A new office in Greenfield brings legal services closer to South County residents.

Celia Jiménez here, thinking about a stepping stone to provide legal and investigative services in South County. 

Today, Oct. 22, the Monterey County Public Defender's Office celebrated the opening of its satellite office in Greenfield to reach more South County residents. 

The office is a 500-square-foot space in the former Monterey County District 3 office at Greenfield's Civic Center.

“We thought that establishing a location in Greenfield ensures that people can receive timely legal assistance along with support that promotes stability in their lives,” Raymond Buenaventura, chief public defender of Monterey County, told me in September. 

The public defender’s office chose a Greenfield location for several reasons: It’s relatively central among South County communities, experiences high crime rates and has a large immigrant population.

The office will assist clients with cases, conduct interviews/investigations and connect them to other services, including expunging records or immigration guidance.

Some residents will be able to skip a 30-minute commute, or longer, to Salinas to seek services.

“South County residents have faced a lot of transportation and access barriers when trying to reach our Salinas office,” Buenaventura says. Having a Greenfield location, he says, “ensures that people can receive timely legal assistance, along with the support that promotes stability in their lives.” 

The office won’t be staffed full-time, but that’s the long-term goal.

The first day of operations will be on Tuesday, Oct. 27, and it will be open from 8:30am-4:30pm. Staff will accept walk-ins, and they will offer additional hours by appointment. Services will be flexible based on residents' needs. People can schedule an appointment at (831) 755-5050.