The San Bernardino County Public Defender's Office is appointed to represent any criminal or civil commitment defendant who cannot afford to hire an attorney, unless the office has a legal conflict of interest with that defendant’s case. In addition to providing legal defense, the Public Defender uses a holistic approach to increase client opportunities for achieving self-sufficiency. Our agency arranges client access to social service programs and provides assistance with receiving alcohol and drug rehabilitation services and counseling for mental health issues.