A Commitment To Excellence

A Passion For Justice

Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc., is the Federal Community Defender Organization for the Southern District of California. We are based in San Diego, with a branch office in El Centro, California, and are appointed to represent indigent persons accused of criminal offenses in federal court. A nine-member Board of Directors oversees our daily operation. We are independent from the local federal judiciary and funded by a sustaining grant (FY2021 approximately $25 million) awarded by Congress under the Criminal Justice Act.

NEWS FROM THE DIRECTOR

Tyre Nichols, 1993-2023. Federal Defenders of San Diego is outraged by the unnecessary and tragic death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of law enforcement. We offer our condolences to his family and community for their loss. We reiterate our support for both the Black Lives Matter movement and measures to end the excessive use of force by law enforcement.  Acts of police violence not only affect those involved, but entire communities. 

FOR

CLIENTS & FAMILIES

Helpful information & resources for our clients and their families.

FOR

LEGAL COMMUNITY

Helpful information & resources for CJA lawyers and training opportunities for the legal community.