On July 1, 2022, Santa Cruz County’s first Office of the Public Defender begins representing community members who have been accused of crimes or are facing involuntary commitment and cannot afford to hire an attorney. The office will build on the legacy of client-focused defense built by the private firm of Biggam, Christensen & Minsloff (BCM) that provided public defense in Santa Cruz County for the past 45 years. Public Defender Heather Rogers will lead a team comprised of seasoned defenders from BCM and new recruits from around the state. The new office will pair aggressive courtroom advocacy with holistic defense to work with clients to reduce recidivism, reduce incarceration, and offer real solutions to the root causes of system involvement.