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Criminal

May 5, 2026

California lawmakers push funding boost as public defense system nears 'breaking point'

Officials cite staffing shortages, rising caseloads, and inequities as they seek $15 million annually for indigent defense

California lawmakers push funding boost as public defense system nears 'breaking point'
Santa Clara Public Defender Damon Silver speaks at a news conference on Monday calling for $15 million per year for public defenders in the state budget. He is flanked by Assembly Member Ash Karla and Los Angeles Public Defender Ricardo Garcia, among other.

SACRAMENTO -- California lawmakers and public defenders called on the state to approve a $15 million annual budget request to fund indigent criminal defense, warning that the state's constitutional promise of legal representation for the poor is at a breaking point.

"California is facing an escalating recruitment and retention crisis in public defense," Assemblymember Ash Kalra, D-San Jose, said at a news conference near the Capitol on Monday. "It is more import...

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