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Judge Fines Public Defender $26K Over Case Rejections

3/25/2026

24 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Judge Harry Dorfman fined San Francisco Public Defender Mano Raju $26,000 for contempt for rejecting new cases despite a court order.
Raju asserts his office is overwhelmed, with caseloads rising since 2019 and insufficient staffing amid increased prosecutions, highlighting systemic issues.
He plans to appeal the ruling.
The judge ruled the office has capacity to handle cases, despite support from other defenders.

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Story summary

Judge Harry Dorfman fined San Francisco Public Defender Mano Raju $26,000 for contempt for rejecting new cases despite a court order.
Raju asserts his office is overwhelmed, with caseloads rising since 2019 and insufficient staffing amid increased prosecutions, highlighting systemic issues.
He plans to appeal the ruling.
The judge ruled the office has capacity to handle cases, despite support from other defenders.