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Orange County Alternate Defense Program

Orange County · Orange County

Limited OpeningsAlternate Public Defender
50+Attorneys
N/AAnnual Caseload
$80–$135/hrRate Range
$3.2MBudget

About

The Orange County Alternate Defense Program serves as the primary conflict defense system for Orange County. The program handles cases where the Orange County Public Defender is conflicted and has strong demand for experienced felony attorneys. Panel membership currently requires a minimum of two years of criminal defense experience.

Rate Schedule

Case TypeRate TypeAmount
misdemeanorPer Hour$80/hr
felonyPer Hour$95/hr
serious felonyPer Hour$115/hr
homicidePer Hour$135/hr

Resources Available

Investigator

Investigator services available through program funding

Expert Witness

Expert witness funding available with pre-approval

Interpreter

Court-provided interpreters at Orange County courthouses

Requirements

  • Bar Admission: California
  • Minimum Experience: 2+ years criminal defense for felony
  • Malpractice InsuranceRequired
  • Background CheckRequired

Highlights

  • $80-$135/hr rates
  • Established alternate defense program
  • Strong demand for experienced felony attorneys
  • Expert witness funding available
  • Orange County's primary conflict defense system

Application Process

  • Method: Application through Orange County court administration
  • Timeline: Panel review conducted semi-annually

Quick Info

County
Orange
Admin Body
Orange County
Panel Type
Alternate Public Defender
Accepts New Attorneys
No

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