San Diego County Public Defender
General Contact Information
How to Get Help
| Phone Number | 619 338-4700 |
|---|---|
| Waiting List | Unfortunately, we are not accepting applications at the moment. We will start accepting applications again in the Fall of 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. |
| Information | If you have a copy of your DOJ Record or Livescan criminal background check, bring this to your first meeting with the Public Defender. You can email Fresh.Start@sdcounty.ca.gov to find out more information about how to receive services. You can find more information on obtaining your DOJ record here: https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints |
Who We Are
Expungement (Dismissal) of Criminal Convictions (PC 1203.4 et. seq)
Motions to Reduce Felony Convictions to Misdemeanors (PC 17(b))
PC 290 Sex Offender Registration Relief
Human Trafficking Victim Vacatur Relief (PC 236.14)
Intimate Partner Violence/Sexual Violence Vacatur Relief (PC 236.15)
Prop. 47 Relief (Reclassifying Certain Low-Level Felonies to Misdemeanors)
Prop. 64 Relief (Reclassifying Certain Marijuana Crimes)
Correcting Errors in Department of Justice Criminal History Records
Instructions on How to Get Your Criminal History Report
A public defender is a qualified attorney licensed by the State Bar of California, assigned by the court to provide legal help to individuals who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Some public defender offices offer more than just representation during criminal cases; they also provide valuable post-conviction help, such as record improvement. Record improvement may help when you're applying for certain kinds of jobs or housing because it can change how arrests and convictions appear on background checks.
Who We Serve
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| Additional Service Area Info | Information on this site may be useful to all California residents. However, users should confirm what applies to them with an attorney. |
| Is this organization accessible by wheelchair? | Yes |
| Does this organization provide access for the hearing impaired? | Yes |
| Eligibility Restrictions | You should contact this organization if your conviction happened in San Diego County. If you have a copy of your background check, the county or city of your conviction may be listed. Contact the organization to confirm you meet any income or other eligibility requirements. |
Type of Help
| This group provides the following types of services based on your legal needs and its resources: |
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