The Augusta Judicial Circuit Office of the Public Defender

09/03/2026

07/22/2026

Congratulations to our Office Manager, Angela MacIntyre, on receiving the inaugural Pillar Award at the GPDC Reception last night! We are so proud and thankful for your hard work!

The GPDC Pillar Award was presented to Angela MacIntyre in recognition of her dedication and service to indigent defense in Georgia. The Pillar Award honors an individual whose steady commitment, leadership, and integrity have made them a foundation of their office and the broader public defender community. Angela's work reflects the values at the heart of GPDC's mission, and we are proud to recognize her contributions.

06/17/2026

Four of our eight summer interns spent the afternoon at jail arraignments. Jail arraignments are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Richmond County State Court. Today, two of our law student interns, Sarah Van Weelden and Zachary Whitcomb, represented clients in court, securing bonds for clients and sentencing cases. George Sicner and Paetyn Thompson interviewed clients and provided support to the busy student practice lawyers and Assistant Public Defenders.

04/27/2026

🚨‼️🚨 Empower Health Clinic has exciting news!! 🚨‼️🚨
They now have a permanent clinic space at Centro Médico and can’t wait to further connect with and serve our wonderful Augusta community. The Grand Opening will be on SATURDAY MAY 16th from 10am-1pm!

Book an appointment with them: Call 706-750-9093 or email [email protected]

04/04/2026

Scholarship applications for the Venus Morris Griffin Foundation are now open.

For the sixth year in a row, we will award a $10,000 scholarship to a graduating senior to support their freshman year of college, junior college, or trade school.

This scholarship is for students who:

• are a current high school senior in the United States (GED recipients are welcome)
• have a biological parent who is currently incarcerated
• have been accepted as an incoming freshman to a college, junior college, or trade school

To apply, students must submit a letter sharing:
• what their parent is incarcerated for and how long they have been there
• the facility where their parent is currently incarcerated
• how this has affected them personally
• how they plan to use their adversity to make a difference in the lives of others

Please note: This is not an academic-based scholarship.
We do not consider GPA, grades, or test scores, and we ask that you do not include them in your submission. We understand that students walking through adversity often do not have the same support, resources, or stability. This scholarship is meant to honor resilience, not perfection.

This scholarship is valid for the recipient’s freshman year only. Any unused funds will be awarded to a runner-up.

If you know my story, then you understand why this matters so deeply to me.

My children read every submission and choose the recipient. I do not take part in the decision. They have lived this reality firsthand, and they recognize the strength it takes to rise above it.

Applications are open now through May 7th.

For full details and how to apply, visit the website: https://www.venusmorrisgriffin.com/foundation?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

Your story matters—and we are honored to read it.

04/03/2026

Jaliyah (Client Advocate Team Lead), Jennifer (felony attorney) and intern Isaiah had a great time at Hephzibah Middle School’s career fair!