Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

California's 'WalMart of Public Defense' Faces Scrutiny

12/18/2025

39 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Fitzgerald, Alvarez and Ciummo, nicknamed the 'WalMart of public defense,' has dominated rural California criminal defense contracts for over thirty years.
They win contracts by offering low bids, creating a system where nearly half of California counties pay private attorneys through fixed-fee contracts.
In San Benito County, these arrangements discourage thorough investigations because attorneys rarely communicate with clients or file motions.

1 of 1

Story summary

Fitzgerald, Alvarez and Ciummo, nicknamed the 'WalMart of public defense,' has dominated rural California criminal defense contracts for over thirty years.
They win contracts by offering low bids, creating a system where nearly half of California counties pay private attorneys through fixed-fee contracts.
In San Benito County, these arrangements discourage thorough investigations because attorneys rarely communicate with clients or file motions.