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Introducing the Customer Support & Compliance Unit
Our Customer Support and Compliance Unit is here to support clients, address concerns, and uphold the highest legal and ethical standards in public defense.
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The Georgia Public Defender Council proudly honored retired Chief Justice Norman S. Fletcher with our inaugural Legacy Award in recognition of his visionary leadership and lifelong commitment to justice. Chief Justice Fletcher’s efforts were instrumental in establishing GPDC and reshaping indigent defense in Georgia.
We also celebrated the first recipient of the Justice Norman S. Fletcher Excellence in Public Defense Award: Sherry D. Widner, Public Defender for the Pataula Judicial Circuit, whose tireless service and compassion exemplify the values we stand for.
Read the full story:
gapubdef.org/georgia-public-defender-council-honors-chief-justice-norman-s-fletcher-with-new-awar...
#PublicDefense #Leadership #GeorgiaJustice #GPDC #IndigentDefense #LegacyAward
Honoring a Legacy of Justice
Earlier this week, the Georgia Public Defender Council presented the inaugural Justice Norman S. Fletcher Excellence in Public Defense Award to Sherry D. Widner, Public Defender for the Pataula Judicial Circuit.
This new award honors retired Chief Justice Norman S. Fletcher, whose powerful call for indigent defense reform in 2003 led to the creation of GPDC. At 91, Justice Fletcher joined us in Athens at GPDC’s Summer Conference to receive the Legacy Award and celebrate Sherry’s extraordinary service to her clients and community.
Sherry’s compassion, advocacy, and commitment to public defense embody the very values this award represents.
Read more about the event and Sherry’s story:
gapubdef.org/georgia-public-defender-council-honors-chief-justice-norman-s-fletcher-with-new-awar...
#PublicDefense #GPDC #JusticeForAll
Celebrating a Legacy of Justice
On Monday, July 21, the Georgia Public Defender Council opened our 2025 Summer Conference with a special tribute to one of Georgia’s most respected judicial leaders: Justice Norman Fletcher.
During our Awards Banquet & Reception, we presented the inaugural Justice Norman Fletcher Public Defender Award, honoring a defender whose service exemplifies the courage, integrity, and commitment to equal justice that Justice Fletcher championed throughout his career.
As the former Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, Justice Fletcher played a pivotal role in establishing a professional and independent public defense system in Georgia. His legacy continues to shape our mission and inspire the defenders working on the front lines every day.
We are proud to honor his impact and to celebrate the future of public defense in Georgia.
#GPDC #PublicDefender
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The Ladders Program offers an Electrical Lineman Technology certificate to help you climb, connect, and brighten your future—at no cost to you. This program provides hands-on training in electrical lineman skills, preparing you for a rewarding career in the growing field of utility services.
Apply today at gpdf.org/ladders.
#career #electricallineman #laddersprogram #skilledtrades
CPM Commencement Speaker Highlights Purpose-Driven Leadership and Public Sector Impact
At the Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program graduation, Executive Director Omotayo Alli delivered an inspiring keynote focused on leadership, resilience, and public sector impact. The ceremony celebrated graduates who completed the rigorous 300-hour program, emphasizing their commitment to leadership and public service.
Executive Director Alli praised the graduates' resilience and highlighted the value of the CPM credential as a mark of distinction in public service. She shared personal leadership lessons, emphasizing mentorship, self-awareness, and prioritizing wellness to navigate the complexities of public service.
Read more about the CPM graduation and leadership insights: gapubdef.org/cpm-commencement-speaker-highlights-purpose-driven-leadership-and-public-sector-exce...
#GPDC #Leadership #PublicService #PublicDefenders #CPMProgram
Your public defender…
Cares about your life and your family
Works tirelessly for the best outcome
Believes you deserve fairness and mercy
Are you or a family member currently in jail or out on bond?
Are you concerned about your family’s well-being?
Do you face jail time for a crime you were charged with?
Do you need to put your problems behind you and get a fresh start in life?
Are you waiting for a court date so you can get out of jail?
Are you wondering how you’ll pay for an attorney?
Public defenders are highly qualified, experienced defense attorneys
THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT PUBLIC DEFENDERS?
THESE ARE THE FACTS.
myths:
facts:
We are bar licensed attorneys who represent 85% of all people charged with crimes in Georgia
We give every client the attention they need to build the best defense
We advocate for the outcome that an accused person desires
We earn a salary — pleas, convictions, and acquittals don’t change our pay
HERE’S HOW TO GET THE BEST DEFENSE ATTORNEY FOR YOUR CASE
Apply for public defender services
Meet with your
attorney
Get the best
possible outcome
WE BELIEVE THAT A CRIMINAL CHARGE DOESN’T HAVE TO RUIN YOUR LIFE
That’s what the US Supreme Court decided in 1963 when it required states to provide criminal defense attorneys for accused persons who could not afford them. As Georgia public defenders, we listen to our clients. We care about their well-being and most importantly, we work to maximize our client’s post-release opportunities.
Get a legal advocate who fights for you
Find an attorney who is dedicated to your case
Find mercy, justice, and compassion
Get back on your feet after a conviction
Keep contributing to your family and community
