July 17, 2026
Los Angeles County Public Defender Ricardo D. García and Compton Mayor Emma Sharif Hosted Freedom Through Expungement Resource Fair
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HEAL PROGRAM: Connecting Clients to Treatment Under the Protection of Attorney-Client Privilege.
The earlier we understand what’s happening, the earlier we can find the correct path forward. This pilot program connects our in-house social workers and @partnersforjustice client advocates with clients on day 1, allowing for earlier attorney-client privileged assessments, linkage to programs and resources and more options to move forward. Through HEAL, our attorneys are equipped early on with necessary information to get our clients the assistance they need, so they can get back to community.
What’s happening across the Public Defender’s Office?
Recapping July’s second edition of Defender Digest, we brought together highlights from across LA County—from the people behind the work to the programs, resources, and community efforts making an impact. Inside, you’ll find stories about our work in the community, Know Your Rights resources, free events, and more.
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We were excited to welcome 40 law students and Professor José Cervantes Kirt from Xochicalco University in Tijuana, Mexico, to the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. During their visit, students heard from our trial attorneys, gang specialists, and juvenile defense attorneys about the work public defenders do every day and had the opportunity to ask questions about the legal profession. Thank you for joining us—we enjoyed meeting with you and wish you all the best!
Los Angeles County renters, homeowners, seniors, families and fire survivors can access free homeless prevention programs and services including rental assistance, mortgage relief, utility assistance, legal aid and housing navigation. Find help and get connected at lacounty.gov/prevention.
Los inquilinos, propietarios, adultos mayores, familias y sobrevivientes de incendios del Condado de Los Ángeles pueden acceder a programas y servicios gratuitos de prevención de la falta de vivienda, que incluyen asistencia para el alquiler, alivio hipotecario, ayuda para el pago de servicios públicos, asistencia legal y orientación sobre vivienda. Encuentre ayuda y obtenga información en lacounty.gov/prevention.
A big thank you to our incredible interns and law clerks for your hard work, dedication, and fresh perspectives these past few months. Thank you for standing with us in the mission of public defense and advocating for our clients and community. We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make in your future endeavors!
August 2026, our office will be providing record clearing services at various locations around LA County!
For more information click the link in our bio 🔗
Our office, in partnership with the @comptoncityhall and @sharifemma, hosted the Freedom Through Expungement Resource Fair at the Dollarhide Community Center on July 17th, 2026.
The free event connected eligible community members with expungement services and legal guidance to help clear qualifying criminal records. Attendees also received access to local organizations offering employment, education, health, housing, and other supportive services.
Join the Nation’s first, largest, and finest indigent criminal defense agency as a Psychiatric Social Worker! We are looking for social workers who have a valid and active license (LCSW) to join our team of Public Defenders.
