The San Bernardino County Public Defender’s Office marked another milestone with the outstanding success of its Mobile Defense Program event held in Barstow on Dec. 4.
Hosted at the Barstow Church of God in Christ, located in the heart of the High Desert, the event provided critical legal assistance to residents, empowering them to resolve outstanding legal issues and start fresh during the holiday season.
The event served over 100 community members, offering support with legal needs such as addressing unresolved fines, reinstating driver’s licenses and managing other outstanding matters. This initiative underscores the Public Defender’s commitment to accessible justice and community engagement, creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to overcome legal barriers and move forward with renewed hope.
The Mobile Defense Program, in partnership with the San Bernardino Superior Court, connects residents to essential court services. At its core is the Mobile Defense Unit, which allows individuals to connect to court virtually and serves as a vital resource in the Public Defender Office’s mission to provide equitable access to justice. By bringing services directly to the community, the Mobile Defense unit removes barriers such as lack of transportation and long travel distances, ensuring residents can access support close to home.
“Equitable access to justice is important. Our county is the largest geographic county in the United States, and we want to make sure that if you need legal services and don’t have the means to get to court, we’re going to come to you,” said San Bernardino County Public Defender Thomas W. Sone. “At our event, we helped individuals clear their records, resolve outstanding fines, and create pathways to employment, stability, and getting their driver’s license back.”
Expanding Access Through County Collaboration
The success of the Barstow event extended beyond legal services, thanks to the combined efforts of multiple San Bernardino County departments. The Department of Child Support Services and the Transitional Assistance Department provided access to their services by helping individuals and families apply for essential benefits, resolve case issues and obtain general case information. These services play a vital role in fostering financial stability and helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency.
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center’s Mobile Medical Clinic and the San Bernardino County Human Resources Department Mobile Unit provided an additional layer of support. Residents learned about health resources, received job counseling and explored career development opportunities. These mobile units demonstrate San Bernardino County’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions and meeting community needs.
“Arrowhead Regional Medical Center’s Mobile Medical Clinic is a vital resource in expanding access to high-quality health care throughout San Bernardino County,” said Justine Rodriguez, director of marketing and public relations for ARMC. “By collaborating with other county agencies and their mobile offices, we ensure that residents, especially in underserved and remote areas, receive the care and support they need. This initiative reflects our dedication to innovation and partnership in addressing the unique challenges of our diverse communities.”
Transforming Lives Through Access
For many attendees, the event was transformative. “The Public Defender’s Office bridged the gap by engaging directly with our most vulnerable populations,” said Elizabeth Givens, executive director of Growing Outreach Growing Opportunities Barstow. “Through their commitment to direct community engagement, they are creating opportunities for a fresh start by providing services where they are needed most.”
Retired Public Defender Phyllis Morris-Green, advisory team member and chair of the High Desert Black Worker Center, highlighted the event’s significance. “Collaboration with other county departments helped address the financial and transportation challenges that often prevent people from resolving court cases and accessing other services,” she said.
Looking Ahead
The Mobile Defense Program is poised for continued growth, with additional events planned to extend its reach throughout San Bernardino County. These future initiatives will broaden access to essential legal assistance, ensuring residents in every corner of the county have the support they need to address their legal challenges and access justice.
“We remain committed to building on this success by bringing equitable access to justice and collaborating with our county and community partners to provide essential services across San Bernardino County,” said Sone.
For more information about the Mobile Defense Program or upcoming events, visit the Public Defender’s website.