Public Defender
Founded in 1960, the San Bernardino County Public Defender protects the interests of criminal and civil commitment defendants by providing skilled legal counsel and passionate advocacy. Our office enjoys a solid reputation for integrity, diligence and professionalism, and plays a key role in the county’s administration of justice. In fiscal year 2006-2007, the office handled roughly 55,000 cases countywide.
This website is an excellent place to begin to learn about the San Bernardino County Public Defender’s office. Among other information, these pages describe our department’s history, office locations, community outreach programs, and recruitment. Our Links page includes helpful links to the websites of other members of the community who play significant roles in the criminal justice system. In addition, our Frequently Asked Questions page provides answers for the most frequently posed, pressing questions about the criminal justice system.
Please contact the PD Webmaster for further information about this website. Please note, however, email communication may not remain confidential.


William Shapiro and Chief DPD Chris Gardner, accepting County Board’s Resolution declaring May 1st “Law Day.”
2008
State of the Office Meeting all staff gathered together to
celebrate successes and plan for the future of the department.
