• Our Office
  • Resources
  • FAQs
  • News & Events
  • Careers
  • CJA
  • Position
  • Overview
  • Mission & Values
  • Our Staff
  • Position
  • Overview
  • Clients & Family
  • CASA & STAR
  • CJA
  • Overview
  • CASA
  • Central Violations Bureau (CVB)
  • Courtroom Attire & Etiquette
  • Habeas Proceedings
  • Material Witnesses
  • Arrest & Arraignment
  • 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
      • Central District Map
      • Solicitations & Advertisements
      • EDR Policies
  • 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
      • Press & Internal News
      • Press Inquiries
      • Photo Gallery
      • Events Calendar

      Former FPD-CDCA Attorneys Appointed to State and Federal Benches

      The Federal Public Defender, Central  District of California proudly recognizes its attorney alumni who have been appointed to serve as state and federal judges,...

      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

Careers

Client & family
resources

Criminal Justice Act
Attorneys

News & Events

SCROLL DOWN

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

Former FPD-CDCA Attorneys Appointed to State and Federal Benches

Posted by Federal Public Defender CDCA on Feb 24, 2025 in Press & Internal News

The Federal Public Defender, Central  District of California proudly recognizes its attorney alumni who have been appointed to serve as state and federal judges,... READ MORE

Michael Kaufman Appointed as United States Magistrate Judge

Posted by Federal Public Defender CDCA on Feb 20, 2025 in Press & Internal News

Former FPD-CDCA Deputy Federal Public Defender Michael Kaufman was appointed as United States Magistrate Judge for the Central District of California. From the United... READ MORE

David Sutton Named Lawyer of the Year by Marin County Bar Association

Posted by Federal Public Defender CDCA on Dec 31, 2024 in Press & Internal News

We are proud to announce that former FPD-CDCA Deputy Federal Public Defender David Sutton has been named Lawyer of the Year by the Marin County Bar Association in recognition... READ MORE

Magistrate Judge Anne Hwang Elevated to United States District Judge

Posted by Federal Public Defender CDCA on Dec 2, 2024 in Press & Internal News

Former Deputy Federal Public Defender, and current Magistrate Judge Anne Hwang, will serve as a federal district judge for the Central District of California effective... READ MORE

read more news
2025 Federal public defender. All rights reserved. Home Page Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Sitemap Disclaimer Law Firm Web Development
  • 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.

Employee Rights and How to Report Wrongful Conduct