Who We Are
What We Do
Appellate Division
Creating Change Through Excellent  Appellate Litigation
Capital Litigation
Learn about the death penalty in California
Amicus, Systemic & Non-Capital Litigaton
Training appellate advocates and shaping the law
Indigent Defense Improvement Division
Working to Improve Public Defense Systems  Across California
Capacity Building
Explore work across California to support indigent defense
Training Resources
Discover our training resources and events
Data and Research
Find statewide and county data and research on indigent defense
Defense Training
Access our resources for defenders
Access Training
Careers
Careers
Learn about the career opportunities at OSPD
Your Role with OSPD - For Attorneys
OSPD offers legal careers to individuals who are passionate about public service and making a difference through dedicated public defense.
Your Role with OSPD - Non-Attorney
The Office of the State Public Defender offers legal careers to individuals who are passionate about public service and making a difference through dedicated public defense.
How to Apply
A guide to the State application process
Fellowship
Start your appellate career at OSPD with Barry P. Helft Fellowship
Internship Program
The Office of the State Public Defender offers internship opportunities for students looking for an introduction to public service and the ability to develop their knowledge and skills in a professional setting.
Salary & Benefits
Explore the salary and benefits available to OSPD employees
Job Openings
Visit the Cal Careers Website to see all current job opening at OSPD.
View Job Openings
Resources
Resources
Explore an extensive library of legal briefs, court decisions and resources
The Legal Landscape: Laws & Regulations
Statutes, regulations and legal defense resources that define and support our legal system in California.
Legal Resources for the Public
Essential tools, guides, and information
Contracts & Procurement

Who We Are
What We Do
Appellate Division
Creating Change Through Excellent  Appellate Litigation
Capital Litigation
Learn about the death penalty in California
Amicus, Systemic & Non-Capital Litigaton
Training appellate advocates and shaping the law
Indigent Defense Improvement Division
Working to Improve Public Defense Systems  Across California
Capacity Building
Explore work across California to support indigent defense
Training Resources
Discover our training resources and events
Data and Research
Find statewide and county data and research on indigent defense
Defense Training
Access our resources for defenders
Access Training
Careers
Careers
Learn about the career opportunities at OSPD
Your Role with OSPD - For Attorneys
OSPD offers legal careers to individuals who are passionate about public service and making a difference through dedicated public defense.
Your Role with OSPD - Non-Attorney
The Office of the State Public Defender offers legal careers to individuals who are passionate about public service and making a difference through dedicated public defense.
How to Apply
A guide to the State application process
Fellowship
Start your appellate career at OSPD with Barry P. Helft Fellowship
Internship Program
The Office of the State Public Defender offers internship opportunities for students looking for an introduction to public service and the ability to develop their knowledge and skills in a professional setting.
Salary & Benefits
Explore the salary and benefits available to OSPD employees
Job Openings
Visit the Cal Careers Website to see all current job opening at OSPD.
View Job Openings
Resources
Resources
Explore an extensive library of legal briefs, court decisions and resources
The Legal Landscape: Laws & Regulations
Statutes, regulations and legal defense resources that define and support our legal system in California.
Legal Resources for the Public
Essential tools, guides, and information
Contracts & Procurement

Tools for the defense and those  interested in public defense

Access essential tools, guides, and information to empower legal professionals, support staff, and the community. For defense staff looking for more training tools, post-conviction resources, Racial Justice Act assistance or CARE Court resources, please join our share point.

Pro Per Packets Fact Sheets Reports Grant Opportunities

Pro Per Packets

Here you will find information that allows people to start proceedings on their own, and that may help attorneys in representing clients on these issues.

Felony murder resentencing: SB 775

Pro Packet: Eligibility and Petitioning for Resentencing Felony Murder or Manslaughter

English

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Español

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People v. Heard: Resentencing for youth sentenced to long sentences

Pro Packet: Eligibility and Petitioning Juvenile Sentencing

English

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Veteran’s resentencing: SB 1209

Pro Packet: Eligibility and Petitioning for US Military Veterans

English

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Español

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Racial Justice Act Retroactivity: AB256

Pro Packet: The Racial Justice Act for All Act

English

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Fact Sheets

OSPD creates a variety of publications related to indigent defense.

Felony Murder Resentencing Fact Sheet

Uncounseled Pleas: Pause Before a Plea Fact Sheet

Utilizing Social Workers in Public Defense Fact Sheet

Reports

OSPD creates a variety of publications related to indigent defense.

California’s 58 Public Defense Systems Report

Full Data Report : Snapshot of Indigent Defense in California

Understanding the National Public Defense Workload Study: California Guide

Grant Opportunities

When we identify grant opportunities you will find them here.
You can learn about some prior California grant programs for indigent defense here:

Public Defense Pilot Program

Indigent Defense Grant Program

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)

2025 Access to Justice Prize (Submissions are due by March 31)