You have the right to be represented by a lawyer in connection with your charges in Municipal Court.  You may hire an attorney of your own choosing.  Also, the Western Judicial Circuit Public Defender represents many persons who cannot afford an attorney.  

If you do not qualify for representation by the Public Defender, you should make arrangements to hire a lawyer.  If you have not had the opportunity to hire a lawyer before your court date, you must come to court on your court date to request additional time to hire a lawyer.

Public Defender

The Western Circuit Public Defender Office provides representation only for certain offenses in Municipal Court (including DUI, possession of marijuana, theft by shoplifting, no valid or suspended license, fleeing and attempting to elude, racing, leaving the scene of an accident, underage possession of alcohol, sale of alcohol to a person under the age of 21, unlawful use of license, and fake ID).   

The Public Defender represents only those persons whose income falls below a certain level set by federal guidelines.  If you believe you would qualify for representation by the Public Defender, you must apply at their office and be interviewed on your charges.  A $50 Public Defender application fee may be assessed pursuant to state and local law.  

If you want to seek the assistance of the Public Defender, please contact their office prior to your court date.  The office is located at 440 College Avenue, Suite 220, Athens, Georgia 30601.  An appointment is not required for intake between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  

If you want to be represented by a Public Defender but you are charged with an offense that they do not handle, you may have an attorney appointed to represent you if you financially qualify.  You would need to go to the Public Defender's office prior to your court date and fill out a financial application.  The Public Defender's office would let you know if you qualify for a court-appointed attorney and provide you with a form to bring to the Municipal Court Clerk’s Office.   As soon as you receive that form, go to the Municipal Court Clerk’s Office and leave the form for an attorney to be appointed to represent you.

If you have any other questions regarding the Public Defender Office, you may reach them at 706-369-6440 or via their website at www.athenspublicdefender.com