Dena Stone

Assistant Public Defender, Racial Justice Act Attorney, Sacramento
Current Term: September 15, 2025−September 14, 2028
Membership: Voting Member
Internal Committees: Executive and Planning Committee, Rules Committee

Ms. Dena Stone has served as an assistant public defender with the Sacramento County Public Defender’s Office since 2020. She has practiced law in criminal courts for over 15 years in the counties of Sacramento, Shasta, and El Dorado. She is a seasoned public defender with trial experience that includes homicide, human trafficking, and complex felony cases. As a lead Racial Justice Act attorney, Ms. Stone developed procedures and litigated precedent-setting cases statewide. She’s also an expert in motion practice, case strategy, and appellate litigation, including matters before the California Supreme Court. Ms. Stone received her juris doctor degree from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, where she serves as an adjunct professor and mock trial coach, focusing on persuasive analysis strategies, criminal law, civil procedure, litigation strategies, and evidentiary issues.