Team

As Assistant Chief Defender, John Elworth helps oversee the administration of the Private Defender Program. He works to ensure that attorneys provide high-quality legal representation by improving data collection and analysis to drive management deci… Read More

As the Assistant Chief of the Juvenile and Civil Commitment Branch, Ron Rayes administers Juvenile Justice cases, Dependency cases, Lanterman-Petris-Short-Act (LPS) cases, CARE court, Probate Guardianships, and Conservatorship cases. He is responsibl… Read More

Mitri Hanania is a Managing Attorney in the Adult Division of the Private Defender Program. Mitri primarily focuses on management for the Misdemeanor and Post-Conviction Units. He supports PDP’s attorneys by providing training, case consultation, a… Read More

Jessica Agnich is a Managing Attorney in the Adult Division of the Private Defender Program. She primarily provides training and support to PDP attorneys who handle felony cases. Jessica assigns serious felony cases and provides guidance to attorneys… Read More

Tanya Montano O’Malley is the Managing Attorney of Specialty Courts & Community Engagement. She provides training and guidance to attorneys navigating the complexities of collaborative and specialty courts, helping them advocate for the best po… Read More

As the Head of Investigations at the Private Defender Program, Indiana Albanes oversees a panel of over 40 criminal investigators and nine paralegals. Indiana assigns investigators and paralegals based on their level of experience and expertise for e… Read More

As the Head of Social Work, Harpreet Samra leads a panel of 37 mental health professionals and four Client Advocates for the Private Defender Program. Preet consults with attorneys, investigators, and paralegals to determine the best course of action… Read More