The Board of Supervisors, at its June 7 meeting, concurred with the County Executive’s appointment of Amanda Benson as Public Defender, effective June 19.
“The County is fortunate to have the best candidate for Public Defender within its own ranks,” said Eric Jones, Deputy County Executive for Public Safety and Justice. “Ms. Benson’s skills and expertise will guard and champion the constitutional rights of the County’s justice-involved community.”
Appointed as Interim Public Defender in October 2021, Benson has more than 20 years of experience working for the Sacramento County Public Defender’s Office.
Over the years, Benson has handled thousands of cases and is recognized as a seasoned trial attorney. She also has extensive experience leading and mentoring attorneys and has worked with line attorneys from every office division on everything from simple procedures to complex litigation briefing.
In addition to Benson’s legal and trial expertise, she has significant management experience. Having promoted to the Chief Assistant Public Defender position in 2018, Benson has considerable experience with a wide variety of administrative matters, including policy development, budget and fiscal management, and personnel management.
Before joining the County as an Assistant Public Defender in 2001, she worked as an Assistant Public Defender for Yuba County as well as for a private criminal defense firm as a Staff Attorney.
Benson has a Juris Doctorate from the University of California Hastings, College of Law, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Brigham Young University.
