Established in 1996, Alternate Defenders, Inc. provides vigorous, client-centered legal representation to indigent adults and juveniles in Marin County.


About Us

Alternative Defenders, Inc. (ADI)


The Marin County Superior Court is responsible for ensuring that indigent adults and juveniles facing prosecution receive effective legal representation when the Office of the Public Defender declares a conflict of interest. In those cases, the Court appoints attorneys from panels administered by ADI.

Our Mission


The mission of ADI is to protect constitutional rights, challenge injustice, and deliver exceptional legal representation grounded in integrity and respect for the dignity of every client.


ADI maintains several attorney panels,
each governed by its own qualification criteria:

The Adult Criminal Court panel of ADI is comprised of several sub-panels: Misdemeanors, Misdemeanor Appeals, Wobbler Felonies, Straight Felonies, Serious Felonies, and Homicide.

The Juvenile Court panel also is comprised of sub-panels: Misdemeanors, Straight Felonies, Wobbler Felonies, and Serious Felonies.

Our Team


ADI is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors who share a strong commitment to our mission.

ADI Team:

Azita Ghafourpour, Executive Director

Cindy Porter,
Program Director

Regina Schneider, Administrative Assistant

Board of Directors

Charles Dresow, Board President
Partner, Ragghianti Freitas LLP

Christine O’Hanlon, Board Secretary
Chief Deputy Public Defender, County of Marin

Eric Sternberger, Board Treasurer
Partner, Ragghianti Freitas LLP

Honorable Verna Adams, Superior Court Judge (retired)

Paul Burglin
Burglin Law Offices P.C.

R. Scott Guite
The Law Office of R. Scott Guite

Bryna Holland
Retired Deputy Public Defender, County of Marin

Contact Us

Send us a message.