The Public Defender Project

In Gideon v. Wainwright (1963), the Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution requires the states to provide defense attorneys to criminal defendants charged with serious offenses who cannot afford lawyers themselves.  Although Public Defender offices existed prior to this famous case, they were never a guaranteed right...until this court decision.

I'm an investigator with a Public Defender office in Northern California and our office (like many offices nationwide) does not have a clothing budget for clients who are going to trial. We dress clients in "Court appropriate attire"  which usually means:  Suit jackets, dress shirts, ties and the occasional matching suit (We will dress both men and women).

YES, we do have a "Clothes Closet" (as do many Public Defender offices) but even with all the generous used clothing donations, it's a constant battle to find clothing for clients that isn't worn out, fits, matches and didn't go out of style in the 1970's.  

IF we are able to raise ANY money for clothes it would be awesome AND if there are other Public Defender offices (anywhere) that need some money (for clothes, dry cleaning, laundering costs) I will be more than happy to share.  The Public Defender Project website (when its hosted in a few weeks) will have all the details on what money we've been able to raise.

If we can raise even $20.00, I can say that this will be a success and it looks like we only have to sell 7 T-shirts to do it!  Help us buy some ties people!