• Our Office
  • Resources
  • FAQS
  • News & Events
  • Careers
  • CJA
  • Contact
  • Overview
  • Mission & Values
  • Our Staff
  • Messages of Appreciation
  • Contact
  • Overview
  • Clients & Family
  • CASA & STAR
  • CJA
  • Overview
  • Arrest & Arraignment
  • CASA
  • Central Violations Bureau (CVB)
  • Courtroom Attire & Etiquette
  • Habeas Proceedings
  • Material Witnesses
  • STAR
  • Overview
  • Press & Internal News
  • Blog
  • Press Inquiries
  • Photo Gallery
  • Events Calendar
  • Overview
  • Law Clerk Program
  • Intern Programs
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Benefits Package
  • Overview
  • CJA Trial Panel
  • CJA Appellate Panel
  • CJA Capital Habeas Panel
  • CJA Mentoring Program
  • CJA Training
  • CJA Forms & Links
  • CJAnet Portal
  • Overview
  • Los Angeles Office
  • Santa Ana Office
  • Riverside Office
  • Employment
  • Press Inquiries
menu
FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER
  • Our Office
    • Our Office
      • Mission & Values
      • Our Staff
      • Messages of Appreciation
      • Central District Map
  • Resources
    • Clients & Family
    • CASA & STAR
    • CJA
  • FAQS
      • Arrest & Arraignment
      • CASA
      • Central Violations Bureau (CVB)
      • Courtroom Attire & Etiquette
      • Habeas Proceedings
      • Material Witnesses
      • STAR
      Q

      How does someone apply to the CASA program?

      A

      Any defense counsel may apply on behalf of their client by submitting a letter to the CASA team closest to where the applicant may reside, regardless of where the case has...

      READ MORE

  • News & Events
      • Blog
      • Press & Internal News
      • Press Inquiries
      • Photo Gallery
      • Events Calendar

      Margo Rocconi Appointed as United States Magistrate Judge

      We are excited to announce that the Chief of our Capital Habeas Unit, Margo Rocconi, has been appointed as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Central District of...

      READ MORE

  • Careers
    • Current Openings
    • Law Clerk Program
    • Intern Programs
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Benefits Package
  • CJA
      • CJA Trial Panel
      • CJA Appellate Panel
      • CJA Capital Habeas Panel
      • CJA Mentoring Program
      • CJA Training
      • CJA Forms & Links
      • CJAnet Portal
  • Contact
    • Los Angeles Office
    • Santa Ana Office
    • Riverside Office
    • Employment
    • Press Inquiries
Client Centered
Focus
Respect &
Integrity
Excellence in Representation

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Logo

FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER CDCA STATEMENT ON CORONAVIRUS

Please be advised that our offices are currently open but with substantially reduced staff due to the current national emergency concerning COVID-19. You can still reach us by calling 213-894-2854 (Los Angeles), 714-338-4500 (Santa Ana), 951-276-6346 (Riverside), or by emailing our staff. We will respond as quickly as possible.

We will continue visiting detained clients, appear in court, and tend to business, even if business is delayed. But our immediate responsibility—everyone’s immediate responsibility—is to slow the spread of the contagion. And we do that by limiting contact with each other and other members of the general public.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

Attention families of incarcerated individuals: You can access important information about COVID-19 and its impact on your loved ones in BOP custody. Click here to read the latest updates.

Careers

Client & family
resources

Criminal Justice Act
Attorneys

News & Events

SCROLL DOWN
“

Thank you for your help with “Courtroom to Classroom” earlier this month. The program is a collaboration between the Constitutional Rights Foundation and the United States District Court, Central District of California and would not be possible without the dedication of outstanding volunteers... Read More

- Laura Wesley and David De La Torre
”
“

I want to thank you both, and your staff, for all the hard work and support you all provided me before, during, and after my case went through the courts. You all have played a very big part in all of this, and I just wanted to share this good news with you all. Myself, and my family thank you all... Read More

- Client
”
“

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for welcoming me in the Public Defender network over the past months. My time here was brief yet so fulfilling. I have met so many inspiring individuals throughout my placement and I will carry this experience with me wherever... Read More

- Law Clerk
”
“

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you again for you effort and work. Our family understands the many hours required to do your job and can only assume the caseload you carry. We appreciate your stand up character, diligence, and effectiveness. [Client] wants you to know that he is filled with... Read More

- Client
”
“

Hello. I want to say thank you for all your hard work for fighting for my release after 25 years. I’m truly thankful to you  . . . No matter my outcome, I’m still thankful to you and I appreciate you. Read More

- Client
”
“

This internship provides great insight into the work environment of an IT Department. The people here really care about their interns, and it was a wonderful environment to learn and thrive. Read More

- IT Intern
”
“

I don’t know where to start. Thank you for everything. Your meticulous notes, your bottomless packets, multi-tasking abilities, and belief in this program. Continue to have faith. Read More

- CASA Graduate
”

FAQs

Q

Who qualifies for CASA?

A

The CASA Program is an alternative to traditional prosecution and sentencing that seeks to address some of the primary causes of criminal offenses – substance use disorders, mental health issues, and deficient life-skills. Thus, to qualify for application to CASA, a client must demonstrate that he or she has had an alcohol or drug problem,... READ MORE

Q

What type of clothing is appropriate to wear in federal court?

A

Federal court is more formal than most state courts.  Suits, ties, and other formal wear are not necessary, but shorts, halters, tank tops, any clothing exposing the midriff or underclothing, beachwear, flip-flops, pool shoes, or t-shirts with inappropriate graphics or wording are not recommended.

READ MORE

Q

What happens when I am arrested for a federal crime?

A

Soon after your arrest, agents will bring you to court before a magistrate judge. The charges against you will be contained in a complaint with an affidavit that summarizes the evidence against you, or in an indictment returned by a grand jury. The magistrate judge will explain your rights and make sure that you understand what the prosecutor... READ MORE

Q

What are the minimum requirements of STAR?

A

As a STAR participant, you will be expected to attend weekly STAR court sessions, remain in contact with probation and, perhaps most importantly, you must make every effort to remain clean and sober.  In addition to random drug testing, you would also be expected to engage in some form of drug treatment or therapy, attend at least three 12 Step... READ MORE

SEE ALL FAQs

Margo Rocconi Appointed as United States Magistrate Judge

Posted by Federal Public Defender, CDCA on Mar 19, 2021 in Press & Internal News

We are excited to announce that the Chief of our Capital Habeas Unit, Margo Rocconi, has been appointed as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Central District of... READ MORE

Governor Newsom Appoints former FPD-CDCA Attorneys Alicia Blanco and Ronald Kaye as Los Angeles County Superior Court Judges

Posted by Federal Public Defender, CDCA on Nov 13, 2020 in Press & Internal News

Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the appointment of Alicia Blanco, former supervising attorney with the Federal Public Defender's Office for the Central District of... READ MORE

A Tale From Two Cities: David Joseph Sutton ’08 didn’t think he’d go to college. He’s now the Los Angeles Trial Chief in the largest federal district in the country.

Posted by Federal Public Defender, CDCA on Oct 30, 2020 in Press & Internal News

Los Angeles Trial Chief David Sutton was recently featured in University of San Francisco Law School's fall 2020 alumni magazine. By: Annie Breen To a middle schooler... READ MORE

Cuauhtémoc Ortega Appointed as New Federal Public Defender for Central District of California

Posted by Federal Public Defender, CDCA on Oct 15, 2020 in Press & Internal News

Source: United States Courts for the Ninth Circuit Public Information Office Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit have appointed Cuauhtémoc... READ MORE

read more news
2021 Federal public defender. All rights reserved. Home Page Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Sitemap Disclaimer
  • Los Angeles:(213) 894-2854
  • Riverside:(951) 276-6346
  • Santa Ana:(714) 338-4500

The information supplied on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make legal decisions. Interacting with e-mail or otherwise with this site does not constitute the creation of an attorney/client relationship with the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California or any of its attorneys.