Public Defender Mobile Defense event brings second chances to The River’s Edge Ranch

The San Bernardino County Public Defender’s Office brought its Mobile Defense Program to The River’s Edge Ranch in Lucerne Valley on March 5, offering record clearing and court services to the community. More than 200 residents took advantage of this outreach event, gaining an opportunity for a fresh start by addressing outstanding legal matters.

The Mobile Defense Program, a partnership between the Public Defender’s Office and the San Bernardino Superior Court, provides virtual court access through its Mobile Defense Unit, removing barriers like transportation and distance. At the event, attendees were able to start the record-clearing process and address legal matters such as clearing bench warrants and resolving outstanding fines.

In addition to legal aid, attendees had access to a broad range of essential county services that supported their overall well-being:

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center provided health resources and connected residents with medical assistance, ensuring access to vital care.
Public Health offered free dental screenings and promoted comprehensive health and wellness services.
Behavioral Health delivered mental health support, substance use resources, and ongoing care referrals, addressing immediate and long-term needs.
Child Support Services assisted individuals with case updates and offered guidance on navigating child support matters.
Transitional Assistance helped residents apply for social service programs, including CalFresh, Medi-Cal and CalWORKs.
Human Resources provided information on county job openings, career development opportunities, and application assistance.
The River’s Edge Ranch is a substance abuse recovery program that offers a structured, supportive environment for men recovering from addiction. Its mission is to help men overcome substance abuse, rebuild their lives, and reintegrate into society through counseling, life skills training and spiritual guidance.

The event provided a unique opportunity for the men served by The River’s Edge Ranch to access vital legal and social services that might otherwise be out of reach. Many of the program’s participants were able to take the first steps toward clearing their records, resolving court issues, and connecting with services that support long-term recovery and reintegration.

“It was truly an amazing day,” said Doug Whiteman, chief executive officer of The River’s Edge Ranch. “The San Bernardino County Public Defender’s Office brought out so many resources to help people who may not be able to get to them and just helped set them up on a path to a better life.”

San Bernardino County Public Defender Thomas W. Sone praised the event’s collaborative success. “We want to thank the Lucerne Valley community and The River’s Edge Ranch for welcoming us with open arms,” Sone said. “Today was another great example of what we can accomplish when we put all our county departments together for the common good of serving the residents of our community. Ensuring equitable access is important, and we’re here to help.”

The Mobile Defense Program will continue to expand across San Bernardino County, bringing more access to justice and legal assistance directly to residents.

For more information about the Public Defender’s Office, please visit PD.SBCounty.gov. Stay updated on upcoming Mobile Defense Program events by following the Public Defender’s Office on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Additional County Update News – March 20, 2025