The Office of the Public Defender represents persons charged with violating city ordinances, traffic offenses, as well as some misdemeanors occurring within the City of Atlanta.

The office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

Defendants charged with crimes are almost always best served by obtaining a lawyer.  In fact, most criminal defendants are represented by a lawyer, especially when jail is a possibility.  It is very difficult for a person to competently handle his or her own criminal case. Criminal and traffic cases can result in collateral civil consequences.

You can request a Public Defender by completing an application for appointment of counsel and submitting it to the Court at the earliest opportunity.

Qualification is primarily based on your financial circumstances.   A judge will review your completed application to determine whether you are indigent.  Upon approval, the court will appoint the Office of the Public Defender to represent you in your legal case.

Please contact the Office of the Public Defender to schedule an appointment for an initial interview. Thereafter, your case will be assigned to a holistic defense team for legal investigation and assessment of social service needs.

Clients that are in-custody at the Atlanta Pretrial Detention Center will have an opportunity to meet with their holistic defense team prior to each court appearance.

Upon proper notice, your appointed attorney can make a request to the court for a continuance on your behalf.  The judge assigned to your case will decide whether your request will be granted.

Your appointed attorney can ask the court to provide you with the assistance of an interpreter.

Yes.  Please contact the Office of the Public Defender IMMEDIATELY to discuss your options.

If you are convicted of any charge(s) in the City of Atlanta Municipal Court, you may be entitled to an appellate review of your case in a court of higher jurisdiction.  As the appellate process requires adherence to strict deadlines, please consult with your assigned attorney immediately after conviction to discuss your legal options.

The Office of the Public Defender utilizes a holistic approach to legal representation by addressing the collateral needs of their clients.  Clients are individually assessed by a social service team and referred to community resources for mental health care, substance abuse treatment, education and employment programming, emergency shelter, and permanent supportive housing.

You may contact the Office of the Public Defender at (404) 658-6838.