Ashley Jones Appointed as Public Defender for Shasta County

Shasta County is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashley Jones as the County's new Public Defender. With extensive experience in criminal defense and a deep commitment to indigent legal representation, Jones is poised to lead the Public Defender’s Office with distinction.

Jones brings fourteen years of experience as a dedicated public defender, having served the Shasta County Public Defender’s Office in various capacities since 2011. Most recently, she served as the County’s Senior Deputy County Counsel, where she provided essential support to County departments. In her previous role as Senior Deputy Public Defender, she supervised felony and misdemeanor units, led internal training efforts, and handled complex criminal cases, including sexual assault and homicide trials. Her broad legal experience and strong leadership background make her an exceptional choice for this position.

Jones’s educational background includes a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Santa Clara University School of Law, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Sonoma State University. She also holds an Associate of Arts degree from Shasta College, where she began her higher education journey.

In addition to her legal expertise, Jones has demonstrated a passion for cultivating positive and collaborative working relationships with clients, staff, and justice partners. Her commitment to creating a supportive and high-performing environment has been a hallmark of her career.

“I am honored to be selected as the Public Defender of Shasta County,” said Jones. “I am committed to safeguarding the constitutional rights and dignity of every person we represent. I look forward to restoring and improving the Public Defender’s Office to better serve our community, fostering a culture of support and excellence among our staff, and continuing our mission to provide exceptional legal representation. Together, the members of the Shasta County Public Defender’s Office will strengthen our community’s justice system for years to come.”

Jones’s appointment marks an important step in Shasta County’s ongoing efforts to enhance the effectiveness of its legal services and maintain a fair and balanced justice system.