News Details

Solano County celebrates National Public Defense Week

March 16, 2018

SOLANO COUNTY – Starting this Sunday, 55 years after the landmark Supreme Court decision in Gideon v. Wainwright, the Solano County Public Defender's Office, along with Public Defenders Offices across the country will celebrate National Public Defense Week.

National Public Defense Week serves as an important reminder to the community of the important role Public Defenders play in society.  Public Defenders stand up for the dignity of their clients, representing them through all phases of the legal system.  As appropriate to each client, Public Defenders research legal issues, conduct investigations, write motions and represent their clients in court – serving to protect the client’s Sixth Amendment right to counsel, when they cannot afford to hire a lawyer.

Solano County opened the doors to the first County Office of the Public Defender on November 4, 1968.  For the past 50 years, the department has worked hard to provide effective legal representation to even the poorest and needy among us.

In 2018, the Solano County Public Defender’s Office and Alternate Public Defender’s Office, including a staff of 55 attorneys, nine investigators, two Social Workers, two part-time Paralegals and 19 clerical staff, represent more than 20,000 clients in new and ongoing cases.  Most cases involve adults and juveniles accused of criminal offenses, ranging from traffic misdemeanors to serious felonies.

In addition to helping clients navigate the criminal justice system, Solano County Public Defenders pride themselves on helping connect their clients to the programs and services they need to help them avoid the system altogether.  This is accomplished by partnering with the County’s Health and Social Services department and community and faith based organizations.

Decades ago, Supreme Court Justice Learned Hand stated, "If we are to keep our democracy, there must be one commandment: though shall not ration justice."

Today, as we celebrate National Public Defense Week in Solano County and across the nation, we are reminded that if we expect our society to remain a democracy, we must all play a role in protecting justice and demanding that everyone has a right to it, no matter who they are, where they came from and whether they can afford it or not.  The Public Defender protects the public by protecting the Constitution.

For more information on the Solano County Public Defender’s Office or National Public Defense Week please call (707) 784-6700 or visit www.SolanoCounty.com/Depts/PubDefender.