Public Defender's Office of Placer County - Rocklin, California

Natasha Wolfert

I have had the worst time trying to get in touch with anyone in the office. There isn't even an email or way to chat with an actual person. I needed to speak to my attorney but it is impossible to get ahold of him. This is my life and freedom we are talking about.

Jessica Powell

Heidi Pope was/is my minor son’s court appointed attorney. I understand that this is voluntary and free, however, when representing a minor an attorney should keep in contact with the parents. I have tried texting, calling and leaving voicemails numerous times and I haven’t received a single reply! At the last hearing she told me they couldn’t charge him that he was going to plead not guilty but at today’s hearing he plead guilty to everything . Absolutely NO COMMUNICATION!!! After the hearing I text her and this was her reply: I am (your son’s) attorney NOT yours. You are entitled to hire an attorney to represent YOU if that is your desire.” Unbelievable and so rude!! All I ever asked for was communication!!! If you are my minor son’s attorney then you are my attorney!! You straight lied to my face then avoided me, period! I would never recommend hiring her!

Linda Moe

I would like to point out the outstanding professional defense of my brother. His attorney..Brandon Bob is amazing. He was extremely responsive to numerous emails, phone calls and messages. He answered so quickly and beyond my expectations as to thoroughness and thoughtful representation of my disabled brother. He took as much time as we could possibly expect to make sure my brother understood every word of his case.. he also made sure I understood every detail to reinforce the information and process to my brother. He is exquisitely thoughtfull and sensitive to his clients
I cannot express the amount of appreciation of “winning the lottery” by my brother being assigned to this competent attorney.
If there is a professional award for “best attorney” I would like to nominate Brandon Bob!!! I can not imagine a finer man and attorney....linda moe

Zachary George

Monica Santa is an amazing public defender. This 5 star review is solely for her. I have had two public defenders for the same case for over a year, recently I was assigned to Monica Santa and she has been in contact with me more times in TWO WEEKS than the other two public defenders I've had for a year. I'm not kidding when I say she has been in contact more than the other two public defenders I've had. I'm not writing this to bash placer county public defenders but to tell you guys how amazing Monica Santa is. She is amazing at her job and from my experience she is immensely more educated at her job than other public defenders. I am thankful for placer county public defenders, thank you! Now on the other hand I would highly not recommend Quincy or my other public defender. They were not effective nor did they seem to care what so ever.

Linda Bridgman

I am writing to express my sincere appreciation (and my families' to be sure!) for the job Martin Jones of your office did to help my nephew. Every step of the way, he embodied the best attributes of a public defender. Specific examples follow:

* He never overpromised but laid out all the potential scenarios so we were prepared and informed all the way through the process.

* He was knowledgeable and inspired confidence as we tried to navigate an unfamiliar process.

* He was compassionate and understood how difficult this situation was for us emotionally but never sugar-coated anything so we were prepared for what could happen.

* He made thoughtful, well researched and compelling arguments in defense of my nephew. His arguments and presentation of pertinent materials swayed the judge to a decision that was fair and clearly well-supported legally. This wasn't easy given the charges and the much harsher penalties proposed by the District Attorney, including an outrageous for restitution which would forever impair his ability to run a business again or be self-sufficient.

I spent 40 years in public service myself at both the State level and at Placer County. I know that people often are not recognized for the extra work they do and commitment to the ideals of the job, especially those working in difficult jobs. Your office and Martin more than merit that. Your office should be proud of the positive impact they have on people's lives.

BadGirl ForLife (BadGirl)

*Update* my public defender was awesome! She not only listened to what I had to say about the case she actually got my charges dropped!! My advice is to do your own investigating on your case. Google the laws and defenses. Make sure it's California laws your looking up. Find out ALL you can by yourself. Do not expect your public defender to do any "real " work for your case. They are really there to guide you not defend you. And if you have any mental health issues make sure you ask them to put you in mental health court! Not a lot of people are aware of this.

vincent pratillo

Martin Jones did outstanding work for a family member who has complicated issues that have caused him time and again to be incarcerated. Martin stayed in close touch with the family and helped this person get needed counseling and medical attention. Martins efforts far exceeded what I expected from a public defender. I wish Martin all the best in the future. I believe the criminal justice system could use a lot more like him.
Speaking of the Placer Public Defenders Office itself, this family member was helped on several occasions and I am left with a high opinion of their work

Zod Bahr

Thanks to Mr. Bob for his determination, courage, analytical skills, and hard work. I appreciate his hard work as a Public Defender; he arranged mediation for my son's case and resolved the matter quickly in court. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone in need of a quality attorney.
Thank you Mr. Bob