Expanded Public Defense Services Grant

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors is considering accepting a $849,999 grant from the Office of the State Public Defender to establish an Early Representation Unit (ERU) within the Public Defender's Office. This grant, awarded for the period of February 1, 2026, through June 1, 2028, aims to provide timely, holistic legal representation to individuals in custody who experience mental illness, substance use disorders, or housing instability. The ERU will focus on intervening within 24 hours of booking to assess eligibility for diversion, request release, and connect clients with stabilizing services, thereby reducing unnecessary pretrial detention and improving long-term client stability. The grant will fund two existing limited-term positions: a Deputy Public Defender IV and an Administrative Aide – Project, extending their duration to June 30, 2027. The county will also authorize budgetary adjustments of $137,250 for FY 2025-2026 to cover initial costs. This initiative is expected to have no impact on the County General Fund, as all costs are covered by the grant, and no local match is required.