Metropolitan Public Defender Review

I have a case that started back in July of 2019 and I have been working with Tristan Edwards who is amazing to work with. She helped me understand everything I was dealing with and the best approach with a back up plan b and c just in case. Of course I had to be responsible and do my part but Tristan helped me at every turn and really understood my position. She fought on my behalf and was wonderful about reaching out to different parties for info to help my case. Her assistant is amazing and was just as wonderful to work with. I never felt like another number or a judged criminal. I was also connected with a fantastic social worker there at mpd who helped with very valuable resources. I cant say enough good things about my personal experience with MPD. My felony was dropped to a misdemeanor and formal probation to bench. Im truly grateful for mpd.

I am surprised to see here some negative feedback regarding MPD -- Multnomah County Section . I am receiving services currently from MPD, Amanda Alvarez is representing me. My dealing with her thus far have been professional, knowledgeable, and respectful. She explained the process well, told me what her approach tot he case was going to be, and advised me to NOT accept any sort of plea deal. I am not guilty of the charge against me, it is from more than 4 years ago, the police officer writing the report at the time interviewed a witness who indicated that what the person alleging a charge against me said I did, did NOT happen. I certainly was not arrested. I did not hear another thing about this case until this past May, the event concerned here happened in March of 2014! Almost a year later, in 2015, the DA's office decided to file charges against me, I never received any notification of this. Three more years went by, and this past December, the DA's Office had a judge issue an arrest warrant for me. The only reason I found out about this is because I got turned down for an apartment because of this "current criminal matter." Ridiculous. I live in Tacoma, WA now and here I am driving back and forth to Portland and paying $235 towards my public defender, missing work, delaying spinal surgery, so on, so forth. Amanda Alvarez has been very helpful so far and I am confident in her ability to straighten this mess out. Like I said, she has a few different approaches to this case and feels she may be able to get it dismissed as it should. I am grateful for the help I am getting from MPD -- Mult County Section.

Would have given a zero rating if possible. I was coerced into saying something in court that I did not believe. It was explained to me that it would help my case. This was after I had explained that I wanted to contest the case, the public defender even confirmed that would be how we proceed.

The system is a nightmare. the attornies dumptruck their clients, and try relentlessly to force them to plead guilty.
There is no representation or fair trial, all my attorney cared about was staying on good terms with the judge and the DA.
She was incompetent and didn't know the details of my case after 14 months. She thought I was guilty of the false crime I was accused of.
She was a rude botch just out of Lewis and Clark, a law school that turns out crappy attorney who don't know how to try or win cases.
I think my lawyer tried to lose the case, she cared so little and had no defense, was completely lame, didn't challenge when it was obvious.
I wish I had represented myself , I would have had a better chance
I hope she stays as a public defender because she deserves low pay and a crappy future in the law field.
during one of our meetings, she gave me a cold look and said DId you do it?
The facts that I had never been arrested before and there was amply evidence of a non criminal dispute was ignored. She didnt even bother to learn the names, she just tried to force me to plead guilty.
NO matter what lies they told she said nothing. I could do nothing to save myself.
The public defenders are awful and worthless.

I was a client they represented me and they are just a bunch of prosecutors puppets. Straight state conviction tools at best

The expungement clinic hosted by Nicole
Thompson is a excellent opportunity for everyone who plans on getting their life in order and is interested in clearing their record, yes, it was free. I would have to say a definite
must. The expunge process can be overwhelming with each specific detail. If not properly filed correctly, its no good.
Expunge clinic was fast , friendly positive service there to help. Thanks Nicole!
Patricia Hastrich

Very professional and willing to help you understand the nature of your case.

This has been the worst experience of my life. These so called public defenders are incompetent, untruthful, and have no desire to actually defend their clients. I have been incarcerated for 2 years without receiving trial yet. I was arrested for one thing and then secretly indicted on a cold case they had. The victim told the police and the DA that I was not involved. Yet here I sit still awaiting trial and my "defender does notjing