Santa Barbara County Public Defender

The County of Santa Barbara invites community members to participate in the continued development of its Adult Judicial Diversion Strategic Plan. Informed by feedback gathered during community forums held in October 2025, the draft plan focuses on building a coordinated, countywide diversion system that expands alternatives to incarceration while supporting accountability, treatment, and access to services.

Community members are encouraged to attend upcoming in-person or virtual sessions to review the draft plan and provide feedback. These sessions will offer an opportunity to learn more about the proposed goals and strategies and to share perspectives that will help shape the final plan.

In-person participation is offered in English. Virtual participation is available in both English and Spanish.

The sessions will be facilitated by RDA Consulting on behalf of the County of Santa Barbara.

In-person sessions:
Lompoc - 2/9/26 12:00p.m. @ Lompoc Library, Grossman Gallery
Santa Maria - 2/9/26 5:00 p.m. @ Santa Maria Central Library, Learning Center Room
Santa Barbara - 2/10/26 4:00 p.m. @ Santa Barbara Eastside Library, MLK Room

Virtual Sessions:
Lompoc - 2/9/26 12:00 p.m. - English Zoom Meeting ID 836 8587 0317
Lompoc - 2/9/26 12:00 p.m. - Spanish Zoom Meeting ID 827 1585 8749
Santa Maria - 2/9/26 5:00 p.m. - English Zoom Meeting ID 814 8715 8478
Santa Maria - 2/9/26 5:00 p.m. - Spanish Zoom Meeting ID 862 5042 7933
Santa Barbara - 2/10/26 4:00 p.m. - English Zoom Meeting ID 872 1156 9876
Santa Barbara - 2/10/26 4:00 p.m. - Spanish Zoom Meeting ID 853 2908 4719

Location Non-Specific Virtual Meeting
2/19/26 4:00 p.m. - English Zoom Meeting ID 849 7542 1095
0/29/26 4:00 p.m. - Spanish Zoom Meeting ID 837 2648 1369

We are pleased to announce there is a departmental recruitment for a Legal Office Professional I/II position within the Public Defender’s Office. This position will be for reception in the Santa Barbara Office.

A position description, the employment standards, examples of duties and a description of the ideal candidate, including how to apply for the position can be found at the link.

The Legal Office Professional I/II recruitment is open until 10/08/2025 at 4:59pm. We encourage anyone who is interested to apply.

Career Opportunities | Public Service in Paradise The County of Santa Barbara respects and values a diverse workforce and strongly promotes strategies and activities to recruit, develop and retain qualified persons of varied backgrounds, lifestyles, experiences and races.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)—a time to uplift survivors, challenge harmful norms, and advocate for systemic change. As a Public Defender’s Office, we see firsthand the trauma that sexual violence inflicts on individuals and communities. We are committed to pursuing justice that is survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and rooted in accountability and prevention.

Every 68 seconds, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.* The majority of survivors know their perpetrator—and far too many never feel safe enough to come forward. We believe every survivor deserves to be heard, supported, and believed.

Join us in solidarity at the Take Back the Night Global Virtual Event on Thursday, April 25 (TODAY!) at 8:00 PM ET. This free, worldwide gathering will feature survivor stories, guest speakers, musical performances, and opportunities to connect and take action. Whether you’re a survivor, an advocate, or an ally, your voice matters.

🔗 Learn more and register here: takebackthenight.org/global-virtual

Together, we can work toward a safer, more just society.

During Diversity Month, we celebrate the strength and importance of representation in every sector, especially in roles of leadership within government agencies like the public defender’s office. Women of color in these positions bring invaluable perspectives, unique experiences, and a deep understanding of the communities we serve. Their presence ensures that our legal system reflects the diverse needs of the people it serves, promotes fairness, and inspires others to pursue careers in justice. Diversity at every level fosters empathy, drives better decision-making, and helps us create a more equitable system for all.

​Lea Villegas is a dedicated Latinx woman of color who has made significant strides in the legal field, particularly within public defense. A graduate of Wesleyan University in Connecticut, she earned her law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. Admitted to the California Bar in 2007, she has since been an active member, serving the Santa Maria community through her role at the Santa Barbara County Public Defender’s Office. Lea has steadfastly climbed the ranks in the office from Attorney, to Chief Trial Deputy, and is now serving as the Assistant Public Defender.

In her leadership position, Lea has been instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within the office. Her efforts ensure that marginalized communities receive fair representation and that the legal team reflects the diversity of the populations they serve. Lea’s commitment to mentorship has also empowered young legal professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in public defense.​

During Diversity Month, Lea Villegas stands as a powerful example of how Latinx women in leadership roles can drive meaningful change in the legal system, fostering an environment where justice is accessible to all.

Check it out!