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A Deputy Public Defender
reviews cases with juveniles
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When a person lacks the resources to hire an attorney, the law requires the appointment of counsel for defendants
in criminal cases, minors in Juvenile Court cases, parents in dependency cases, and for a variety of persons in mental health
cases. The Office of the Public Defender is dedicated to preserving the constitutional rights of its clients.
In Juvenile Court, the public defender provides legal representation to minors charged with a crime and adults
in dependency cases. Because most juveniles lack financial resources to hire an attorney, the court will usually appoint
the public defender to represent a minor at his or her first court appearance.
At this first appearance, also known as a "Detention Hearing," the Deputy Public Defender will receive a copy of
the charges ("Petition"), and the court will determine whether the juvenile will be detained or released while
the case is pending. Once a decision is made as to the custody status of the minor, future court dates will be scheduled.
Between the first and second court appearance, the juvenile will be interviewed by the Public Defender's office.
In addition, the public defender will receive the discovery from the District Attorney's office. Discovery includes
police and laboratory reports, photographs, videotapes, audiotapes and other evidence. The assigned Deputy Public
Defender prepares the case by reading the discovery, meeting with the juvenile and investigating legal and factual issues.
- All Deputy Public Defenders are lawyers licensed to practice law by the California State Bar.
- They are in court nearly every day and know the "ins and outs" of the courts in which they serve.
- Deputy Public Defenders also have the benefit of outstanding in-house support services including professional
investigative staff, paralegal and clerical staff, interns and law clerks, as well as the shared knowledge and experience
of other deputy public defenders in the office.
- For more information on the Public Defender's office, call the Orange County Public Defenders Juvenile
Justice Center branch office at (714) 945-7578 or visit the Orange County Public Defender website at: http://www.pubdef.ocgov.com
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