Homeless Court

With the support of the Sacramento Superior Court and the District Attorney, the Public Defender’s Office started a monthly legal clinic at Loaves and Fishes, a homeless shelter in downtown Sacramento.  As a result of this collaboration, the program clears over 600 warrants annually, provides on-site consultation to over 300 homeless participants and places cases on a monthly court calendar for resolution.  Rather than assessing fees as part of the resolution, homeless offenders participating in the program are offered options such as community service, credit for time in clean and sober living facilities and/or mental health treatment.  This helps reduce the jail population, allows for a fair sentence for the offender and contributes to the well-being of the community.