Public Defender
The Rome Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is comprised of 11 attorneys, 2 investigators, 1 Social Services Specialist and 3 Administrative Assistants.
VISION STATEMENT
The Rome Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office exists to ensure equal representation for those facing criminal accusations regardless of economic or social status.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Rome Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office provides a client centered approach to the zealous representation of our indigent community in criminal, delinquent, and dependency matters with respect for all.
TO APPLY
To apply for the services of the Public Defender's Office, please call (706) 234-0975 to schedule an application interview prior to your court date to complete an application.
Please be advised that the application process requires verification of household income. Where appropriate, be prepared to provide pay stubs, Social Security Statements, food stamp approval, etc. for all adult members of your household. If you are not working, you may be asked to provide Unemployment Benefits information or a letter of separation from your previous employer.
APPLICATION FEES
Georgia law requires every person who applies for legal defense services under Chapter 12 of Title 17 to pay the Public Defender's Office (the entity providing the services) a fee of $50.00 for the application for and receipt of such services. [O.C.G.A.§15-21A-6 (c)].
The application fee is $50.00 per file opened and must be paid by Money Order, made payable to "Office of the Receiver" with your name printed clearly on it. Feel free to bring in a blank $50.00 money order and our staff can assist you in filling it out.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at (706) 234-0975. The administrative staff will gladly assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. It may be necessary for them to take a message and if so, it will be given to the appropriate person for a return call.
Our office is located on the bottom floor of the Floyd County Administration Building, located at 12 East 4th Ave, Suite 10, Rome, GA 30161 (behind Jefferson’s and across from the 4th Street Parking Deck).
STATE OF GEORGIA DISCLAIMER
The Georgia Public Defender Council is an independent agency within the executive branch of the state government of Georgia.
The Constitution of the State of Georgia, the Constitution of the United States and the mandates of the Georgia Indigent Defense Act of 2003 provide legal services in a cost efficient manner; and to conduct that representation in such a way that the criminal justice system operates effectively to achieve justice. [Reference: O.C.G.A. § 17-12-1 (c), Georgia Indigent Defense Act of 2003]
