SANTA CRUZ COUNTY CALIFORNIA HOME CLEAR YOUR RECORD FAQS CONTACT US ABOUT LINKS INTERNSHIPS The law firm of Biggam, Christensen & Minsloff has provided indigent defense services to Santa Cruz County since 1975. "Our Mission is to protect and defend the rights of our clients through courageous, compassionate, and competent legal advocacy. " - Larry Biggam We primarily represent people criminally charged in juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony courts.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY CALIFORNIA HOME CLEAR YOUR RECORD FAQS CONTACT US ABOUT LINKS INTERNSHIPS "In our adversary system of criminal justice, any person hauled into court who is too poor to hire a lawyer cannot be assured a fair trial unless counsel is provided for him." - Justice Hugo Black Gideon v. Wainwright, 372 U.S. 335, at 345 (1963) Do I need a lawyer? The U.S. Supreme Court has stated "Lawyers in criminal courts are necessities, not luxuries." (Gideon, supra at 344) "The very premise of our adversary system of criminal justice is that partisan advocacy on both sides of a case will best promote the ultimate objective that the guilty be convicted and the innocent go free". (Herring v. New York, 422 U.S. 853, at 862) "Of all the rights that an accused person has, the right to be represented by counsel is by far the most pervasive for it affects his ability to assert any other rights he may have". (U.S. v. Cronic, 466 U.S. 648, at 654) Additionally, criminal convictions can trigger more than direct consequences such as jail, fines, and fees. They can also affect your or a person's employment opportunities, voting rights, deportability, access to student loans, public housing, state licensing for various professions, and other collateral consequences. Yes, it's best to have a skilled lawyer guide you through the criminal justice process. It's the responsible thing to do. How do I get a Public Defender? Generally, the court determines financial eligibility and then assigns a public defender at your first courtroom appearance at arraignment. Our office has lawyers in all criminal courtrooms every work day. If you need legal assistance for a police interrogation or line-up, call our office directly for advice and service. You can also contact us via our contact page. BIGGAM, CHRISTENSEN AND MINSLOFF SANTA CRUZ OFFICE: 2103 NORTH PACIFIC AVENUE SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060 WATSONVILLE OFFICE: 315 MAIN STREET SUITE 203 WATSONVILLE, CA 95076 SE HABLA ESPAÑOL