Legal Services

The district attorney’s office and the public defender's office in the Middle Judicial Circuit are essential counterparts within the judicial system, structured around leadership and staff in distinctive ways.

The D.A. is elected by the voters of the five-county circuit, reflecting public trust and accountability while state code (OCGA § 17-16-20) sets that the public defender is appointed by the Georgia Public Defender Council, ensuring qualified defense for indigent clients without political influence.

Both leaders possess the autonomy to hire and organize their staff as needed to effectively handle their caseloads.

Though they function on opposite ends of the legal spectrum, both offices are integral to the court system in Emanuel County. They collaborate with a shared network of court officials and law enforcement, and they adhere to the same judicial procedures leading up to court proceedings. However, their purposes are opposite one another. The district attorney’s office is responsible for prosecuting cases and seeking justice for crimes against the state or individuals whereas the public defender’s office defends those unable to afford private counsel, ensuring their right to a fair trial is upheld.

This dichotomy ensures that the justice system maintains balance with each office playing a crucial role in the administration of justice.

Emanuel County funds its share of population-proportionate budgets for both offices, as do the other four counties in the Middle Judicial Circuit.