PUBLIC DEFENDER

2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• In 2020, Public Defender received the Department of Defense, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award. • On January 11, 2020, Public Defender Attorney Manager Brian Waite was honored as the Attorney of the Year by the Thurgood Marshall Bar Association. • On November 20, 2020, Valerie Preciado, Public Defender Defense Investigator, was awarded the Investigator of the Year by the California Defense Investigators Association. • Public Defender continued to utilize one of the highest number of interns among County departments. • Public Defender hosted the 2020 Working Wardrobes Accessory Drive, and staff generously donated to the regional nonprofit that empowers men, women, young adults and veterans to overcome barriers, so they can achieve the dignity of work. • Our office worked closely with the nonprofit Project Kinship to provide mental health services, legal advice, family support services, health and wellbeing programming, support and recovery groups, workforce training, and referrals for needy.

2021 GOALS

• Successful implementation of legislative mandates effective 2021. • Out of court collaboration with stakeholders to produce better outcomes for system-involved individuals in the criminal justice system, dependency system, juvenile justice system and mental health system. • Advocate for all clients in the Criminal and Delinquency Courts of Orange County. • Advocate for the parental rights in Dependency Cases and protect the rights of individuals in the Mental Health Courts of Orange County. • Utilize Recidivism Reduction Advisors to reduce the costs associated with repetitive crimes and incarceration.