The Public Defender’s Office adheres to strict confidentiality concerning our clients and their cases. No sensitive case information will be released to the public, including family members, without the express consent of the client. Information in adult cases that can be released without permission from a client includes the name of the Assistant Public Defender assigned to the case, the client’s charges, and the next court date. This information is a matter of public record.
In terms of juvenile cases, Juvenile Court operates under a “closed courtroom” method, where only the minor and interested parties (i.e. parents/guardians) are allowed to enter to view the proceedings. Each case is called and addressed individually to protect the minor and maintain the confidentiality of the Juvenile Court process. No juvenile information will be released without permission from the minor.