The Offices for Los Angeles County Public Defenders are facing devastating budget cuts that threaten the rights of thousands of Angelenos. While probation, the DA, and the Sheriff’s departments are untouched, the only constitutionally mandated department is being gutted. These cuts will mean longer jail stays, more wrongful convictions, and fewer resources for families and communities.

About nine in 10 people accused of crimes in federal courts are represented by a public defender or court-appointed attorney. Cuts to public defender offices undermine the constitutional right to legal counsel for mostly indigent clients by creating unmanageable caseloads, increasing wrongful convictions, and causing systemic delays in the justice system.

With less time and fewer resources for each client, defenders are more likely to seek quick plea bargains rather than go to trial, which can lead to longer sentences and wrongful convictions. Studies have shown a correlation between underfunded public defender offices and a higher number of ineffective assistance of counsel claims. Also, defense teams often rely on investigators, paralegals, and expert witnesses to build a strong case. Funding cuts leave these vital roles unfilled, making it difficult for public defenders to meaningfully challenge the prosecution’s case.

A shortage of public defenders can lead to delays in trials, which forces defendants who cannot afford bail to remain in jail for longer periods while awaiting legal representation. This causes significant hardship for the accused, who may lose their jobs or housing while awaiting trial. In some cases, a severe lack of legal representation has led to the release of defendants, including those accused of serious crimes, because they have been held in jail for too long without counsel, violating their Sixth Amendment rights. 

• Los Angeles County’s Office of the CEO is responsible for budget allocations for all LA County departments. 
• The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has to sign off on the final budget and Supervisors Hilda Solis and Kathryn Barger are not supporting the PD’s office! 
• Los Angeles’ only constitutionally mandated department is being gutted while Probation, DA, and Sheriff’s Department budgets are left untouched.
• 8.5% cut already approved (3% in the recommended budget + 5.5% in the supplemental budget).
• 32 attorney positions gone—wiping out capacity at a time of overwhelming need.
• Another 5% cut on the table → leading to layoffs, hiring freezes, and the end of competent, effective representation.

Felony Murder Elimination Project is asking our supporters and advocates to push back against these draconian budget cuts to this vital, constitutionally-mandated service. Consistently underfunding Public Defender’s Offices results in substandard legal services erodes public confidence in the legal system and its promise of equal justice for all. 

Help us fight back by taking action by September 30

1. Use this toolkit to access action materials —>>> Local 148: Stop the Cuts for Public Defenders
2. Send an email blast
3. Call the Board of Supervisors
4. Share your support of the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office on Social Media

Thank you, as always, for your dedicated and resilient support of the goals we share toward a more fair and just criminal justice system.