In Re Brindle

Statement of the Case

The public defender for San Luis Obispo County filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court on June 13, 1978, on behalf of respondents Thomas Brindle, Dennis Hall, Todd Young, Richard Mroczko and Joseph Seide, inmates of the California Mens Colony, seeking relief from alleged interference by prison officials with their access to the public defender. In issuing the writ returnable the following day the public defender was appointed to represent all petitioners. The petition was heard on June 14, 1978, and was granted. The court ordered that all law enforcement agencies and correctional institutions within the confines of San Luis Obispo County allow the public defender access to any persons incarcerated, being interrogated or under investigation in any criminal matter. The order further directed the designated agencies and institutions to permit the public defender to personally consult with such persons to ascertain if they desired his assistance and for a determination whether they qualified for the services of the public defender. Appellant appeals from the order. (Pen. Code, § 1506.) Upon appellant’s…