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Public defense and court-appointed counsel

Find public defense programmes, provider directories and court instructions for requesting appointed counsel. Appointment, financial eligibility and case-type limits vary.

Before you start

A district attorney prosecutes cases; a public defender provides defense services under the applicable appointment process.
Use the official office instructions to confirm eligibility, jurisdiction and the correct service contact.
Coroner and medical examiner office information does not include person-level death records or searches.

1 guide with reviewed service links · San Diego

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U.S. Census boundaries via U.S. Atlas · 2017 edition, simplified for display.

County government · San Diego

San Diego County Public Defender

Official county public defender office information. Confirm the appropriate contact, jurisdiction and any appointment or representation requirements with the provider.

public defender — official informationOfficial instructions

Read the official public defender office information and contact the appropriate service unit.

Source checked October 26, 2026

San Diego County public defender · San Diego — public defender (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed official directory row, department heading or explicitly named service link; see fixed safety audit.

Health, Children Health and Human Services Agency Live Well San Diego Public Safety Sheriff District Attorney Medical Examiner Probation Public Defender Emergency Preparedness Fire Authority Law Enforcement Complaints Adult Protective Services Child Abuse Hotline Business Do Business with

Saved evidence: c88d562d4d58efad · Agent source review

Before appointment — general information only — San DiegoOfficial instructions

Read the actual provider’s instructions. Before appointment — general information only. Appointment and qualification are determined through the stated court process; the provider’s other services are not inferred from this selection.

Source checked October 26, 2026

San Diego County Public Defender · San Diego County Public Defender — public defense information (opens in a new tab)

Frequently Asked Questions — Actual public-defense public instructions

Our office can provide general information regarding the court process. The specifics of your case cannot be discussed until we are appointed.

Saved evidence: 4f74b68f97c3e986 · Agent source review

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