‘In The Trenches’ is a new video series, specifically designed to offer an in-depth exploration of the inner workings of the GPDC, encompassing its structure, initiatives, departments, and the individuals involved.
Released: May 21st, 2024
Discover the inspiring journey of Judge Ingrid Driskell, whose career began with a profound disgust for wrongful convictions. This narrative follows the transformation from a junior high school student shocked by injustice, through a tenure as an Assistant District Attorney, into a pivotal role as a Circuit Public Defender, and finally, as a judge of the probate court.
A comprehensive overview of GPDC’s accomplishments since 2020.
The Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC) has experienced significant budget increases post-pandemic, with its financial allocation reaching a record high of $108.3 million in the fiscal year 2024. This growth in budget is indicative of the organization’s expanding scope and capabilities.
Notably, state assistant public defenders have benefited from salary increments, receiving a 3% raise in 2021 and a further 6% in mid-2022. These adjustments have contributed to the elevation of the average salary for full-time attorneys to its highest level ever, a change largely attributed to the leadership and efforts of Director Alli.
In addition to these salary increases, all GPDC employees have received Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) totaling $7,000. This sum was distributed over a period spanning from April 2022 to July 2023, reflecting a commitment to maintaining staff well-being and financial stability.
Furthermore, in Fulton County, Circuit Public Defender Maurice Kenner has implemented significant salary raises for assistant public defenders. These raises, which vary between $43,000 and $53,000, were instituted following a comprehensive salary study initiated by Director Alli. This initiative underscores a broader trend within the GPDC of recognizing and rewarding the crucial work of public defenders, particularly in the context of the challenging post-pandemic environment.
Director Alli’s establishment of the Georgia Public Defense Foundation (GPDF) marks a significant step towards enhancing the public defense system in Georgia, with a focus on two primary objectives:
Additional Initiatives and Campaigns:
In The Trenches” Video Series: In July 2023, Director Alli introduced this series to shed light on the commitment and challenges faced by the Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC). This series serves as a platform to increase awareness and understanding of the GPDC’s work.
2023 Social Media Launch: Recognizing the power of digital platforms, the GPDF launched social media accounts on sites like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube and X (Twitter). These accounts focus on:
These efforts collectively enhance the effectiveness and reach of the GPDC, providing crucial support to both public defenders and their clients, and fostering a more responsive and competent public defense system in Georgia.
The Georgia Public Defender Council has made significant changes to improve its operations and compensation structures:
These changes by the GPDC represent a significant effort to improve the efficiency and fairness of the public defense system, ensuring better compensation for attorneys and more effective legal representation for clients.
HB 1391, endorsed by the Office of the Governor and the General Assembly, was unanimously passed in 2022. This legislation marks the first instance of funding equity between Circuit Public Defenders and District Attorneys in Georgia.
The Georgia Public Defender Council has made several strategic location and expansion decisions:
The Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC) has introduced several new units and programs to enhance its legal services:
The Georgia Public Defender Council has enhanced its training and professional development initiatives in the following ways:
News from around the agency.
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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 ... See MoreSee Less
Exciting Highlights from the Inaugural GPDC Youth Defense Conference!
The Georgia Public Defender Council recently hosted its Youth Defense Conference in Peachtree City, bringing together attorneys, judges, and juvenile justice experts for two days of invaluable learning.
Key sessions included representing youth charged as Children in Need of Services (CHINS), navigating special education law for students with disabilities, and litigating racial trauma in juvenile cases. The conference also featured a powerful judicial panel, including Judge Wenona Belton and Judge Gayl Branum Carr, who shared insights on adolescent development and evidence-based practices in youth justice.
Read more about the conference and how GPDC continues to lead the way in juvenile defense: gapubdef.org/georgia-public-defender-council-youth-defense-conference-hears-from-national-and-sta...
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GPDC Circuit Public Defender Training in Brunswick Highlights Reforms, Leadership Growth, and Innovation in Public Defense
The Georgia Public Defender Council recently hosted a spring training in Brunswick, GA, focusing on leadership development, technology updates, and capital case reforms. Key announcements included a restructured approach to death penalty cases, expanded training opportunities for future CPDs, and innovative changes in GPDC's case management system.
Read the full article on the latest updates and initiatives at GPDC: gapubdef.org/gpdc-circuit-public-defender-training-in-brunswick-highlights-reforms-leadership-gro...
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Looking for legal representation in Bleckley, Dodge, Montgomery, Pulaski, Telfair, and Wheeler Counties?
Circuit Public Defender Ashley McLaughlin and her team proudly serve the Oconee Judicial Circuit.
Need assistance? Call 478-448-1801 or visit our Find Your Public Defender tool at gapubdef.org/find-your-public-defender.
Know your rights and get the legal support you deserve.
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Did you know? Georgia is home to the oldest state-chartered university in the U.S. The first university, chartered in 1785, helped shape the legal foundations of public education in America. By being a pioneer in public higher education, Georgia laid the groundwork for university systems across the nation.
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Protect and Serve Your Future with a Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Certificate—where commitment meets opportunity!
The Ladders Program offers a Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice certificate to equip you with the skills needed to thrive in this high-demand field—at no cost to you.
This program provides the training to excel in areas such as law enforcement, corrections, and the court system. With growing opportunities in the criminal justice field, now is the time to take the next step toward a rewarding career.
Apply today at gpdf.org/ladders.
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Under both Georgia law and U.S. constitutional law, you have the right to remain silent if you're being questioned by the police. You are not obligated to answer any questions that may incriminate you. Always remember, it's okay to exercise this right to protect yourself.
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Power Up Your Career with a Free Industrial Maintenance Certificate.
This hands-on certification program equips you with the essential skills to thrive in the growing field of industrial maintenance. Learn how to fix, tune, and maintain equipment—skills that are in high demand across industries. With this free program, you’ll gain the knowledge to succeed in a rewarding career while avoiding the financial burden of tuition.
Upon completion, you can step into a career with excellent job opportunities and the potential for a solid salary.
Apply today at gpdf.org/ladders and start shaping your future.
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Looking for legal representation in Clay, Early, Miller, Quitman, Randolph, Seminole, and Terrell Counties?
Circuit Public Defender Marla P. Chambless and her team proudly serve the Pataula Judicial Circuit.
Need assistance? Call 229-758-6236 or visit our Find Your Public Defender tool at gapubdef.org/find-your-public-defender.
Know your rights and get the legal support you deserve.
#findmypublicdefender #PublicDefense #pataulajudicialcircuit #georgiajustice ... See MoreSee Less