffle, community services like Clean Slate, Immigration info, benefits enrollment + much more — everyone’s welcome! RSVP: forms.office.com/g/AFC2E69nWW #Oakland #OaklandEvents

🎉Join us May 31 for our Community Block Party! 12–4 PM at DeFremery Park in West Oakland ✅It's a FREE event with free food, face painting, a bouncy house, immigration know-your-rights trainings, a free COVID & Flu vaccine clinic (no ID or insurance req'd), and more! #Oakland

🎉Save the date! Join us for the Public Defender Community Block Party — FREE and open to all! 📅 May 31 ⏰ 12–4 PM 📍 DeFremery Park, 1651 Adeline St, West Oakland Free food, music, kids' activities, Clean Slate record repair, vaccines, and more! Hope to see you there! #Oakland

WE’RE HIRING Immigration Defense Attorneys! 📍 Oakland, CA 💵 $131K/year 📆 Apply by 5/2 📧 acpdrecruitment@acgov.org 🔗 publicdefender.acgov.org #ImmigrantRights #NoHumanIsIllegal #PublicDefense #NowHiring #OaklandJobs

In 1961, Clarence Earl Gideon was accused of burglarizing a pool hall. Forced to defend himself, he lost. From prison, he hand wrote a petition that reached SCOTUS. In 1963, Gideon v. Wainwright secured the right to counsel for all. On #PublicDefenseDay, we honor that legacy.