Application Fee

Georgia law requires every person who applies for legal defense services under Chapter 12 of Title 17 to pay the Public Defender Office (the entity providing the services) a single fee of $50.00 for the application for, receipt of, or application for and receipt of such services. [O.C.G.A. § 15-21A-6 (b)]

However, this application fee may not be imposed if the payment of the fee is waived by the court in which the client is appearing. The court shall waive this fee if it finds that the client is unable to pay the fee or that hardship will result if the fee is charged. [O.C.G.A. § 15-21A-6 (b)] 

Please note that only the trial judge can waive this fee. If the fee is not waived, then it must be paid at the time services are undertaken or prior to the completion of the case. The application fee must be either waived or paid before a case can be closed.

• Revised Procedure for Collecting Application Fee
• Notice of Application Fee
• Notice of Application Fee in Spanish
• Motion for Waiver of Application Fee
• Sample Collection Letter