Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender

General Contact Information


!
How to Get Help

MAIL
Phone Number (831) 454–5300
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 CleanSlate@santacruzcounty.us 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

A public defender is an attorney licensed by the State Bar of California who is appointed by the court to represent people who are financially unable to afford to hire an attorney. Some offices provide services after a conviction to help improve how a criminal record appears on background checks. 

 

This office has two locations:

 

420 May Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

 

315 Main Street Suite 204
Watsonville, CA 95076

Who We Serve

Area(s)
  • Santa Cruz County
Additional Service Area Info You should contact this organization if your conviction happened in Santa Cruz 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.
Language(s) Spoken
  • Spanish / Español
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 Santa Cruz 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:
  • Full Legal Representation
  • Brief Advice
  • Pro Se Legal Clinic
Last Review and Update: Jul 10, 2024
Back to top