Georgia Public Defender Council

05/12/2026

Last week in Stone Mountain, Youth Advocacy Division defenders, social workers, and investigators gathered for “Mayday! Answering the Call for Youth Justice”, two days of training on representing young people in crisis.

Sessions covered competency, gang allegations, immunity hearings, transfers out of adult court, and crossover cases involving youth tied to multiple systems.

Officials detailed the statewide rollout of the Ladders Program, a 12-month initiative for justice-impacted youth ages 16-24 offering GED completion, vocational training, mentorship, and access to mental health and transportation support.

Read the full article: https://gapubdef.org/youth-defense-training-focuses-on-redirecting-justice-impacted-youth/

Public defenders, social workers, and investigators gathered May 4–5 in Stone Mountain for training focused on representing youth in crisis. GPDC officials also detailed the statewide rollout of the Ladders Program, a 12-month initiative supporting justice-impacted young people ages 16 to 24. Yout...

04/24/2026

The 2nd Annual GPDF Charity Golf Tournament was a tremendous success ⛳️

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us for a meaningful day of connection, collaboration, and support for public defense. Thank you to our participants, sponsors, and volunteers. This event would not have been possible without you.

Your continued support strengthens our mission and expands the impact of the Ladders Program, helping promote successful reentry and building stronger communities.

To learn more about the Georgia Public Defense Foundation and how you can support our work, visit gapdf.org.

We appreciate all who made this day so memorable and impactful, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.

03/30/2026

🌟 Women's History Month Spotlight 🌟

Meet Vera D. Moore, Customer Service Coordinator at GPDC's Central Office.

Vera is the first point of contact for clients and families seeking help—and she approaches every interaction with warmth and professionalism. She created and authored the Front Desk Manual! As a New York native with international experience in financial training, she brings a global perspective to her service.

💬 "Fear not tomorrow—for God is already there."

03/30/2026

🌟 Women's History Month Spotlight 🌟

Meet Helen Tate, Director of Business Operations at GPDC's Central Office.

With 33+ years of dedicated service to the State of Georgia, Helen oversees statewide business operations with meticulous care—managing procurement, risk management, and asset management. As Helen prepares for her well-deserved retirement, we celebrate her extraordinary legacy of service. Join us in honoring her at her retirement celebration!

Fun fact: Helen completed the Peachtree Road Race annually for 15 years!

💬 "Enjoy life to the fullest."

03/27/2026

🌟 Women's History Month Spotlight 🌟

Meet Gayle Murray, Director of the Youth Advocacy Division at GPDC's Central Office.

With nearly three decades representing children in the juvenile justice system—including youth prosecuted as adults—Gayle's passion is mentoring attorneys in juvenile court. She's led the Juvenile Public Defender Office for more than a decade, ensuring the next generation fights fiercely for young clients. She also brings joy through classical piano, which she studied for 12 years!

💬 "Give me a fish and I will eat for a day. Teach me to fish and I will eat for a lifetime."

03/27/2026

🌟 Women's History Month Spotlight 🌟

Meet Sabrina Rhinehart, Director of the Office of Mental Health Advocate at GPDC's Central Office.

Sabrina leads a specialized team representing clients in Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) and incompetency cases. She began her career as a public defender and finds deep meaning when clients move from crisis toward stability—giving them hope and a path forward.

💬 "To thine own self be true."

03/27/2026

🌟 Women's History Month Spotlight 🌟

Meet Letitia Delan, Circuit Public Defender for the DeKalb Judicial Circuit.

Letitia is a legal and administrative leader deeply committed to standing alongside marginalized people and ensuring their voices are heard in the justice system. A former state champion in BMX at age 12 (in the boys' division!), her competitive spirit and resilience fuel her dedication to fighting for justice.

💬 "Do the right thing even when no one is watching—and especially when it's hard."

03/25/2026

🌟 Women's History Month Spotlight 🌟

Meet Caryn Lobdell, Circuit Public Defender for the Toombs Judicial Circuit.

Caryn's career is rooted in steady service and long-term commitment to public defense. Before law school, she worked as a staff archaeologist—bringing that same careful, methodical approach to uncovering truth and justice for her clients.

💬 "She hath done what she could."

03/24/2026

🌟 Women's History Month Spotlight 🌟

Meet Terry Raiford, Chief Financial Officer at GPDC's Central Office.

Terry oversees all budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance matters, ensuring sound financial stewardship that supports our mission of defending constitutional rights. Her meticulous work behind the scenes makes quality representation possible.

💬 "Lead with purpose, work with integrity, and let your impact speak louder than words."

03/23/2026

SAVE THE DATE!

The GPDC Youth Advocacy Division presents "MAYDAY!: Answering the Call for Youth Justice" — a two-day training for youth defenders ready to sharpen their skills and rise to the moment.

📅 May 4–5, 2026
📍 Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort, Stone Mountain, GA

Topics include SB440 cases, Gang Act Motions, Dually Involved Youth, Competency, and more.

03/19/2026

Yesterday, Georgia marked National Public Defender Day, officially proclaimed by Governor Brian P. Kemp. We were honored to host an event at the Capitol to celebrate the vital work of public defenders across our state.

We also recognized a client who successfully completed our client support services program and is now making meaningful progress — supporting himself and giving back to his community.

Proud of our team and the impact they make every day.