Ventura County launched a nationwide search for a new Chief Public Defender, but it found the person it ultimately hired from its current ranks.
Todd Howeth has been a criminal defense attorney since 1984, and has been serving as Ventura County’s Assistant Public Defender. He will succeed Steve Lipson, who retired this month after more than three decades with the county Public Defender’s Office, including the last seven as Chief Public Defender.
The Public Defender’s Office has more than 50 attorneys, as well as support staff.