Public Defenders in Georgia
Public defenders are lawyers who represent people accused of crimes who can’t afford thier own attorney. The Supreme Court decided in 1963 that states have to give free lawyers to poor people charged with crimes. As Georgia public defenders, we listen to our clients and care about them. We work to help them after thier cases too.
Public defenders in Georgia are organized by the Georgia Public Defender Council. They make sure public defenders do good work for clients. You can use thier website to find the right public defender office for your case based on where you live.
Public defenders work in teams with investigators, assistants, secretaries, specialists, IT people, paralegals, and social workers. They have different divisions:
- Non-Complex Division – represents clients at first court hearings and gets cases done in 9 weeks
- Complex Trial Division – handles serious felony trials
- Probation Revocation Division – lawyers at jail to help clients on probation violations
- Appeals Division – handles appeals and motions for new trials
- Juvenile Court Division – represents kids accused of crimes
- Accountability Courts – help clients in special courts like drug court and mental health court
- Misdemeanor Division – handles misdemeanor charges and works to get clients into treatment programs
- Litigation Support Division – provides resources and services the lawyers need for cases
Georgia has laws about how people apply for a public defender. Defendants have to show they can’t afford a lawyer themselves. The Georgia Legal Aid website explains the process.
The biggest public defender office is in Fulton County. The Fulton County public defender helps people in Atlanta accused of crimes. They have over 200 people working in 3 locations. The Circuit Public Defender is appointed by the state to run the office. He makes sure everyone gets good legal help.
Public defenders meet with clients right away when they get arrested. They go to the jail for initial court hearings to get bond set. Having a lawyer there early is important. The lawyer can start investigating the case and figuring out defenses. They can work to get charges dropped or reduced.
Public defenders handle all parts of a case. They represent clients in motions hearings, at trial, in appeals, and if they violate probation. Some specialize in certain areas but others see a case thru the whole process. This helps them build relationships and trust with clients.
The Atlanta and Fulton public defender offices write on their websites about providing “zealous, competent” defense. This means they work hard to protect clients’ rights. They investigate cases and file motions to get evidence thrown out if it was illegal. They also try to get sentences reduced and get clients help.
Public defenders work with prosecutors and judges daily. They may negotiate plea deals or take cases to trial. Its important for them to know the courts and laws well. This helps them advise clients and get the best outcomes.
Clients often have mental health or addiction issues. So public defenders connect them with services and treatment programs. These “alternative sentencing” options can avoid jail time. Public defenders guide clients through special accountability courts and probation programs.
Overall, public defenders give poor people a chance at justice. Without them, most defendants couldn’t afford lawyers and would struggle in court. Public defenders level the playing field and make the system fairer.
But public defender offices are often underfunded and overworked. Heavy caseloads make it hard to give each client attention. There are few resources for investigations and expert witnesses. Public defenders are paid less than other government attorneys.
The American Bar Association says public defenders should only handle 150 felony or 400 misdemeanor cases a year. But they often double those loads. This “assembly line justice” prevents thorough defense. Clients suffer from the lack of time and resources.
Public defender funding depends on state and local budgets. More money is needed for staff, training, and services to help clients. Non-profits and bar associations advocate for reforms. Standards enforce reasonable caseload limits so lawyers can properly defend each case.
Overall public defenders are vital for fair justice. But we must ensure they have the staffing, pay, and resources to fully protect people’s rights. Quality defense shouldn’t depend on how much money someone has. Justice for all means we need properly-funded public defense.
References
[1] Georgia Public Defender Council
[2] Georgia Legal Aid – Georgia Public Defender Council