Defending While Drowning: The Urgent Need for Self-Care in Public Defense Investigation

Public Defender Investigators are the quiet backbone of the justice system—relentlessly seeking truth, advocating for fairness, and shouldering the emotional weight of other people’s crises. But what happens when the people doing this critical work are overwhelmed, burned out, or emotionally depleted? This presentation confronts the reality many investigators face: the feeling of drowning while still trying to defend. We’ll explore the psychological and physical toll this demanding role can take, the professional and personal consequences of neglecting self-care, and practical, accessible strategies for protecting your well-being. This is not about adding more to your plate—it’s about learning how to stay afloat, stay effective, and stay human in a system that too often forgets the humanity of its helpers.

Sharronda Wheat, J.D. is a Public Defender Investigator II at the Office of the Public Defender in Contra Costa County. A proud Bay Area native born and raised in Oakland, California, Sharronda brings deep regional insight and a steadfast commitment to justice to her work. She holds a Juris Doctor from John F. Kennedy University, College of Law, along with a Certificate in Mediation from The Congress of Neutrals. Sharronda also earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, with an emphasis in Corrections and a minor in Sociology, from California State University, East Bay. With a strong foundation in law, investigation, and conflict resolution, she is dedicated to serving her community and advocating for equity within the criminal justice system.