Build Your Practice

Criminal Court Appointed Attorneys Program

Now Accepting Applications to our Panel! Apply today!

The Criminal Court Appointed Attorneys Program (CAAP) administers the conflicts program for the County of Alameda 

Through this program, qualified attorneys represent indigent criminal defendants or minors whenever the public defender is restrained by a conflict of interest. The program maintains a panel of  qualified private attorneys who provide professional and excellent representation for those entitled to court appointed attorneys.

CAAP is committed to the promotion of justice and high standards of professionalism, competency, diligence, and integrity among members of the criminal defense bar in Alameda County.

Apply to the Panel Here

CAAP general phone:

(510) 302-2205

New! CAAP Grievance Line 

Phone: (510) 433-8707

Attorney Complaint Form

Interested in joining CAAP? Check out our FAQ.

New Streamlined CAAP Application

Do you enjoy rooting for the underdog? Do you want to fight for those who society has largely abandoned? Are you ready to expand your murder practice?

Criminal defense attorneys – apply today to join the ACBA Court Appointed Attorneys Program (CAAP) Panel! Our panel of independent contractor attorneys step in to represent indigent clients when there is a conflict with the Office of the Alameda County Public Defender. Take as many or as few cases as your schedule dictates while you seek justice and build your professional profile.

CAAP is committed to promoting justice and high standards of professionalism, competency, diligence, and integrity among members of the criminal defense bar in Alameda County.

For more information, including hourly rates, please see below and check out our FAQ. If you have any questions, contact the Director, Andrea Zambrana, by email or phone (andrea@acbanet.org | 510.302.2202). Please note that CAAP will review all applications and consider waiving some of its requirements for suitable applicants, particularly those with the experience to take higher-level cases.

CAAP’s Hourly Rates from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026

Case Type (Max Exposure) 7/1/24-6/30/25 Atty Hourly Rate (5% increase) 7/1/25-6/30/26 Atty Hourly Rate (5% increase)
Capital-Death Penalty
$225
$236
LWOP
$206
$216
SVP
$206
$216
1A (Life)
$187
$197
1B, 1J, 1JV, 1PV
$163
$171
2, 2J, 2JV, 2PV
$146
$153
3, 3J, 3JV, 3PV
$140
$147
4, 4J, 4JV, 4JPV
$121
$127
5, 5J, 5JV, 5PV
$121
$127
Family Law Contempt
$121
$127
Misdemeanor Appeals
$140
$147
Post Conviction: Habeas 1A/1B + Post 1A/LWOP, Franklins
$163
$171
Expenses: Private Investigators
$90
$95
Expenses: Paralegal
$63
$66

Social Worker Payment Rates

Case Type (Max Exposure) Hourly Rate Expected Hours Range*
Special Circumstances
$158
10-30 hrs
LWOP
$158
10-30 hrs
1A (25 to Life)
$158
10-30 hrs
1B (determinate over 25 years)
$158
10-30 hrs
Class 2 (11 years to 24 years)
$131
10-25 hrs
Franklin
$131
30-50 hrs
Class 3 (Felonies <11 years)
$105
10-23 hrs
290 Eligible Misdemeanors > 6 months
$105
10-23 hrs
Class 4 (Misdemeanors > 6 months)
$75
10-23 hrs
Class 5 (Misdemeanors < 6 months)
$75
10-23 hrs

*Hours Range depends upon necessary tasks, hours above range require additional justification

Rules

Forms

Resources

SJC’s Consultation Program is Live!

Social Justice Collaborative (SJC) is a nonprofit based in Berkeley, CA, committed to providing legal representation to low-income immigrants. They have partnered with the  Court Appointed Attorney Program to offer crimmigration consultations, providing insight and support on immigration-related matters. 

Consultation Program: To request a consultation, please complete the designated form. You can find the link to the right. The form collects your information and essential details about the case. After receiving a request, the SJC team will email you relevant information and next steps.

Thank you for joining us on this mission to impact the lives of individuals facing unique challenges positively.

Please note: this form is only to be used by CAAP Panel Attorneys.