What We Do
At the Yolo County Public Defender's Office, we uphold the fundamental belief that everyone whose liberty is at risk deserves a dedicated defense team to advocate for them, regardless of their ability to pay. Guided by the landmark Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright (1963), we are committed to providing exceptional advocacy that ensures our clients' voices are heard, their humanity is respected, and their rights are protected.
Who We Serve
​Our experienced team—comprising attorneys, investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and support staff—works collaboratively to deliver holistic representation tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.
Adults Accused
of Crimes
We defend indigent individuals facing felony and misdemeanor charges.
Juveniles Accused
of Crimes
We advocate for minors accused of offenses that would be criminal if committed by adults.
Those Seeking
Re-entry
We advocate for individuals seeking to clear or reduce criminal convictions
We are committed to putting our clients at the center of everything we do. We believe that every client is more than their case; they are individuals with unique stories, challenges, and strengths. Our approach to Holistic Defense ensures that we address not only the legal issues they face but also the root causes and collateral consequences of their involvement in the legal system.
We strive to understand each client's needs, advocate for their humanity, and empower them to navigate the system with dignity and respect. By providing both legal advocacy and connections to social services, we work to break cycles of law enforcement involvement and create opportunities for stability and success. Our commitment is to ensure every client feels heard, valued, and supported as we fight for their rights and a better future.
Key Principles of Holistic Defense
Holistic Defense is an approach to legal representation that emphasizes a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy for defending clients. This approach goes beyond traditional and outdated legal tactics by integrating social, psychological, and community elements into the defense process. It recognizes that legal issues often intersect with various aspects of a person's life and aims to address these interconnected factors to achieve the best possible legal outcomes, which in turn uplift struggling populations in our society.
Client-Centered Approach
At the heart of holistic defense is a deep commitment to understanding the client as a whole person, not just a case number. This involves building trust, actively listening, and considering the client’s personal circumstances, motivations, and needs.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Holistic defense often involves a team of professionals, including attorneys, mitigation specialists, social workers, mental health experts, and community advocates. This collaboration ensures that all aspects of a client’s life are considered, leading to more comprehensive support.
Community Engagement
Instead of solely focusing on the legal charges, holistic defense seeks to identify and address the underlying issues that may have contributed to a client’s legal problems. This could include factors such as poverty, addiction, mental health issues, or lack of access to education.
Long Term Solutions
Holistic defense recognizes the importance of community resources and support systems. By connecting clients with local organizations, services, and networks, attorneys can help foster positive change in their clients’ lives.
Addressing Root Causes
The goal of holistic defense is not just to win a case but to empower clients for the future. This approach emphasizes personal growth and resilience, helping clients to rebuild their lives and avoid future legal issues.