Office of the Circuit Public Defender

This Office Does:

• Provide legal representation to low income citizens charged with felony offenses

This Office Does Not:

• Appoint Panel Attorneys to represent indigent citizens charged with misdemeanor crimes.  The Chatham County Indigent Defense Unit provides this service. They can be reached by calling (912) 652-7443
• Handle civil, divorce or child custody cases. For information regarding civil matters, please contact Georgia Legal Services at (912) 651-2180

• Indigent: A person without the funds or ability to hire a private attorney in accordance with federal poverty guidelines

• Felony: A crime carrying a punishment with a minimum of one year punishment.

• Misdemeanor: A crime where the maximum punishment is 12 months in jail and/or a $1000 fine.

• Panel Attorney: An attorney duly authorized to practice law in Georgia who does not work for the Office of the Circuit Public Defender.  These attorneys work in private practice and accept cases as appointment by this office.