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Public defense and court-appointed counsel

Find public defense programmes, provider directories and court instructions for requesting appointed counsel. Appointment, financial eligibility and case-type limits vary.

Before you start

A district attorney prosecutes cases; a public defender provides defense services under the applicable appointment process.
Use the official office instructions to confirm eligibility, jurisdiction and the correct service contact.
Coroner and medical examiner office information does not include person-level death records or searches.

1 guide with reviewed service links · San Mateo

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County government · San Mateo

San Mateo County Private Defender Program

County public-defense programme delivered by the San Mateo County Bar Association as managed assigned counsel. This is not a county-staffed public defender office or a new independent government identity. Appointment and financial eligibility are determined through the Superior Court.

Private Defender Program — San Mateo assigned counselOfficial instructions

Read the Bar Association’s managed assigned counsel programme information. The Superior Court appoints the programme for financially eligible individuals; this is not a county-staffed defender office.

Source checked October 26, 2026

San Mateo County Bar Association Private Defender Program · San Mateo County Bar Association Private Defender Program — defense (opens in a new tab)

San Mateo County Private Defender — Court appointment and programme delivery

The PDP is appointed by the San Mateo County Superior Court to represent financially eligible individuals at public expense.

Saved evidence: d2c4a74223dda390 · Agent source review

Managed assigned counsel after court appointment — San MateoOfficial instructions

Read the actual provider’s instructions. Managed assigned counsel after court appointment. Appointment and qualification are determined through the stated court process; the provider’s other services are not inferred from this selection.

Source checked October 26, 2026

San Mateo County Private Defender Program · San Mateo County Private Defender Program — public defense information (opens in a new tab)

FAQ | San Mateo County Private Defender — Actual public-defense public instructions

When the court appoints a private defender, the case will be sent to the PDP and we will assign you an attorney.

Saved evidence: f257053edb156ee5 · Agent source review

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