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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 · Santa Clara

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County government · Santa Clara

Santa Clara 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

Santa Clara County · Santa Clara — public defender (opens in a new tab)

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

out the County County Services Departments About the County Public Defender's Office About Us Meet the Public Defender Mission and Values Meet Our Team Criminal Defense Cases We Take Pre-Arraignment Representation and Review (PARR) Misdemeanor Cases Adult Felony Cases Juvenile Justice Ment

Saved evidence: 31d42e4ee49674ab · Agent source review

In-custody and out-of-custody financial interview routes — Santa ClaraOfficial instructions

Read the actual provider’s instructions. In-custody and out-of-custody financial interview routes. 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

Santa Clara County Public Defender · Santa Clara County Public Defender — public defense information (opens in a new tab)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | Public Defender's Office | County of Santa Clara — Actual public-defense public instructions

At your first court date, a judge will appoint the Public Defender if you are in custody. If you are out of custody, a paralegal in court may interview you about your finances to see whether you qualify for our services, or the judge may refer you to our office for a financial interview and ask you to return on another date.

Saved evidence: 12e70906471f96cc · Agent source review

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