MAKING HISTORY
IN L.A. COUNTY
The DEFENDERS OF JUSTICE
Bringing DECADES OF EXPERIENCE toward enhancing public safety AND alternatives-to-incarceration to the communities they serve
It is the job of a judge to treat every person who enters their courtroom with dignity and respect, and to maintain fairness when applying the law.
The Defenders of Justice are three trail-blazing Public Defenders ready to join the LA County Superior Court judicial bench.
Public defenders possess the unique perspective and dedication needed to bring long-awaited change to the judicial system in Los Angeles. Their forward-thinking approach seeks to address the root causes of crime, such as socioeconomic disparities and mental health challenges, rather than perpetuating a cycle of incarceration.
By promoting restorative justice and diversion programs, public defenders aim to rehabilitate people and provide them with the necessary support and resources to reintegrate back into society successfully.
With their commitment to fairness, compassion, and innovative solutions, The Defenders of Justice will work to transform the justice system in Los Angeles for the better.
MEET THE 2024
DEFENDERS OF JUSTICE
La Shae Henderson Seat #97
La Shae Henderson has served as a bilingual lawyer for the Los Angeles County Public Defender for eighteen years working in various areas of criminal defense. She collaborated with attorneys across California and conducted trainings to help attorneys develop legal strategies to fight cases under the Racial Justice Act. La Shae is passionate about Juvenile Law and has worked as a counselor, youth minister, mentor, and life coach for teens in her community. She is currently in private practice and teaching Juvenile Rights as an Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.
La Shae Henderson graduated from California State University Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
George Turner Seat #39
George A. Turner Jr. is a father, husband, and public defender born and raised in the city of Inglewood. He has nearly fifteen years of experience as an attorney for the Los Angeles County Office of the Deputy Public Defender, representing indigent individuals accused of crimes. George has handled hundreds of cases including misdemeanors, felonies, and juvenile petitions. He has advocated for treatment and programs to meet the needs of his most vulnerable clients, especially those with mental health disorders. He is the Supervising Public Defender of the Mobile Homelessness Unit with the Public Defender's Office.
George received his Juris Doctorate from UCLA Law School and his Bachelor’s in Political Science from UCLA.
Ericka Wiley Seat #48
Ericka Wiley has worked as a Deputy Public Defender for more than twenty years in Los Angeles, representing clients in criminal cases with charges ranging from misdemeanors to capital crimes. She has worked as deputy in charge, supervising other lawyers and she is passionate about finding solutions for her clients which offer alternatives to incarceration and ways to better their lives.
Ericka received her bachelor's degree in English literature, from Fisk University, In Nashville Tennessee and her Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati, College of Law. Ericka lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their beautiful two year old daughter.
WHY DO JUDGES MATTER?
WHy Vote?
Voting for judges is of paramount importance to everyday Angelenos as their decisions hold immense power. Judges are tasked with making crucial decisions that have the potential to completely disrupt people's lives. Whether it's determining the outcome of a criminal trial, settling a contentious custody battle, or upholding the constitutionality of a law, judges have the ability to shape and define our society. By electing progressive judges, we ensure that our communities are safer.
Progressive judges prioritize justice, fairness, and equality, working towards dismantling systemic biases and prejudices. Their commitment to upholding the rights of all individuals ensures that our communities become safer and more inclusive for everyone, irrespective of their background or circumstances.
THEIR MISSION
To prioritize justice, fairness, and equality for the thousands of Angelenos that interact with our court system on a daily basis. We believe people shouldn’t be discarded, and that everyone deserves second chances.
With nearly 7000 people currently incarcerated in Los Angeles jails as of 2023, The Defenders of Justice know that in order to achieve strong public safety, we must start the moment someone touches the court system.
THEIR VALUES
These three public defenders collectively share decades of legal experience and in keeping families together, finding their clients alternatives to incarceration, and advocating for judicial diversion and community-based care programs.