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sfpublicdefender

@sfpublicdefender

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Official page of San Francisco Public Defender’s Office. #GreaterThanOne #justice #publicdefender #fundpublicdefense

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THIS WEEK — Voices from the @sfpublicdefender office spoke on the national public defender shortage & underfunding @stateline_news; the tragic and troubling death of our client whom police claim to have chased for an outstanding warrant for allegedly not charging his ankle monitor @sfchronicle and @missionlocal ; the Police Commission adopting a controversial police drone policy without forming a working group @missionlocal ; how police drones are flipping probable cause on its head and increasing privacy concerns @fastcompany ; and the police brutality that the DA’s office tried to cover up at every turn @ Patch.com.

#FUNDPUBLICDEFENSE by @sfpublicdefender

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20 hours ago

A nationwide shortage of public defenders is jeopardizing justice. A new article from @stateline_news on 10/14/26 explores states that are losing them and some that are moving to protect them from extreme workloads.

We need to ensure that attorneys can enter and grow in the field at levels required to uphold the constitutional rights of people who cannot afford an attorney. We must #FundPublicDefense! by @sfpublicdefender

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2 days ago

We hope you’ll join us on Monday, Oct. 19th from 7 to 9 p.m. at Black Bird Bookstore + Cafe (@blackbirdbooksf), for a conversation with San Francisco Public Defender Mano Raju (@manorajupd) about “How a Strong Public Defense Contributes to Public Safety.”

The @sfpublicdefender’s Office represents tens of thousands of indigent people in San Francisco’s criminal courts as well as in civil immigration and conservatorship courts each year. Public Defender Raju will talk about his office’s approach to representing clients holistically—defending people’s Constitutional rights while addressing their underlying needs like access to health care, housing, and other opportunities—so they not only get a fair shot in their case,but also get on stronger footing so they can thrive.

For more info, head to https://blackbirdsf.com/pages/events. Refreshments will be served. by @sfpublicdefender

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2 days ago

Latinx Heritage Month is a time to celebrate some of our dedicated staff who bring their full selves and cultural experiences into the work of seeking justice. Join us in expressing our gratitude and respect for @sfpublicdefender staff of Latinx & Hispanic heritage who continue to stand up for our rights and communities.

Today’s staff spotlight: Amanda Perez is a Social Worker in our Reentry Unit. Amanda’s joyful presence uplifts colleagues and clients alike. She has done incredible work supporting many of our Freedom Project clients to successfully transition back into the community, sometimes after decades in prison.

Notably, Amanda collaborated with our Latinx Affinity Group to help make all of these Heritage Month 2026 posts happen. Thank you for your leadership and recognizing the importance of celebrating our diverse staff members whose cultural and personal experiences shape and benefit the services we provide to our clients and communities.

Happy Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month 2026 from your San Francisco Public Defenders!!! 💚🧡💪🏽 by @sfpublicdefender

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3 days ago

Latinx Heritage Month is a time to celebrate some of our dedicated staff who bring their full selves and cultural experiences into the work of seeking justice. Join us in expressing our gratitude and respect for @sfpublicdefender staff of Latinx & Hispanic heritage who continue to stand up for our rights and communities.

Today’s staff spotlight: Diane Lopez is a Social Worker in our Reentry Unit. Diane brings all the love for the City and compassion for our clients, colleagues, and the community. She helped establish an office-wide effort to create hygiene kits to have on hand for many of our clients who have trouble meeting their basic needs. Thanks, Diane, for all you bring to this work! by @sfpublicdefender

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Latinx Heritage Month is a time to celebrate some of our dedicated staff who bring their full selves and cultural experiences into the work of seeking justice. Join us in expressing our gratitude and respect for @sfpublicdefender staff of Latinx & Hispanic heritage who continue to stand up for our rights and communities.

Today’s staff spotlight: Deputy Public Defender Maria Avalos Cruz is a trial attorney in our Felony Unit. Maria has accomplished so much in the 5+ years in our office, earning a reputation as a dependable colleague and fierce defender. The care and dedication she brings to this work is inspiring and deeply appreciated. Thanks for all you do, Maria! by @sfpublicdefender

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4 days ago

@sfpublicdefender’s Integrity Unit lead Brian Cox spoke to @fastcompany about SFPD’s use of drones. Read today’s article at tinyurl.com/FC-Flock. The San Francisco Police Commission will be discussing SFPD proposed drone policy at Wednesday’s (10/14) meeting at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, Room 400.

Our office—along with a coalition of community organizations, including @efforg, @secure_justice, @aclu_norcal, @safeandjust, @carecen_sf, @the_ilrc—strongly opposes SFPD’s proposed policy as it currently stands. The SFPD’s proposed drone policy (DGO 10.12) expands use of drones, invades our privacy, chills First Amendment activity, and installs weak data retention and sharing. To read more about our coalition’s concerns, check out our letter to the Commission at tinyurl.com/PDR-Drones.

We’ll be speaking out at Wednesday’s Police Commission meeting. Join us! by @sfpublicdefender

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5 days ago

Latinx Heritage Month is a time to celebrate some of our dedicated staff who bring their full selves and cultural experiences into the work of seeking justice. Join us in expressing our gratitude and respect for @sfpublicdefender staff of Latinx & Hispanic heritage who continue to stand up for our rights and communities.

Today’s staff spotlight: Carmen Sanchez, a Paralegal in our Immigration Defense Unit, goes the extra mile every time. Carmen makes sure that the clients she works with and their families feel encouraged to fight for their rights and to trust their attorneys to leave no stone unturned. She walks the walk when it comes to showing up for the community. Thanks for all you do, Carmen! by @sfpublicdefender

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5 days ago

Latinx Heritage Month is a time to celebrate some of our dedicated staff who bring their full selves and cultural experiences into the work of seeking justice. Join us in expressing our gratitude and respect for @sfpublicdefender staff of Latinx & Hispanic heritage who continue to stand up for our rights and communities.

Today’s staff spotlight: Deputy Public Defender Sylvia Cediel, a trial attorney in our felony unit. Sylvia’s heartfelt dedication to her clients is palpable. She defends their rights and their humanity. Thank you, Sylvia, for being a fantastic advocate and colleague! by @sfpublicdefender

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5 days ago

Latinx Heritage Month is a time to celebrate some of our dedicated staff who bring their full selves and cultural experiences into the work of seeking justice. Join us in expressing our gratitude and respect for @sfpublicdefender staff of Latinx & Hispanic heritage who continue to stand up for our rights and communities.

Today’s staff spotlight: Valerie Ibarra is our Public Information Officer. She collaborates across units to amplify the issues impacting our clients, staff, and communities. She also keeps our staff informed of our office’s policy efforts and news stories where we have shared our expertise and perspectives on justice. Thanks for all you do!

#latinxheritagemonth
#indigenouspeoplesday by @sfpublicdefender

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6 days ago

[POST 3 of 3]

Today, the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office released police body-worn camera footage showing three SFPD officers brutally beating and kneeling on the head and neck of 33-year-old Kevon Gibson, who was hospitalized for several days after the incident in August 2025. The Public Defender’s Office also revealed how the District Attorney’s Office charged Gibson with crimes he did not commit, tried to hide evidence from the jury, and then misled the public about the case after the trial.

Previous posts included videos showing police body-worn camera footage of the beating, and of police talking to the complainant in the case, who uses a racial slur to describe Gibson.

In this video, which preceded the beating, police are talking to a neighbor at her door, believing (mistakenly) that Gibson was in her apartment. Although the neighbor was not a suspect, the officers pounded on her door and made harassing comments with racial overtones—mocking Gibson’s first name, Kevon, and referring to him as the woman’s “big ass boyfriend.” Seen smiling and laughing, they falsely told the woman that her father had sent them; that they had drugs for her; and said that if they kicked down her door “no one would care.”

Read more: at tinyurl.com/KevonGibson by @sfpublicdefender

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10 days ago

[POST 2 of 3]

Today, the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office released police body-worn camera footage showing three SFPD officers brutally beating and kneeling on the head and neck of 33-year-old Kevon Gibson, who was hospitalized for several days after the incident in August 2025. The Public Defender’s Office also revealed how the District Attorney’s Office charged Gibson with crimes he did not commit, tried to hide evidence from the jury, and then misled the public about the case after the trial.

Police body-worn camera footage of the beating is in the previous post. This post contains still images from police footage of the beating.

This post also shows police body-worn camera footage of officers interviewing the complainant in the case. The complainant alleged that Gibson had threatened him, but is shown on the video making racist threats against Gibson. Police did not arrest the complainant for threats against Gibson but instead went looking for Gibson and responded with violence when they encountered him.

Read more: at tinyurl.com/KevonGibson by @sfpublicdefender

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