Georgia Public Defender Council

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Georgia Public Defender Council Our attorneys and staff provide zealous and effective client-centered representation

Walking into a courthouse can be intimidating, especially the first time. You may not know where to go, how long you'll ...
10/20/2026

Walking into a courthouse can be intimidating, especially the first time. You may not know where to go, how long you'll be there, or what will happen once your case is called. That's normal.

Most court appearances are not trials. Many involve scheduling, bond issues, motions or plea discussions.

Confirm your date, time and courtroom with your public defender's office before you go. Arrive about 30 minutes early and bring your court notices and your questions. Check in with your attorney when you arrive, and expect some waiting.

Before you leave, ask whether another court date was scheduled and whether you need to complete anything before then.

Read the guide:
https://gapubdef.org/go/2yutoay7

Understanding the Court Process is a four-part series on what actually happens in a Georgia criminal case:
https://gapubdef.org/go/284ylqnv

Find the public defender office for the county where the charges were filed:
https://gapubdef.org/go/1s1e6h7z

Walking into a courthouse can be intimidating, especially the first time. You may not know where to go, how long you'll ...
10/20/2026

Walking into a courthouse can be intimidating, especially the first time. You may not know where to go, how long you'll be there, or what will happen once your case is called. That's normal.

Most court appearances are not trials. Many involve scheduling, bond issues, motions or plea discussions.

Confirm your date, time and courtroom with your public defender's office before you go. Arrive about 30 minutes early and bring your court notices and your questions. Check in with your attorney when you arrive, and expect some waiting.

Before you leave, ask whether another court date was scheduled and whether you need to complete anything before then.

Read the guide:
https://www.gapubdef.org/articles/what-to-expect-when-you-go-to-court

Understanding the Court Process is a four-part series on what actually happens in a Georgia criminal case:
https://www.gapubdef.org/clients

Find the public defender office for the county where the charges were filed:
https://www.gapubdef.org/find-defender

10/20/2026

Going to court can feel stressful and unfamiliar. Knowing what to expect can help you arrive prepared.

Confirm the time and location, arrive early, bring your paperwork, check in with your defense team, and be prepared to wait. Before leaving, make sure you understand your next court date, any conditions you must follow, and what your attorney needs from you.

Read "What to Expect When You Go to Court" for practical guidance before your next appearance:
https://www.gapubdef.org/articles/what-to-expect-when-you-go-to-court.html

Find your public defender:
https://www.gapubdef.org/find-defender

You don't need to know legal terminology or have all the answers before you meet your public defender. But arriving prep...
10/13/2026

You don't need to know legal terminology or have all the answers before you meet your public defender. But arriving prepared helps your defense team understand your situation more quickly.

Gather your paperwork. Bring every document related to your case, even if you're not sure what it means: bond documents, court notices, citations, letters from the court.

Write down what happened. A simple timeline of dates, places and the people who were there, made while your memory is fresh. Share it only with your defense team.

Write down your questions, too. No question is too small.

And don't discuss your case on social media, in group chats, or with anyone outside your defense team. Even private messages or deleted posts can sometimes become evidence.

Read the guide:
https://www.gapubdef.org/articles/preparing-to-meet-with-your-public-defender

Understanding the Court Process is a four-part series on what actually happens in a Georgia criminal case:
https://www.gapubdef.org/clients

Find the public defender office for the county where the charges were filed:
https://www.gapubdef.org/find-defender

10/13/2026

A productive first conversation with your public defender begins with preparation.

Gather your court paperwork, write down what you remember, make a list of questions, and tell your defense team about urgent concerns affecting your life. Most importantly, be open and honest with your attorney - even when the information is difficult to discuss.

Our latest blog explains how to prepare and help your defense team better understand your case.

Read "Preparing to Meet with Your Public Defender":
https://www.gapubdef.org/articles/preparing-to-meet-with-your-public-defender.html

Find your public defender:
https://www.gapubdef.org/find-defender

10/12/2026

The Georgia Public Defender Council's state offices are closed today, Monday, October 12, for the state holiday. We reopen Tuesday, October 13.

If you have questions about an upcoming court date, contact your attorney or the clerk of the court handling your case.

Local public defender office hours may vary by circuit. To find the office that serves your county and how to reach it, visit gapubdef.org/find-defender

Facing criminal charges can turn your world upside down. You don't have to face it alone.Your public defender is more th...
10/06/2026

Facing criminal charges can turn your world upside down. You don't have to face it alone.

Your public defender is more than your attorney. Your defense team is your advocate, your guide through the legal system, and the person responsible for protecting your constitutional rights. The stronger that partnership, the better prepared your team will be to represent you.

Be honest from the start. Your attorney can only prepare for the facts they know, and conversations with your attorney are generally protected by attorney-client confidentiality.

Stay connected. Keep your phone number, email and mailing address current with your public defender's office, and return calls promptly.

Never miss court. If you're unsure of a date, time or location, contact your public defender's office before your scheduled appearance.

Read the guide:
https://www.gapubdef.org/articles/working-with-your-public-defense-team

Understanding the Court Process is a four-part series on what actually happens in a Georgia criminal case:
https://www.gapubdef.org/clients

Find the public defender office for the county where the charges were filed:
https://www.gapubdef.org/find-defender

10/06/2026

When the legal system enters your life, it can bring confusion, pressure, and difficult decisions.

Your public defense team is there to explain the process, protect your rights, and help you understand what comes next. GPDC's latest blog shares practical guidance for connecting and working effectively with your attorney and defense team.

Read "Working with Your Public Defense Team":
https://www.gapubdef.org/articles/working-with-your-public-defense-team.html

Find the public defender office serving your judicial circuit:
https://www.gapubdef.org/find-defender

Four openings close in the next two weeks.Atlantic Circuit — Assistant Public Defender 1 in Hinesville (closes October 1...
09/30/2026

Four openings close in the next two weeks.

Atlantic Circuit — Assistant Public Defender 1 in Hinesville (closes October 10)
Enotah Circuit — Assistant Public Defender 1 in Cleveland (closes October 11)
Macon Circuit — Assistant Public Defender 3 in Macon, two positions (closes October 12)
Atlantic Circuit — Assistant Public Defender 2 in Darien (closes October 13)

GPDC is a qualifying government employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, covers annual State Bar of Georgia dues for attorneys on staff, and pays for the 12 required hours of CLE. From January 1, 2027, starting salary for an Assistant Public Defender in Georgia will be $78,000 — at parity with assistant district attorneys.

See every open position and apply at gapubdef.org/careers.

Georgia's First Offender Act gives eligible people who have never been convicted of a felony a way to complete their sen...
09/22/2026

Georgia's First Offender Act gives eligible people who have never been convicted of a felony a way to complete their sentence and move forward without a conviction on their record. The court can still impose probation, treatment, community service or restitution, and every condition has to be completed successfully.

Changes that took effect on July 1, 2026 generally keep successful First Offender records sealed unless the status is revoked, and create a process for some people sentenced before that date to petition the court.

Eligibility depends on the law, the offense and the judge's decision. The person who can say whether it applies to your loved one's case is the attorney representing them.

Families make a difference here: a reminder about an appointment, a ride to counseling, help finding work. Completing every condition is what turns First Offender status into a clean record.

Read the guide:
https://www.gapubdef.org/articles/a-second-chance-first-offender-act

Supporting Families is a series for the people who stand beside someone facing charges:
https://www.gapubdef.org/clients

Find the public defender office serving your county:
https://www.gapubdef.org/find-defender

Address

Atlanta, GA
30334

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+14047952440

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