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1. How do I find out if I qualify for a Public Defender to represent me?

Apply in person at one of the 3 office locations. For Appling County and Jeff Davis County apply in Wayne County. No applications will be taken over the telephone. Bring proof of income and $50 application fee payable to GPDSC in a money order. You may download an application for services and complete it prior to coming to the office

2. What type of cases does the Public Defender provide representation for?

Criminal cases being prosecuted in the Superior Courts of all the counties in the circuit.
Juvenile delinquency cases being prosecuted in the Juvenile Courts of all counties in the circuit.
Probation revocation proceedings in the superior Courts of all the counties in the circuit.
Appeals from Superior Court and Juvenile Court

3. If I have a family member incarcerated do I need to apply for a Public Defender for them?

No, you do not. A member of the Public Defender staff on a regular basis contacts every inmate that is jailed on a Superior Court criminal matter in the Brunswick Judicial Circuit to see if they need Public Defender services and qualify for same.

4. If I am incarcerated for failure to pay child support, or if I need an attorney for a civil case, divorce case or child custody case, can I get a Public Defender?

No, the Public Defender handles only criminal matters.

5. If I already am being represented by a Public Defender and get rearrested, do I automatically get a Public Defender assigned to represent me on my new charges.

No. You must apply for a Public Defender for each individual case and pay an application fee for each case.

6. When I bond out of jail will my lawyer contact me?

No. You must contact your lawyer. It is important to make sure your attorney, your bondsman and the Clerk of Court always has your current address on file. The Clerk’s office mails out court notices. It is your responsibility to notify the Clerk of Court of any change of address. Do not rely on filing a change of address with the Post Office to receive your court notices. If you fail to appear because you did not provide the Clerk with your current address information a bench warrant could be issued for your arrest.

7. When will I be arraigned?

After your case has been indicted or accused by the district Attorney

8. What happens at arraignment?

You will be shown the charges levied upon you by the State, and we will enter a plea of not guilty. This will get your case set down on the next available trial calendar. You will receive notice of dates for calendar call, motions hearings, and jury selection.

9. When will motions be filed in my case?

Within 10 days of your arraignment.

10. When will my attorney receive the evidence that the State has compiled in my case?

By law, the State does not have to furnish discovery to your attorney until ten days prior to the trial of your case. In many instances, your attorney will not have a copy of the State’s discovery until that time.