Santa Barbara County Public Defender

02/05/2026

We are pleased to announce there is an open recruitment for Deputy Public Defender III positions. There are two vacancies in the Santa Barbra Office.

A position description, the employment standards, examples of duties, a description of the ideal candidate, and how to apply for the positions can be found at the link. The deadline to apply is Tuesday 2/17/2026 at 4:59pm.

The County of Santa Barbara respects and values a diverse workforce and strongly promotes strategies and activities to recruit, develop and retain qualified persons of varied backgrounds, lifestyles, experiences and races.

02/05/2026

We are pleased to announce there is an open recruitment for a Financial Services Manager II.

A position description, the employment standards, examples of duties, a description of the ideal candidate, and how to apply for the position can be found at the link.

The deadline to apply is Thursday 2/12/2026 at 4:59pm.

The County of Santa Barbara respects and values a diverse workforce and strongly promotes strategies and activities to recruit, develop and retain qualified persons of varied backgrounds, lifestyles, experiences and races.

01/30/2026

The County of Santa Barbara invites community members to participate in the continued development of its Adult Judicial Diversion Strategic Plan. Informed by feedback gathered during community forums held in October 2025, the draft plan focuses on building a coordinated, countywide diversion system that expands alternatives to incarceration while supporting accountability, treatment, and access to services.

Community members are encouraged to attend upcoming in-person or virtual sessions to review the draft plan and provide feedback. These sessions will offer an opportunity to learn more about the proposed goals and strategies and to share perspectives that will help shape the final plan.

In-person participation is offered in English. Virtual participation is available in both English and Spanish.

The sessions will be facilitated by RDA Consulting on behalf of the County of Santa Barbara.

In-person sessions:
Lompoc - 2/9/26 12:00p.m. @ Lompoc Library, Grossman Gallery
Santa Maria - 2/9/26 5:00 p.m. @ Santa Maria Central Library, Learning Center Room
Santa Barbara - 2/10/26 4:00 p.m. @ Santa Barbara Eastside Library, MLK Room

Virtual Sessions:
Lompoc - 2/9/26 12:00 p.m. - English Zoom Meeting ID 836 8587 0317
Lompoc - 2/9/26 12:00 p.m. - Spanish Zoom Meeting ID 827 1585 8749
Santa Maria - 2/9/26 5:00 p.m. - English Zoom Meeting ID 814 8715 8478
Santa Maria - 2/9/26 5:00 p.m. - Spanish Zoom Meeting ID 862 5042 7933
Santa Barbara - 2/10/26 4:00 p.m. - English Zoom Meeting ID 872 1156 9876
Santa Barbara - 2/10/26 4:00 p.m. - Spanish Zoom Meeting ID 853 2908 4719

Location Non-Specific Virtual Meeting
2/19/26 4:00 p.m. - English Zoom Meeting ID 849 7542 1095
0/29/26 4:00 p.m. - Spanish Zoom Meeting ID 837 2648 1369

11/19/2025

More than 2,400 people are experiencing homelessness in Santa Barbara County. To help individuals and families stay warm this winter, the Santa Barbara County Public Defender’s Office is collecting new and like-new donations of:
• Sleeping bags
• Gloves, jackets, shoes, scarves, and backpacks
• Hygiene products and thermal underwear
• New socks and underwear (most needed items)

Donation Drop-Off Locations
Donations are accepted Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., through December 11 at:
• Santa Barbara Public Defender’s Office: 1100 Anacapa Street, office entrance located under the archway of the historic courthouse
• Santa Maria Public Defender’s Office: 312-P East Cook Street, Building A

Financial Contributions
• Tax-deductible financial donations may be made through the Public Defender’s partnership with Adam’s Angels.
• Visit the Adam’s Angels donation portal and click “Donate”. Select “Sleeping Bag Drive” from the drop-down menu to direct your gift to this effort. Funds will be used to purchase new sleeping bags and undergarments.
• Items may also be donated virtually through the event’s Amazon Wishlist.

Distribution Events
To receive donated goods, individuals must attend one of the following events on Friday, December 12, 12-2 p.m.:
• Outside the Santa Barbara Courthouse at 1100 Anacapa Street
• At the Santa Maria Public Defender’s Office at 312-P East Cook Street, Building A

Events will continue while supplies last. Local outreach teams and community partners are notifying clients about the available donations.

For more information, contact the County Public Defender’s Office:
• Santa Barbara: (805) 568-3470
• Santa Maria: (805) 346-7500

09/24/2025

We are pleased to announce there is a departmental recruitment for a Legal Office Professional I/II position within the Public Defender’s Office. This position will be for reception in the Santa Barbara Office.

A position description, the employment standards, examples of duties and a description of the ideal candidate, including how to apply for the position can be found at the link.

The Legal Office Professional I/II recruitment is open until 10/08/2025 at 4:59pm. We encourage anyone who is interested to apply.

The County of Santa Barbara respects and values a diverse workforce and strongly promotes strategies and activities to recruit, develop and retain qualified persons of varied backgrounds, lifestyles, experiences and races.

05/21/2025

What is a Plea Bargain? 🤝⚖️
A Plea Bargain is a legal agreement in which a defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to a lesser charge or in exchange for a reduced sentence. It’s an essential part of the criminal justice system and is often used to resolve cases more quickly than going to trial.
🔹 Why Plea Bargains Happen:
For both the prosecution and defense, plea bargains offer the opportunity to avoid the uncertainty, time, and expense of a trial. As Public Defenders, we help our clients navigate this option when it’s in their best interest.
🔹 How It Works:
Lesser Charge: A defendant may plead guilty to a less serious charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.
Reduced Sentence: A defendant pleads guilty to the original charge, but with a promise of a shorter jail/prison sentence or probation instead of a longer sentence.
Alternative Sentencing: In some cases, a plea deal might result in alternative sentencing like rehab or community service instead of jail time.
💡 Why It’s Important: A plea bargain can significantly impact a defendant’s future. While it may seem like an easier option, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons. As your Public Defenders, we work hard to ensure you understand all of your options and fight for the best outcome for you.

05/16/2025

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚

In the criminal justice system, untreated mental illness is often criminalized instead of cared for. As public defenders, we see the human cost of this every day. Our role goes beyond legal defense—we fight for treatment, dignity, and justice for clients living with mental health challenges.

Mental Health Awareness Month is also a time to reflect inward. The work we do is heavy. Vicarious trauma, long hours, and emotional strain take a toll on public defenders and all legal professionals. Breaking the stigma means making space for healing—within our clients and ourselves.

This month, we recommit to advocating for a justice system that prioritizes mental health—and a workplace that supports it too. 💼💚

05/09/2025

⚖️💥 : Batson v. Kentucky – A Win for Fair Trials 💥⚖️
In 1986, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Batson v. Kentucky that race cannot be the sole reason to exclude someone from serving on a jury. 🙅‍♀️🙅‍♂️ This decision was a game-changer in the fight for fair and impartial trials for everyone, no matter their race. 👩‍⚖️👨‍⚖️
Why is this important?
Before Batson, prosecutors could dismiss jurors just because of their race, leading to unfair trials and biased verdicts. But now, if a prosecutor tries to remove jurors based on race, it’s illegal—and we can challenge it. 🔍
For public defenders, this ruling is a powerful tool to fight for fair representation on juries. We stand up when we see racial bias at play, making sure you get a jury that’s truly impartial. 💪
This case is a constant reminder that justice must be blind, and everyone deserves a fair trial. ⚖️

04/24/2025

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)—a time to uplift survivors, challenge harmful norms, and advocate for systemic change. As a Public Defender’s Office, we see firsthand the trauma that sexual violence inflicts on individuals and communities. We are committed to pursuing justice that is survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and rooted in accountability and prevention.

Every 68 seconds, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.* The majority of survivors know their perpetrator—and far too many never feel safe enough to come forward. We believe every survivor deserves to be heard, supported, and believed.

Join us in solidarity at the Take Back the Night Global Virtual Event on Thursday, April 25 (TODAY!) at 8:00 PM ET. This free, worldwide gathering will feature survivor stories, guest speakers, musical performances, and opportunities to connect and take action. Whether you’re a survivor, an advocate, or an ally, your voice matters.

🔗 Learn more and register here: takebackthenight.org/global-virtual

Together, we can work toward a safer, more just society.

04/16/2025

During Diversity Month, we celebrate the strength and importance of representation in every sector, especially in roles of leadership within government agencies like the public defender’s office. Women of color in these positions bring invaluable perspectives, unique experiences, and a deep understanding of the communities we serve. Their presence ensures that our legal system reflects the diverse needs of the people it serves, promotes fairness, and inspires others to pursue careers in justice. Diversity at every level fosters empathy, drives better decision-making, and helps us create a more equitable system for all.

​Lea Villegas is a dedicated Latinx woman of color who has made significant strides in the legal field, particularly within public defense. A graduate of Wesleyan University in Connecticut, she earned her law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. Admitted to the California Bar in 2007, she has since been an active member, serving the Santa Maria community through her role at the Santa Barbara County Public Defender’s Office. Lea has steadfastly climbed the ranks in the office from Attorney, to Chief Trial Deputy, and is now serving as the Assistant Public Defender.

In her leadership position, Lea has been instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within the office. Her efforts ensure that marginalized communities receive fair representation and that the legal team reflects the diversity of the populations they serve. Lea’s commitment to mentorship has also empowered young legal professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in public defense.​

During Diversity Month, Lea Villegas stands as a powerful example of how Latinx women in leadership roles can drive meaningful change in the legal system, fostering an environment where justice is accessible to all.

04/16/2025

Check it out!

04/11/2025

What is a Misdemeanor vs. a Felony?
Misdemeanor vs. Felony: What’s the Difference? ⚖️
Understanding the difference between misdemeanors and felonies is key to knowing the potential consequences of a criminal charge. Here’s what you need to know from the perspective of a Public Defender’s office:
🔹 Misdemeanor
A misdemeanor is typically a less severe offense, but it still carries serious consequences. These offenses can include things like petty theft, simple assault, or certain drug offenses. In California, a misdemeanor is punishable by up to 1 year in county jail, fines, probation, or community service.
🔹 Felony
A felony is a more serious crime, such as robbery, aggravated assault, or drug trafficking. Felonies are punishable by more than 1 year in state prison, and in some cases, even life imprisonment or the death penalty.
💡 Key Differences:
Severity: Felonies carry harsher penalties and can impact your life long-term, while misdemeanors tend to involve less severe punishments.
Jail vs. Prison: Misdemeanors usually lead to county jail time, while felonies lead to state prison time.
Long-Term Impact: A felony conviction can result in loss of certain civil rights, like voting or gun ownership, whereas misdemeanants usually don’t face such restrictions.
💥 Why It Matters: No matter the charge, your future is at stake. As public defenders, we fight to make sure every individual receives the best possible defense, and we guide you through understanding these important distinctions, so you can make informed decisions about your case.