Stockton Public Defender's Office expands services and celebrates achievements

The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on April 22, 2025, focusing on various community initiatives and updates from county departments. The meeting began with a presentation from the Public Defender's Office, highlighting their recent efforts and achievements over the past 57 years.

The Public Defender's Office reported significant progress in their new program aimed at providing behavioral health services and housing for clients. Since its launch in December, the program has served ten new clients, with one care agreement already signed, demonstrating early success in reconnecting families. In celebration of Second Chances Month, the office announced an upcoming event on April 26 at the Stockton Civic Arts Center, offering expungement services, a job clinic, and motivational speakers.

The presentation also acknowledged the dedicated staff of the Public Defender's Office, which includes 53 attorneys, 17 investigators, and 28 support staff. The office has expanded its services to include juvenile delinquency, mental health cases, and collaborative courts, with plans for further growth to meet the increasing population demands.

In addition to the Public Defender's updates, board members shared their recent community engagements, including participation in local events such as the opening day of the ports, the Stockton Kings' G League championship, and various community clean-up initiatives. They emphasized the importance of staying connected with the community and addressing local needs.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the next Board meeting scheduled for May 13, 2025, as the supervisors expressed gratitude for the hard work of county staff and the ongoing commitment to serving the community.