Sonoma County Public Defender Beaten, Robbed by Former Client

A Sonoma County public defender was assaulted outside the Sonoma County Courthouse by a former client, Leon Simms, who struck the lawyer multiple times in the face causing significant injuries and stole property. The attack was interrupted by nearby probation officers, but Simms fled the scene in a vehicle after making threats of further violence and kidnapping. Police arrested Simms the following day during a traffic stop and recovered stolen property from his residence. Simms faces felony charges including robbery, attempted kidnapping, criminal threats, and battery causing serious injury. The public defender was treated at a local hospital and later released. Authorities encourage witnesses to submit tips online to aid the ongoing investigation.