Attorneys

Ronald Johnson currently serves as the Chief Deputy Public Defender. Johnson’s career in public defense began as a legal intern at the Yolo County Public Defender’s Office. After earning his Juris Doctorate from UC Davis School of Law, Johnson committed to a career in public defense, joining the Yolo County Public Defender’s Office in 2005.
Since joining the office, Johnson has litigated numerous cases, including the most serious homicide cases. He has supervised the office legal intern program, has served as both misdemeanor team and felony team supervisor, and after a short period of serving as Assistant Chief Deputy Public Defender, he assumed his current role in 2021.
Johnson’s commitment to legal education extends beyond his practice; he has also served as an adjunct professor, teaching trial practice classes at UC Davis School of Law, mentoring the next generation of trial attorneys.
His almost two decades of experience at the office, his encyclopedic knowledge of criminal law and procedure, and dedication to his clients make him an indispensable asset to the office.

Andrea Pelochino serves as the Assistant Chief Deputy Public Defender in Yolo County. With a career that spans over 17 years, she has significant experience in both juvenile and adult criminal defense. Ms. Pelochino graduated from the McGeorge School of Law at the University Pacific. In her role, Pelochino manages complex legal cases and oversees the adolescent defense, post-conviction, mental health, paralegal, and mitigation specialist units within the public defender’s office.

Aram Davtyan is a dedicated attorney at the Yolo County Public Defender’s Office, where he has served since July 2015. A member of the California State Bar since December 2014, Aram is fluent in Armenian and understands Russian, bringing valuable language skills to his practice. Originally from Armenia, Aram immigrated in his late teens and pursued his education at the University of California, Davis, where he earned a B.A. in English. He continued his studies at UC Davis School of Law, graduating in 2014. During law school, he interned at the Yolo County Public Defender’s Office, gaining critical experience in public defense. After a brief tenure at the Nevada County Public Defender’s Office, Aram returned to Yolo County, where he currently works on a felony team, handling a range of serious felony cases. His commitment to advocating for his clients and his strong legal background make him a valuable asset to the community he serves.

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Dan Hutchinson is a Supervising Deputy Public Defender in Yolo County. He graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College and earned his law degree from UC Davis School of Law, where he was inducted into the prestigious Order of the Coif. Hutchinson is known for handling a number of high-profile cases that have drawn attention for their complexity and significance. His deep commitment to justice extends beyond the courtroom, as he also serves as a mentor to young attorneys and interns, guiding them through the intricacies of criminal defense and fostering the next generation of legal advocates. Hutchinson’s mentorship, combined with his experience in high-stakes litigation, underscores his leadership in the public defense community and his dedication to ensuring equitable legal representation for all.

Danielle Craig, a proud New York native, has been a public defender since 2021 and brings a strong background in social justice and legal advocacy to her role. A graduate of UC Berkeley School of Law, she previously clerked for the Honorable Tracy Wollenberg on the Alaska Court of Appeals handling criminal appeals and gained significant experience during law school, working for The Legal Aid in the Bronx, the Legal Resources Centre in South Africa, the Louisiana Capital Assistance Center, and the East Bay Community Law Center. Craig additionally worked at the Death Penalty Clinic, deepening her commitment to defending those facing the most severe sentences and founded the Berkeley Homeless Services Project, reflecting her commitment to serving vulnerable populations. She co-authored Whitewashing the Jury Box, a paper that influenced new legislation ensuring equitable jury experiences across races, in pursuit of guaranteeing the right to a jury of one’s peers. Craig’s work in and out of the courtroom highlights her deep dedication to addressing systemic inequalities and advocating for the underserved. In her free time, Craig enjoys outdoor activities, finding balance between her passion for justice and her love for nature.

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Eric G. Arias is a passionate and skilled Deputy Public Defender with a deep commitment to criminal defense and youth advocacy. As the son of immigrants and raised by a single mother, Eric's journey is a testament to resilience and dedication. The first in his family to graduate from college, Eric earned his bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies with distinction from California State University, Chico. He went on to achieve his Juris Doctor with distinction from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, concentrating on Trial and Appellate Advocacy. Since January 1, 2022, he has represented both adults and justice-involved youth across a range of complex cases, including felonies and misdemeanors. Known for his compassionate approach and relentless dedication, Eric is driven by a desire to protect the rights of the underserved and marginalized, applying a thorough, client-centered approach to every case. Eric’s commitment to youth justice reform extends beyond his casework; he actively contributes to the PJDC Legislative Committee, where he collaborates with fellow advocates to influence impactful youth legislation in California. Outside of his professional life, Eric is passionate about Mexican cuisine, constantly exploring new recipes and flavors. He’s also a Japanese car enthusiast, with many of his childhood friends having opened shops dedicated to building show and race cars.

Erin Dacayanan has been a Deputy Public Defender in Yolo County since 2018. Prior to her employment at Yolo County, Erin was a Deputy Public Defender in Fresno County for three years. Prior to Fresno County, she was an associate attorney in a private criminal defense firm in San Francisco for three years. She was awarded her law degree from University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) in 2013. She also graduated Cum Laude with Highest Distinction from California State University, Chico in 2009 where she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, a paralegal certificate, and the exclusive Paul Persons’ “Fighting the Good Fight” award for her extracurricular commitment to criminal defense and environmental justice. Before becoming an attorney, Erin worked as a paralegal and a law clerk for a variety of public and private law offices in Northern California, almost exclusively in the area of criminal defense. In her free time she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and rock ‘n’ roll.

Jailene Gutierrez earned her BA in political science from the University of California, Merced and her JD from UC Davis School of Law in 2023. Before law school, Jailene worked as a congressional district representative in Merced County. During law school, Jailene worked at the UC Davis immigration law clinic for one year. She started interning at the Yolo County Public Defender's Office in 2022 and interned until she passed the California Bar in 2023, after which she continued as an attorney. Jailene is passionate about offering client-centered representation both in English and in Spanish. As a first-generation attorney born and raised in the Central Valley, Jailene is passionate about educating her clients on the criminal process and ultimately, seeing them succeed in life.

James Bradford has dedicated the last nine years to serving as an attorney with the Yolo County Public Defender's Office. His journey began as an intern with the office while studying at McGeorge School of Law, where he excelled in legal writing and trial advocacy, earning Witkin Awards in both areas. He also showcased his skills as a member of the school's mock trial team, achieving national recognition. Prior to earning his law degree, James earned a B.A. in Sociology and Psychology at UC Davis. He has handled hundreds of cases, and successfully tried over 50 cases at trial, ranging from misdemeanor offenses, to sex crimes, to homicides. He is currently a member of the office's Mental Health team, where he takes great pride in representing clients facing mental health and substance abuse challenges.

Jonathan Opet is a skilled trial and post-conviction lawyer with a focus on racial justice and systemic inequities in the legal system. A graduate of the University of Oregon with a degree in journalism and political science, and Santa Clara University School of Law. He has been practicing law since 2011. His current practice is dedicated to Racial Justice Act litigation, exposing instances where racism or bias affected legal cases. Opet has previously specialized in representing children in juvenile court, and adults with severe mental illness accused of a wide-range of offenses. He was drawn to public defense after working as a reporter covering criminal courts and teaching literacy at Santa Rita Jail. As a prison abolitionist, he believes in the inherent value of all people and is deeply committed to fighting mass incarceration and over-criminalization, continually advocating for a more just and compassionate legal system.

Jose Gonzalez-Vasquez is a Deputy Public Defender with the Yolo County Public Defender's Office. Born and raised in Orange County, Jose graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of California, Irvine, before earning his law degree from the University of California School of Law, San Francisco, in 2013. Licensed to practice law in both California and Colorado, he has tried dozens of cases across both states, drawing on extensive experience in jury trials and high-stakes criminal litigation. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Jose is committed to providing accessible and effective representation. Currently assigned to mental health litigation, he combines his courtroom expertise with a compassionate approach to advocating for clients facing unique challenges. His knowledge in technology and computing further enhances his strategic defense.

Joseph Gocke has been an attorney at the Yolo County Public Defender’s Office since 2008. A graduate of Thomas Jefferson School of Law, he has litigated thousands of cases over the course of his career. He has taken to jury or court trial over 60 cases over the course of his career including homicide cases, life exposure cases, sex crime cases, Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity cases, and other violent and serious felonies. He has supervised the Mental Health Defense Team since 2021. He has been a guest lecturer at Sac State, has presented close to a dozen MCLE trainings in Yolo County, including 2 different Yolo County Bench Bar Trainings. He has given training to Sacramento area psychologists on the intersection of mental health and the law. He also gives training and guidance on US laws and customs to recent Afghan immigrants. He is a lifelong fan of the Sacramento Kings showing that he truly has a passion for the underdog.

Katie De Anda is a passionate public defender in Yolo County, known for handling difficult and sensitive cases. A graduate of UC Davis School of Law, De Anda first worked for legal aid, where she gained a deep understanding of the collateral consequences of the legal system on individuals and communities. This experience shaped her holistic approach to public defense, where she strives to address not only the immediate legal challenges her clients face but also the broader impacts of their involvement in the criminal legal system. Becoming a public defender, her lifelong goal, allows De Anda to continue her commitment to justice with compassion and purpose.

Kumar Sankara joined the Yolo County Public Defender Team as misdemeanor attorney in July 2024. Kumar has previously served twenty years as an officer in the United States Navy, a career filled with many adventures and professional experiences that spanned the globe. Wanting to continue public service in a less imperial role, Kumar chose to pursue public defense. He attended the University of California Davis School of Law, where he spent a considerable amount of time volunteering at the Yolo County Public Defender’s Office on the Misdemeanor Team. Kumar graduated Law School in 2023 and completed a post-bar assignment at the Sacramento Public Defender’s Office. He was then a Deputy Public Defender in Placer County before joining the team here. Kumar loves working with his clients to help achieve their optimal legal outcomes.

As the most seasoned trial attorney at the Yolo County Public Defender's Office, Martha Sequeira brings unparalleled experience and a lifelong commitment to the Yolo County community. Raised in West Sacramento, Ms. Sequeira has devoted her career to defending the rights of her neighbors, classmates, citizens of Yolo County, and all other clients with unwavering passion and expertise. A graduate of McGeorge School of Law, she has conducted over 160 jury trials, establishing a formidable reputation as a fierce advocate whose reach extends throughout the greater Sacramento area. Ms. Sequeira is the office’s subject matter expert in the defense of criminal street gang offenses and enhancements. In 2023, Ms. Sequeira was recognized as Attorney of the Year by the Yolo County Unity Bar, a testament to her exceptional skill, dedication, and impact on the legal field. Beyond her role as supervisor of a felony team, she is deeply engaged in her community, actively contributing her time and knowledge in both West Sacramento and Clarksburg. She also serves as a coach for the St. Francis High School Mock Trial Team, mentoring the next generation of advocates. Ms. Sequeira’s commitment to her clients and her community reflect her belief that public defense is not just a job, but a calling to serve, protect, and empower. Her work both in and out of the courtroom showcases her dedication to justice, integrity, and community service.

Matt Lanthier has been an attorney at the Yolo County Public Defender’s Office since February 2024. Prior to this, Matt worked at the Placer County conflict defense firm, where he handled a mixed criminal and juvenile delinquency caseload. Matt graduated from the UC Davis School of Law in 2022, where he participated in mock trial and received awards for academic excellence in evidence and scientific evidence courses. Matt is also a 2018 graduate of UC Santa Barbara, where he participated in Army ROTC and interned at a legal aid clinic. Matt is an officer in the California Army National Guard, where he’s served in staff positions and as a company commander. Prior to becoming an attorney, Matt worked as a reserve firefighter in rural Yolo County. Matt is a Davis resident but grew up in the Bay Area. Outside of work, Matt enjoys distance running (but strongly dislikes all other forms of cardio), lifting weights, and cooking. He prefers cats over dogs, but is open to being convinced otherwise.

Monica Cavazos Brushia is a Supervising Deputy Public Defender at the Yolo County Public Defender’s Office. A Mexican American born in McAllen, Texas, but raised in the central valley, Brushia attended the University of California, Davis, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in History. She earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of Arizona, College of Law. Brushia started practicing as an attorney in December of 1994. In February of 1997, she accepted a job with the Yolo County Public Defender’s Office and has been here ever since. In December of 2007, she became a supervisor and has supervised various attorney teams since. Brushia is currently supervising a felony team for the office. Brushia has taken cases to jury trial well over 100 times from homicide to petty theft. She handles all of the Sexually Violent Predator cases and also stays certified to handle LPS cases. She is also the President and Co-Founder of the Yolo Unity Bar, whose primary goal is Diversity, Inclusion and Equity of under-represented groups in the legal field. She is married and a mother of three children. She enjoys reading, hiking, camping, piano playing, and sewing.

Richard Van Zandt is an experienced public defender, recognized for his extensive litigation experience, particularly in jury trials. A graduate of UC Davis and Santa Clara University School of Law, Van Zandt joined the public defender’s office in 1998. Over the course of his career, he has litigated over 150 jury trials, spanning a wide range of complex criminal cases, including the most serious felonies. Van Zandt’s sharp courtroom skills, thorough case preparation, and strong advocacy have led to numerous favorable outcomes for his clients. In addition to his litigation work, Van Zandt plays a crucial role in mentoring aspiring attorneys in his role as intern supervisor.

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Sara Johnson is a committed public defender in the post-conviction unit, where she focuses on advocating for incarcerated individuals and helping them navigate the legal system after sentencing. With a BA from UC Berkeley and a JD from Santa Clara University School of Law, she feels privileged to work closely with incarcerated people and their families, emphasizing the importance of family restoration and second chances. She finds great joy in getting to know her clients, who consistently demonstrate strength and resilience despite the oppressive nature of the carceral system. Johnson’s work has resulted in the safe release of numerous rehabilitated people. Johnson also mentors undergraduate and pre-law interns, whose enthusiasm and fresh perspectives enhance her commitment to justice. Johnson’s dedication to post-conviction advocacy makes her an essential figure in the fight for rehabilitation and reform.

Sarah MacDonald graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Communication Studies and a minor in Criminal Justice in 2016. She received her Law degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, in 2020. Sarah started at the Public Defender’s Office in Yolo County as a volunteer attorney in 2021 handling misdemeanor cases. She was hired on as a new attorney later that same year. She is now on a felony trial team handling a full felony case load handling cases from start to finish. She has successfully litigated numerous pre-trial motions, suppression motions, diversion motions, and speedy trial motions just to name a few. She has, as most public defenders do, taken many cases to jury trial (this is her favorite part of the job). When she is not in the courtroom, she can be found casually taking on any spicy food challenge like a pro or picking vegetables grown in her husband’s garden.

Stephen Betz is a committed member of the felony team at the Yolo County Public Defender’s Office, representing clients facing serious charges. Inspired by a college professor who worked as a public defender, he pursued a career in public defense. Mr. Betz graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Sonoma State University and earned his law degree from Santa Clara University, where he was a founding member of the South Asian Law Student Association, won a criminal law moot court competition, and received the Best Oral Advocate award. He later obtained an LL.M. from California Western School of Law, focusing on Federal Criminal Defense and Trial Advocacy. Before joining Yolo County in 2008, he gained significant experience at the Mendocino County Public Defender’s Office, the Federal Defender’s Office in Fresno, and briefly in private criminal defense in Oakland. At Yolo, he has handled a wide range of cases, from minor offenses to murder, and completed two rotations with the Adolescent Defense Team. Known for his fierce advocacy, Mr. Betz excels in challenging prosecutions and litigating complex legal issues, especially those involving constitutional rights violations.