An Official, Old-fashioned, Hometown, Ribbon Cutting
Ceremony . . . .

... is being planned for 10:00am July 1, 2004 to formally introduce the first of forty-nine circuit defender offices to the public. You may contact Robin Fisher for specific information.

Currently, GPDSC has the responsibility of fully staffing the Cordele Judicial Circuit Office with a Chief Public Defender and any additional staff. At present the office staff includes:

Chief Public Defender, H Burton Baker , Valdosta, GA
Investigator, Andy Anderson , Rochelle, GA
Office Administrator, Mary Jo Cox , Cordele, GA
Assistant Public Defender, Cheryl Milton , Warner Robbins, GA and
Assistant Public Defender, Diane Perry , Tifton, GA

The Cordele office opened in advance of other circuit defender offices to provide GPDSC with a working example of what is to come with the creation of Georgia's first statewide public defender system. The system is scheduled to be up and running by January, 2005.

GPDSC is delighted to work in conjunction with the counties in the Cordele Circuit as we begin to implement provisions of house bill 770. With the establishment of this office, GPDSC will be able to evaluate what is needed to sufficiently implement the other circuit defender offices throughout the State.

The Ben Hill County Commission offered space in a recently renovated building which houses the meeting room for the county commissioners. The office is located at 117 South Sheridan Street directly across the street from the Ben Hill County Commissioner building.

###