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 are expected to engage in some form of drug treatment or therapy, attend at least three 12-Step meetings per... READ MORE

Governor Newsom Initiates Commutations for All 548 Individuals on California’s Death Row

Posted by Federal Public Defender CDCA on Nov 5, 2026 in Press & Internal News

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate release. In 1996, when our Capital Habeas Unit was founded, Justice William Brennan reminded us that “those who govern must recognize that the... READ MORE

Governor Newsom Appoints Erin Murphy as Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge

Posted by Federal Public Defender CDCA on Aug 7, 2026 in Press & Internal News

Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the appointment of Erin Murphy, Supervising Deputy Federal Public Defender with the Federal Public Defender, Central District of... READ MORE

Governor Newsom Appoints Lara Hoffman as Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge

Posted by Federal Public Defender CDCA on Jun 2, 2026 in Press & Internal News

Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the appointment of Lara Hoffman, former Deputy Federal Public Defender with the Federal Public Defender, Central District of... READ MORE

Angela Viramontes Appointed as United States Magistrate Judge

Posted by Federal Public Defender CDCA on Jan 21, 2026 in Press & Internal News

Former FPD-CDCA Deputy Federal Public Defender Angela Viramontes was appointed as United States Magistrate Judge for the Central District of California. From the United... 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...

Governor Newsom Initiates Commutations for All 548 Individuals on California’s Death Row

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate release. In 1996, when our Capital Habeas Unit was founded, Justice William Brennan reminded us that “those who govern must recognize that the...

Careers

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?

Governor Newsom Initiates Commutations for All 548 Individuals on California’s Death Row

Governor Newsom Appoints Erin Murphy as Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge

Governor Newsom Appoints Lara Hoffman as Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge

Angela Viramontes Appointed as United States Magistrate Judge

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...

Governor Newsom Initiates Commutations for All 548 Individuals on California’s Death Row

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate release. In 1996, when our Capital Habeas Unit was founded, Justice William Brennan reminded us that “those who govern must recognize that the...

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?

Governor Newsom Initiates Commutations for All 548 Individuals on California’s Death Row

Governor Newsom Appoints Erin Murphy as Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge

Governor Newsom Appoints Lara Hoffman as Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge

Angela Viramontes Appointed as United States Magistrate Judge

Client & family
resources

Criminal Justice Act
Attorneys