Georgia State Capitol

ABOUT US

Georgia's Public
Defense Agency.

Ensuring qualified, resourced legal counsel for every Georgian — across every county, in every courtroom.

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Scales of justice representing equal defense

OUR MISSION

Every person deserves a defense.

The Georgia Public Defender Council ensures that every person accused of a crime — regardless of income, background, or circumstance — has access to unwavering legal representation.

From rural courtrooms to metropolitan circuits, our network of over 400 attorneys provides the kind of defense that the Constitution demands: thorough, competent, and zealous advocacy for those who need it most.

OUR VALUES

Foundational Principles

Effective

Competent legal strategies and thorough case preparation — every client receives the most capable defense we can deliver.

Ethical

The highest standards of integrity, honoring our professional obligations and the trust placed in us by our clients.

Timely

Swift action when it matters most. In legal defense, every moment counts.

Zealous

Passionate, tireless advocacy — fighting for our clients' rights and the best possible outcomes.

OUR JOURNEY

Key Milestones

2003

The Beginning

The Georgia Indigent Defense Act

House Bill 770 creates a unified statewide public defense system, replacing a fragmented county-by-county patchwork across 45 judicial circuits.

Legal scales of justice
2020

New Leadership

A New Era Begins

Omotayo Alli is appointed Executive Director by Governor Brian Kemp, becoming the first woman and first person of color to lead the agency.

Executive Director Omotayo Alli
2021

Holistic Support

Client Support Services & Ladders

New programs providing holistic client support through social workers, mental health resources, and the Ladders reentry program — helping formerly incarcerated individuals earn their GED or trade certification, free of cost.

Ladders program participant writing
Explore Social Services
2022

Historic Legislation

Funding Equity & Specialized Units

House Bill 1391 achieves the first-ever funding parity between public defenders and district attorneys in Georgia. New specialized and Gang/RICO units deploy traveling attorneys to serve legal deserts statewide.

Georgia State Capitol building
2022

Training & Growth

Summer Conference & Leadership Academy

Annual flagship training event and a new leadership program with UGA's Carl Vinson Institute build the next generation of public defense leaders.

GPDC Summer Conference
Explore Professional Development
2025

Accountability

Customer Support & Compliance

A dedicated unit resolving client concerns, monitoring service quality, and ensuring public defense compliance across Georgia.

Customer Support and Compliance team
Visit Customer Support