Lawyers & Youth Justice Advocates
This section provides PJDC members with access to motions, briefs, and other resources to assist them in their advocacy.
Youth, Families & Community
We believe children in the justice system must be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. If your child is going through the court process, we provide free resources to help you understand the challenges your child faces. If your child was in the juvenile delinquency system, we have information regarding sealing and other collateral consequences of system involvement.
News & Announcements
On March 19, 2019, Pacific Juvenile Defender Center (PJDC) President Patti Lee was recognized as a champion of peace and nonviolence and visionary community leader by the City and County of San Francisco during the Board of Supervisor’s celebration of Women’s History Month. Lee was recommended for this honor by District 11 Supervisor Ahsha… Continue reading →
On February 26, 2019, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the “Jeff Adachi Youth Rights” ordinance, which prohibits custodial police interrogations of youth 17 years of age or younger, unless certain conditions are first met. These conditions include: (1) providing the youth legal representation in connection with the interrogation, and (2) requiring that responsible… Continue reading →
PJDC mourns the loss of Jeff Adachi, Public Defender of San Francisco, who died suddenly on February 23rd. PJDC President Patti Lee, who serves as head of the Juvenile Division for the office said of Jeff that “He truly believed in redemption,” and that he was especially committed to providing the best juvenile defense and resources to keep… Continue reading →
Our Work
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Youth Justice Reform
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Training & Technical Assistance
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“The child requires the guiding hand of counsel at every step in the proceedings against him.”
— In re Gault, 387 U.S. 1 (1967)