Contra Costa Public Defender

Today, public defenders carry that promise forward every day. Attorneys, investigators, social workers, and staff work to ensure the Constitution’s guarantee of counsel is real for the people we serve. Because justice should never depend on what someone can afford. #GideonDay

In 1963, the Court agreed in Gideon v. Wainwright. The ruling established that people accused of crimes have the right to an attorney, even if they cannot afford one. “Lawyers in criminal courts are necessities, not luxuries.”

Did you know the right to a public defender began with a handwritten letter from prison? In 1961, Clarence Earl Gideon asked the U.S. Supreme Court for a fair chance in court. He argued that a person cannot receive a fair trial without a lawyer.

March is Social Worker Month. We're grateful for the social workers on our Public Defender team who help clients access housing, treatment, and stability while bringing compassion and expertise to every case. Your work changes lives. Thank you. #SocialWorkerMonth #PublicDefense

Recognizing that history daily reminds us why representation, fairness, and accountability in our justice system matters — and why the work of building trust and equity must continue year-round. #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryEveryDay #BlackHistoryIsAmericanHistory

While there are only two days left in Black History Month this year, we encourage you to celebrate Black history every day. Simply put, Black history is American history. It tells the story of resilience, advocacy, and the ongoing pursuit of equal justice under law.

Resentencing SAVES the state money by reducing the huge costs of incarceration. There are countless people in prison that are only there because they were hit by racially biased enhancements. We urge @CAGovernor @GavinNewsom to support resentencing. #RestoreTheGrant

This video exemplifies the racist and violent policing that the Antioch Police Department has inflicted on black and brown people for years - every resident of Antioch deserves to be protected from these officers.

FBI Arrests Antioch, Pittsburg Police Officers Following Indictments kqed.org/news/11958522/…

#NEW: Before he was charged with 5 felonies, a Contra Costa deputy allegedly kept a thumb drive in his patrol car containing judges' e-signatures. Something like this would essentially give any corrupt cop a carte blanche to serve fake search warrants: mercurynews.com/2023/07/28/at-…

According to the ruling, state law does not provide "a sweeping immunity for any and all acts police officers may perform within the scope of their employment". sfchronicle.com/politics/artic…

#BREAKING: Ex-Antioch cop charged with assault during July 2022 traffic stop. He was fired over the same incident: mercurynews.com/2023/06/14/ex-…

I’m grateful to the many allies who advocated and supported our recent efforts at @CCCounty to expand services to our immigrant families and protect them from deportation. @StandTogetherCC @roberthrogers1 @NIJC @richmondpulse

CA has invested in the Public Defender Pilot Program, a statewide program that helps people meaningfully & safely reintegrate into society after incarceration.🤝 Thank you @PhilTing, @AsmMiaBonta, @NancySkinnerCA & @SenMariaEDurazo for protecting this funding in the state budget!

It’s becoming increasingly clear that bigotry and ignorance are endemic at the Antioch Police Department — and that the real threat to public safety are the people wearing the badges, writes columnist Justin Phillips.

Today's landmark ruling shines a light on racist prosecutorial charging practices that harm black community members in Contra Costa County - CCPD will continue to vigorously litigate violations of the Racial Justice Act.

Dozens of demonstrators march to the Contra Costa County Courthouse in Martinez to protest against @AntiochPolice officers who texted racist stuff. Read story @EastBayTimes ahttps://bayareane.ws/3BICXlE

Police officer with @SFBART resigns after being accused of using “racist & abhorrent language” in a video while off-duty, agency says

We Stand Together for #equity in @CCCounty ! 💪❤️ Proud I recently helped lead efforts at our Board of Supervisors to expand @StandTogetherCC to serve our immigrant families&protect them from being deported&split up. @CCEB @cocodefender Thanks to our great partners!

Antioch police racism could lead to unprecedented mass dismissals in criminal court, county writes $2.2 million check to address problem trib.al/NyPivXe