The Nevada County Public Defender’s Office plays a critical role in protecting constitutional rights and ensuring access to justice for those who cannot afford legal representation.
Public Defense Day, which is Wednesday, honors the team’s work as well as the work of public defenders across the country and the essential role they play in the justice system.
Acting Nevada County Public Defender Thomas Angell said the office’s work is rooted in protecting the fundamental rights guaranteed to all citizens.
“The Public Defender’s Office protects the most important and fundamental constitutional rights that we all enjoy as citizens by protecting the most vulnerable people,” Angell said. “In doing that, we protect everyone.”
The office currently has nine attorneys, and most handle more than 100 cases at a time. Their work extends beyond criminal defense. Public defenders also represent clients in juvenile cases, conservatorships, and assisted outpatient treatment cases under Laura’s Law, which involve individuals diagnosed with serious mental health conditions and concerns about their ability to remain safe in the community.
Through their work with clients, public defenders often gain insight into the root causes that bring people into contact with the criminal justice system. Angell said the office frequently helps connect clients with treatment and services that can address issues such as mental health challenges or substance use.
For Angell, the most rewarding part of the job is supporting people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
“It’s being able to show up for somebody with my complete set of tools and abilities — to understand, reassure and fight for somebody who’s going through possibly the worst time in their life — and knowing that my staff and I have the skills to navigate our tricky system,” he said.
The work can also be emotionally demanding. Angell said one of the biggest challenges is wanting to do more for each client than time and resources sometimes allow.
“We want to hear every last detail about a person’s life. We want to spend the time to really get to know someone well, and sometimes we don’t have the time to do that,” he said. “It can be difficult to step back and rest when you’re feeling the weight of so many lives in your hands.”
Angell said the office remains focused on its mission to advocate for its clients and ensure their voices are heard.
“Sometimes people think we’re there just to do what the district attorney or the court wants,” he said. “But our mission is to advocate for what our clients want to do.”