About The Office

The Chatham County Misdemeanor Defense Office and the Indigent Defense Unit handle the appointment of counsel for indigent citizens accused of crimes in Chatham County. The Misdemeanor Defense Office is comprised of attorneys and support staff who work together to represent individuals charged with misdemeanor crimes. The Indigent Defense Unit appoints attorneys in private practice to represent individuals charged with misdemeanor or felony crimes, who cannot be represented by either the Misdemeanor Defense or Public Defender Offices.

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Our Mission

To provide criminal defense that exceeds the constitutional mandate of effective assistance of counsel to each citizen whose cause has been entrusted to the Misdemeanor Defense Office through an organization that combines innovation, efficacy, efficiency, aggressive advocacy and compassion with zealous and ethical representation delivered in a cost efficient manner.

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Our Vision

A preeminent legal organization of talented and committed lawyers providing indigent defense representation that exceeds the constitutional mandate of effective assistance of counsel through a structured office supported by equally competent and talented administrators, and investigators working as a team and collaboratively with the private criminal defense bar to promote innovative, efficient and effective indigent defense delivery to and for the local community.