County of Santa Cruz County Counsel

County Counsel

Department head: Jason M. Heath

701 Ocean St, Room 505, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

(831) 454-2040

If the county government finds itself sued or otherwise named in a lawsuit, the county counsel represents its interests. The county counsel also serves as legal adviser to all officials and departments, including the Board of Supervisors. Other responsibilities include drafting local ordinances, reviewing contracts, and providing other legal advice. The office represents county departments and related public agencies, not individuals in private legal matters.

The County Counsel also oversees the Criminal Defense Conflicts Program, which establishes and maintains a panel of attorneys eligible for appointment by the Superior Court to represent indigent criminal defendants and other clients, when the Public Defender and the Conflict Public Defenders have declared a conflict.