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Early Representation

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Overview

Get the support you need to protect yourself and your rights, before ever setting foot in the courtroom

Getting cited for a misdemeanor can leave you with more questions than answers. Missing your first court date — called an arraignment — can lead to a warrant, added fines, or even arrest.

Through our Early Representation Program (ERP), the Contra Costa County Public Defender’s Office contacts clients before their first court date. Our attorneys help you understand your rights, prepare for arraignment, and avoid the serious consequences of missing court.

The CCPD Difference

As a holistic defense provider, Contra Costa Public Defenders offers all our clients with a suite of support from social workers to investigators, and community-based resources. Learn more...

Our Services

Early Representation Program

Our attorneys and client advocates reach out to anyone cited for a misdemeanor to make sure they understand what comes next – and make it to their first court date. We help clients:

  • Know what to expect and prepare for their first court date
  • Avoid a warrant or arrest for missing court
  • Connect with an attorney as soon as possible
  • Get referrals to services that can help stabilize life outside the courtroom

Competency

To stand trial, a person must be able to understand their case and help their attorney with their defense. If a mental health condition prevents that, the court may find them incompetent to stand trial. Our Mental Health Team:

  • Advocates for the least restrictive and most effective treatment possible
  • Makes sure clients get access to services that can help them regain competency
  • Monitors progress and protects clients’ rights every step of the way

Forensic Civil Commitments

Some people are sent to state hospitals after being found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGI) or due to a qualifying mental health disorder. Our dedicated attorneys and support staff:

  • Visit clients in state hospitals and community placements
  • Make sure every person receives humane, appropriate care
  • Work toward safe, timely release when clients are ready to return to the community

Events

Jan22

Clear your record

1:00pm at Local Library

FAQ

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Tags:
Post-Conviction
Post-Conviction

What our clients say

“My deepest gratitude to your office for the incredible support, compassion, and professionalism I received during one of the most difficult times in my life.”

mother of 3 from richmond

“My deepest gratitude to your office for the incredible support, compassion, and professionalism I received during one of the most difficult times in my life.”

mother of 3 from richmond

“My deepest gratitude to your office for the incredible support, compassion, and professionalism I received during one of the most difficult times in my life.”

mother of 3 from richmond

“My deepest gratitude to your office for the incredible support, compassion, and professionalism I received during one of the most difficult times in my life.”

mother of 3 from richmond

“My deepest gratitude to your office for the incredible support, compassion, and professionalism I received during one of the most difficult times in my life.”

mother of 3 from richmond

“My deepest gratitude to your office for the incredible support, compassion, and professionalism I received during one of the most difficult times in my life.”

mother of 3 from richmond

“My deepest gratitude to your office for the incredible support, compassion, and professionalism I received during one of the most difficult times in my life.”

mother of 3 from richmond

“My deepest gratitude to your office for the incredible support, compassion, and professionalism I received during one of the most difficult times in my life.”

mother of 3 from richmond

“My deepest gratitude to your office for the incredible support, compassion, and professionalism I received during one of the most difficult times in my life.”

mother of 3 from richmond

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