WHAT WE DO

We fight for the best possible outcome to your case. We fight for you and your family.

Find Your Public Defender

Public defenders advocate for low-income people accused of crimes

What public defenders want

  • Present all information that helps you
  • Use your story to improve your defense
  • A fresh start and second chance for you
Find Your Public Defender

We’ve seen the damage the criminal justice system can do. We don’t want that for you.

The criminal justice system was designed to convict people and put them in jail. If you’ve been accused of a crime, the system can ignore the story of your life, the story of your family, and the struggles you face every day.

Without an advocate, you face a system that can’t see beyond the crime you were accused of.

YOU DESERVE BETTER.
YOU DESERVE A STRONG DEFENSE.

When you work with a public defender, you’re collaborating with an experienced attorney who cares. We know there’s more to your life than the crime the police say you committed.

Your public defender sees you as a person with hopes, aspirations, and potential.

The way we see it, you deserve to be a valued member of your community — no matter what you may have done in the past.

Find Your Public Defender

Have you heard that public defenders…

myths:

Aren’t as qualified as private attorneys? – FALSE
Work with the DA and police? – FALSE
Are way too busy for your case? – FALSE
Make more money when people go to jail? – FALSE
Don’t provide as good a defense as private attorneys? – FALSE

facts:

Every Georgia public defender is a bar licensed attorney. We represent 85 percent of criminal defendants in the state.

We work to keep you out of jail or minimize the time you serve. We advocate for your desired outcome.

We give every case the time and attention needed for the most effective possible defense.

We have no financial incentive to convict. Pleas, acquittals, and convictions do not impact our compensation.

Public defenders specialize in criminal law, handle the most cases, and know the system better than anybody.

Find Your Public Defender

How to work with a public defender in Georgia

Find your public defender

Use our search tool to locate the correct local PD office. From there, you can apply for services.

Meet with your attorney

Talk to your attorney and share all the information that’s needed for your case.

Get the best possible outcome

Avoid jail or minimize the time you serve with a legal advocate who defends you in court.
Find Your Public Defender

You have a constitutional right to a criminal defense attorney.

In 1963, the US Supreme Court ruled in Gideon v. Wainwright that individuals charged with crimes have a constitutional right to legal counsel in federal and state courts.

This means that no matter the crime you’re accused of, you have access to an attorney who will defend you. You never have to face the system alone.

The Georgia Public Defender Council is an independent agency within the State of Georgia’s executive branch. We provide zealous, effective, and ethical legal representation to qualifying low-income residents who have been accused of a crime.

As an organization, we strive every day to fulfill the US Constitution’s obligation to defend you against any and all criminal charges brought by the state.

Find Your Public Defender

Find a legal advocate
who fights for you

Get the best representation available in Georgia

Find an advocate who treats you with compassion

Avoid jail or minimize the time you serve

Work with an attorney who cares about your case

Put your life back on track after a conviction

Continue being a valuable member of your community

Find Your Public Defender

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