FAQs:

Q:  Does your office defend people in court?

A:  The County Counsel represents the Board of Supervisors, County departments, boards and agencies only.  Persons in need of an attorney in a civil matter should contact a private attorney.  (Refer to the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association.)  A private law firm contracts with the County for Public Defender services in criminal matters. 

Q:  Will your office answer simple legal questions for private citizens?

A:  The Office of the County Counsel is permitted only to give legal advice to its County government clients and not to private citizens.  (Refer to Helpful Links for assistance with legal matters.)

Q:  Does the Office of the County Counsel handle consumer affairs, landlord-tenant issues or small claims questions?

A:  The Office of the County Counsel is not authorized to address these issues.  Please refer to Helpful Links for assistance in these matters.

Q:  Does your office handle conservatorships or probate matters?

A:  The Office of the County Counsel represents the Public Guardian in conservatorship and probate matters.  The Office of the Public Guardian is a division of the Health Agency and should be contacted directly with questions regarding conservatorship and probate matters.