Q1: What is a public defender?
A1: A public defender is an attorney provided by the court to represent persons charged with criminal offenses, who cannot afford to hire their own attorney.
Q2: Are public defenders “real” lawyers?
A2: Yes. Public defenders are licensed attorneys who have completed law school and are members of the Georgia bar.
Q3: What type of cases does the public defender’s office handle?
A3: The public defender’s office handles criminal charges only. If the police have arrested you and given you a ticket that charges you with violating a law, then the public defender’s office can help you.
Q4: How do i get a public defender?
A4: When you go to court, you can be assigned a public defender if you ask for one and if you meet the qualifications.
Q5: If I am in jail, how do i contact my public defender?
A5: If you are in jail, you may call the public defender’s office collect.
Q6: If I am out of jail, what should i do?
A6: After you appear in court and are assigned to a public defender, you must go immediately to the public defender’s office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:45 a.m., or between 2:00 p.m. And 3:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday, for your initial interview. The public defender’s office needs at least five (5) business days to handle your case.
Q7: What happens after i have been assigned a public defender?
A7: Once a public defender is assigned to represent you, your attorney will prepare your case. If you are in jail, a representative from the public defender’s office will visit or call you. Your case will be investigated and your attorney will meet with you before your court appearance to explain your case to you and answer all of your questions.
Q8: When should i call my public defender?
A8: You should call your public defender when you have any additional information or to give the name(s) and address(es) of any witnesses that may be able to help your case.
Q9: Should i discuss my case with anyone other than my public defender or a representative from the office?
A9: No. It is very important that you do not talk to anyone about your case without your public defender being present or without him/her giving you permission to do so.
Q10: If my case is bound over to a higher court, will i keep the same public defender?
A10: No. However, you may request a new public defender from that court system.