Amy Hoffman has been selected as Santa Barbara County’s next chief public defender. She is expected to begin her new role on March 1, pending formal approval by the Board of Supervisors on Nov. 17.
The Public Defender’s Office provides legal representation to individuals who cannot afford private counsel and works to protect the constitutional rights of clients facing criminal charges and other legal proceedings, the county said.
Through a multidisciplinary approach, the office helps ensure residents have access to fair and effective representation throughout the justice system.
Hoffman brings nearly two decades of public defense experience and currently serves as chief deputy of the Multiple Conflicts Office for the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office.
In her current role, she leads a team of attorneys, investigators, mitigation specialists, and support staff handling some of the county’s most complex criminal cases.
She also oversees Racial Justice Act litigation efforts and works with justice partners and community stakeholders on issues affecting indigent defense.
Prior to becoming chief deputy, Hoffman served as a trial attorney in the Multiple Conflicts Office and as supervising attorney of the Civil Commitment Unit, where she managed attorneys and support staff while helping implement innovative policies and practices.
She also serves on the Board of Directors for the California Public Defenders Association, and has taught trial advocacy programs throughout California, across the nation, and internationally.
“Amy Hoffman is an exceptional leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to public service, professional excellence, and ensuring access to high-quality legal representation,” said Bob Nelson, chair of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors.
“Her extensive courtroom experience, proven management skills, and collaborative approach provide her the experience necessary to lead the Public Defender’s Office and continue its tradition of dedicated advocacy on behalf of Santa Barbara County residents,” he said.
Hoffman earned a BA in criminal justice from Indiana University and a juris doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. She also holds a Certificate in Restorative Justice Facilitation and Leadership from the University of San Diego.
“I am honored to serve as Santa Barbara County’s next Public Defender,” Hoffman said. “I look forward to working alongside the talented staff and attorneys in this office, supporting the work they do every day and building on the strong partnerships already established in the community.
“The best public defender offices are built on dedicated teams who care deeply about their clients, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this office and carry its mission forward,” she said.
Hoffman will succeed Tracy Macuga, who is retiring after 10 years as chief public defender.
“Drawing on more than two decades of criminal defense experience, Macuga transformed the department from a traditional defense practice into a data-driven organization committed to client-centered representation,” county officials said.
“Her signature achievement is the office’s holistic defense model, which pairs legal representation with specialized programs that address the root causes that bring clients into the justice system,” they said. “The office is now widely recognized as a model for holistic defense.”
Macuga will remain with the county until Hoffman starts to help with a smooth transition.
“We are deeply grateful to Tracy Macuga for her decades of dedication to public defense and her outstanding leadership of the Santa Barbara county Public Defender’s Office,” said Nelson. “Tracy championed innovative approaches to representation, from holistic defense to data-driven tools that help connect clients with critical services.
“Her commitment to justice, compassion and professional excellence leaves a lasting legacy for the department and the community.”