Protecting Your Rights and Fighting for Justice

Welcome to the Law Offices of the Santa Clara County Alternate Defender web site. The office of the Alternate D​efender was established in 1996, and currently has a dedicated and diverse staff of o​ver 30 Deputy Alternate Defenders, Investigators, Paralegals, and Support Staff. We are committed to ensure that the right to effective and competent legal representation in criminal and juvenile delinquency cases is a reality for those in Santa Clara County who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Our goal is to always seek the best ethical and legal outcomes possible through vigorous and devoted legal representation.

Our team welcomes the opportunity to provide superior legal representation to the residents of Santa Clara County. We hope this site contributes to your understanding of our office and how the criminal justice system functions. We have included links to other members of the criminal justice community which will afford you easy access to important and needed information.

Thank you for your interest in this office and its mission. Feel free to contact me or my staff should you need further information or assistance.

Sincerely,
Brian Matthews
Supervising Attorney
Alternate Defender Office​