THE OFFICE OF THE ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER
Welcome to the San Diego County Alternate Public Defender web site. The office of the Alternate Public Defender was established in 1990. With a staff of over 100 Deputy Alternate Public Defenders, Investigators, Support Staff and Volunteers, the mission of the Alternate Public Defender is to ensure that the right to competent and effective defense counsel is a reality for the indigent in San Diego County by always seeking the best ethical and legal outcomes possible through skilled and vigorous representation.
The Office of the Alternate Public Defender is comprised of three divisions. Our Adult Criminal Division represents indigent persons accused of a crime. The Juvenile Delinquency Division represents minors accused of truancy or criminal offenses. The Juvenile Dependency Divisions represent parents who have had their children removed from their custody as a result of accusations of abuse or neglect.
While all three legal areas are distinct, the Office of the Alternate Public Defender provides coordinated services to individuals and families who find themselves involved in more that one legal arena. The ability to coordinate services results in consistent and well-informed representation of all of our clients.
It is my hope that this web site will assist in understanding how our office and the criminal justice system in general functions. We have included links to other web sites and e-mail addresses of other members of the criminal justice community to allow you easy access to information you may need, particularly in San Diego County.
On behalf of the entire Department, we appreciate the honor of allowing us to serve you, the Public and the County of San Diego. Thank you for the interest you have shown by visiting our web site. Always feel free to contact me or my staff should you need further information or assistance.
Respectfully,
Timothy A. Chandler
Alternate Public Defender
County of San Diego
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