Humboldt County Public Defender's Office receives $743,864 to expand holistic defense services

 

(Humboldt County Public Defender Luke Brownfield)

The Humboldt County Public Defender’s Office was recently awarded $743,864 from the Office of the State Public Defender’s Expanded Public Defense Grant to expand its holistic defense services. 

Holistic defense combines legal representation with social work, reentry support and community-based services to help the Public Defender’s clients stabilize their lives and avoid future involvement with the criminal legal system. 

Funding received will support additional staffing and program capacity to enhance coordination between attorneys, social workers, investigators and community partners. Expanding client-centered services that bring together multiple areas of support will help the Public Defender’s Office address the underlying social, behavioral health and economic challenges that often lead to their clients’ involvement with the justice system. 

“This funding allows our office to better serve clients by addressing the root causes that bring people into contact with the justice system,” said Humboldt County Chief Public Defender Luke Brownfield. “By expanding holistic defense services, we can improve case outcomes, promote public safety and connect clients to critical resources such as housing, treatment and benefits.”

The Humboldt County Public Defender’s Office has been a leader in implementing holistic defense practices in rural Humboldt County, recognizing that effective legal advocacy extends beyond the courtroom and into the broader context of clients’ lives.

Funds received from the Office of the State Public Defender reflects the state’s commitment to strengthening defense services for clients who cannot afford to hire a private attorney and promoting equitable access to justice across California.