The Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC) is a state agency that provides legal representation to individuals who are accused of crimes but cannot afford to hire a private attorney. We operate across 45 of Georgia's 51 judicial circuits, ensuring that every defendant has access to quality legal defense as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Public defenders handle criminal cases including felonies, misdemeanors, and juvenile matters. This includes cases ranging from minor offenses to serious charges like assault, theft, drug offenses, and other criminal matters. We also handle appeals and post-conviction proceedings.

You may qualify for a public defender if you demonstrate financial need. This typically includes individuals who receive public assistance, are unemployed, or have income below 150% of the federal poverty level. The court will assess your financial situation to determine eligibility.

Yes. All public defenders are licensed attorneys who have passed the Georgia Bar Exam. Many have extensive experience in criminal law and receive ongoing training through the GPDC. Our attorneys handle thousands of cases and develop specialized expertise in criminal defense.

There is typically a $50 application fee to apply for public defender services. This fee may be waived if you cannot afford it. After your case is resolved, you may be required to pay additional fees based on your income, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis.

You can contact your public defender through your local circuit office. Use our Find My Public Defender tool to locate your office and get contact information. You can also call our customer support line at (800) 676-4432 for assistance.

Generally, you cannot choose which specific attorney is assigned to your case. Cases are assigned based on attorney availability and caseload. However, if there is a serious conflict or communication breakdown, you may request a different attorney through your local office.

No. The Georgia Public Defender Council only handles cases within the state of Georgia. If you need legal assistance for a case in another state, you will need to contact that state's public defender system or find private counsel licensed in that jurisdiction.

Bring any documents related to your case, including court papers, police reports if you have them, and any evidence that may be helpful. Also bring identification and information about your financial situation for the eligibility determination.

If you have concerns about your representation, first try to discuss them with your attorney or the Circuit Public Defender at your local office. If the issue is not resolved, you can contact our central office at help@gapubdef.org or (800) 676-4432 to file a formal complaint.