Stockton, CA - Judyanne Vallado was recently appointed by the Board of Supervisors as the new Public Defender. In this role, Vallado will ensure that all indigent residents who are charged with a crime, and are financially unable to retain private counsel, receive a rigorous defense.
Vallado has been an attorney for 18 years and has served in various legal roles for the County Public Defender's Office since 2008. She most recently served as the Assistant Public Defender since 2021 and as acting Public Defender since the retirement of the previous Public Defender, Miriam Lyell in March 2024.
“The County is pleased to have Judyanne Vallado leading the Public Defender's Office to give a voice to residents in our court system who are unable to provide representation for themselves,” said Miguel Villapudua, Chair of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. “We've been fortunate to have Judyanne serving in the Public Defender's Office for over 15 years where she provided legal counsel in a variety of roles. Her vast experience, knowledge, passion, and strong relationships are a true asset to the Public Defender's Office and the people of San Joaquin County.”
Vallado graduated with a BA from UC Davis in Political Science and Philosophy. She earned her Juris Doctor in 2006 from Santa Clara University School of Law. In addition to her extensive work experience for local governments and in private practice, Vallado also served as the direct supervisor for the Circuit Court, Juvenile Dependency, Probate Conservatorships, Mental Health, and Clean Slate departments. In addition, she supervised the Public Defender's Misdemeanor Trial Unit. She also helped draft and manage the Department of State Hospitals Incompetent to Stand Trial Diversion Program that was launched in San Joaquin County in 2022.
Vallado's passion is helping people who are homeless and those living with mental illness and says she's blessed that her job allows her to serve both communities, noting: “I've devoted my career to representing underserved and vulnerable people in my community. Our department will remain dedicated to serving the diverse needs of our community and its justice system by furnishing clients whose cases have been entrusted to the Office, with competent, effective, loyal, ethical, zealous, compassionate and efficient advocacy.”
The San Joaquin County Public Defender's Office was established as a County Department in 1968. The Office is a major public law Office, serving the county's 30 judicial positions in 5 locations, with 39 attorneys, 13 investigators and an administrative support staff of 19. Public Defender attorneys and staff handle an incoming caseload exceeding 1800 cases per month. The Public Defender's primary practice areas are:
- Adult Criminal Defense
- Juvenile Criminal Defense
- Child Dependency (focus on parents)
- Mental Commitment Defense
- Civil Extension Actions (§ 1026.5, W&I, § 1800 et.seq.)
Learn more about the Public Defender's Office here:
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