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.
Felony murder resentencing: SB 775
People v. Heard: Resentencing for youth sentenced to long sentences
Veteran’s resentencing: SB 1209
Racial Justice Act Retroactivity: AB256
California Standards for Contract and Panel Defense Systems
In February 2025, OSPD released California Standards for Contract and Panel Defense Systems, a set of statewide principles developed through an 18-month research and collaboration project beginning with a live event, California Indigent Defense Summit. These guidelines combine national best practices with input from panel, contract, and county leaders across California and are designed to ensure quality representation, strengthen accountability, and help counties align with constitutional and ethical obligations. The implementation guide was concurrently released to provide county administrators and panel leaders with practical advice and best practices from across the country.
You can learn about some prior California grant programs for indigent defense here: