Federal Public Defender, Central District of California

FAQs

Who qualifies for CASA?

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

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

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

What happens when I am arrested for a federal crime?

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

What are the minimum requirements of STAR?

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

Federal Defender Committed to Improving Hispanic Representation in the Legal Field

Posted by Federal Public Defender CDCA on Oct 7, 2021 in Press & Internal News

Published on October 7, 2021, by the United States Courts Judiciary News. Cuauhtemoc Ortega grew up in the working-class neighborhood of La Puente in Los Angeles... READ MORE

Cuauhtemoc Ortega Named to Daily Journal Top 100 Attorneys of 2021 List

Posted by Federal Public Defender CDCA on Sep 16, 2021 in Press & Internal News

David Sutton to Become Marin County Public Defender

Posted by Federal Public Defender CDCA on Sep 14, 2021 in Press & Internal News

Our Los Angeles Trial Chief, David Sutton, will start as the new Marin County Public Defender on October 4, 2021. The Marin County Public Defender news release is... READ MORE

ACLU Names Attorney Yasmin Cader to Lead Trone Center for Justice and Equality

Posted by Federal Public Defender on Jul 28, 2021 in Press & Internal News

We are excited to announce that former FPD-CDCA Supervising Attorney Yasmin Cader has been selected to lead the ACLU's Trone Center for Justice and Equality. The official... READ MORE

How does someone apply to the CASA program?

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...

Federal Defender Committed to Improving Hispanic Representation in the Legal Field

Published on October 7, 2021, by the United States Courts Judiciary News. Cuauhtemoc Ortega grew up in the working-class neighborhood of La Puente in Los Angeles...

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Client & family
resources

Criminal Justice Act
Attorneys

News & Events

FAQs

Who qualifies for CASA?

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

What happens when I am arrested for a federal crime?

What are the minimum requirements of STAR?

Federal Defender Committed to Improving Hispanic Representation in the Legal Field

Cuauhtemoc Ortega Named to Daily Journal Top 100 Attorneys of 2021 List

David Sutton to Become Marin County Public Defender

ACLU Names Attorney Yasmin Cader to Lead Trone Center for Justice and Equality

How does someone apply to the CASA program?

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...

Federal Defender Committed to Improving Hispanic Representation in the Legal Field

Published on October 7, 2021, by the United States Courts Judiciary News. Cuauhtemoc Ortega grew up in the working-class neighborhood of La Puente in Los Angeles...

Careers

Client & family resources

Criminal Justice ActAttorneys

News & Events

FAQs

Who qualifies for CASA?

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

What happens when I am arrested for a federal crime?

What are the minimum requirements of STAR?

Federal Defender Committed to Improving Hispanic Representation in the Legal Field

Cuauhtemoc Ortega Named to Daily Journal Top 100 Attorneys of 2021 List

David Sutton to Become Marin County Public Defender

ACLU Names Attorney Yasmin Cader to Lead Trone Center for Justice and Equality

Client & family
resources

Criminal Justice Act
Attorneys