How to Apply for a Public Defender in Gordon County: Fee, Waiver, and What the Application Asks
Applying for a public defender in Gordon County means paying a $50 application fee, though the court can waive it. You'll also need to provide detailed financial information. Here's what to expect and why accuracy matters.
Georgia law requires a $50 application fee when you apply for public defender services. This isn't optional or charged only in certain cases - it's standard. The local application form for the Circuit Public Defender's Office includes this notice so you know what to expect upfront.
The court can waive the $50 fee. If you're unable to pay - or if paying would cause hardship - the court must waive it. If the fee is a problem for you or your family, raise that during the process so the court can consider a waiver.
3
- ✓ Household income information
- ✓ Employment information
- ✓ Regular expenses
- ✓ Liabilities (debts/financial obligations)
- ✓ Authorization for people or agencies to release requested information to the Circuit Public Defender’s Office (CPD) so it can consider your application
The Circuit Public Defender's Office will look closely at your finances. The application includes a verification and release authorizing the CPD to request information from people or agencies to evaluate your household income, employment, expenses, liabilities, and other financial details. One more thing: the application fee is just one part of the picture. According to the notice on the form, attorney fees for court-appointed representation will be imposed by the court at sentencing.
When you sign the application, you're swearing under penalty of perjury that everything you wrote is true and based on your personal knowledge. The form warns that false statements can lead to felony charges under § 16-10-20, with penalties including fines and prison time. If you're unsure about a number or don't have a document handy, slow down and verify. Guessing isn't worth the risk.
Warning: The application states that false statements may be prosecuted as a felony under § 16-10-20, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and one to five years imprisonment.
- Gather your income details - Pull together what you can about household income and employment so you can report it accurately.
- Write down your monthly obligations - Be ready to list regular expenses and liabilities (debts and other financial obligations).
- Be prepared to sign a verification/release - The application includes an authorization allowing the CPD to request information from people or agencies to help consider your application.
- Report changes quickly - If your financial situation changes after you apply, you’re expected to report that change to the CPD or to the court.
- ✓ Pay stubs or other proof of household income (if you have them)
- ✓ Anything that supports your employment situation (if applicable)
- ✓ A written list of regular expenses you pay
- ✓ A written list of liabilities (debts/financial obligations)
- ✓ A note to yourself to ask the court about a fee waiver if you’re unable to pay the $50 fee or if paying it would cause hardship
Reminder: Your signature confirms the information is true under penalty of perjury, and the form warns that false statements can be charged as a felony with serious penalties.
Find an Inmate at Gordon County Jail
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
