If you have been charged with a crime and cannot afford to hire an attorney, you have a constitutional right to legal representation. Here's what you need to know about applying for a public defender in Georgia.
When you appear in court for the first time (usually at your arraignment or first appearance hearing), tell the judge that you need a public defender. The court will provide you with an application to complete.
You will need to fill out an application that asks about your income, assets, expenses, and household size. This information helps determine if you qualify for a public defender based on financial eligibility guidelines.
Be prepared to provide documentation of your financial situation, such as pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements, or proof of unemployment. The more complete your application, the faster it can be processed.
The court or the public defender's office will review your application to determine if you are financially eligible. Eligibility is generally based on federal poverty guidelines, but courts may consider individual circumstances.
If approved, a public defender will be assigned to your case. They will contact you to discuss your case, explain the charges, and begin preparing your defense.
You must be truthful on your application. Providing false information can result in denial of services or criminal charges. If your financial situation changes during your case, notify your public defender immediately.
Use our search tool to find the public defender office serving your county.
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