Georgia § 17-12-1 - Short title; Georgia Public Defender Council; responsibilities.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-12-1 — Short title; Georgia Public Defender Council; responsibilities., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-12-1. Short title; Georgia Public Defender Council; responsibilities.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Georgia Indigent Defense Act of 2003." The Georgia Public Defender Council shall be an independent agency within the executive branch of state government. The council shall be responsible for assuring that adequate and effective legal representation is provided, independently of political considerations or private interests, to indigent persons who are entitled to representation under this chapter. (Code 1981, § 17-12-1 , enacted by Ga. L. 2003, p. 191, § 1; Ga. L. 2007, p. 65, § 1/SB 139; Ga. L. 2015, p. 519, § 7-1/HB 328.) Cross references. - Appointment of counsel for indigent defendants, Uniform Superior Court Rules, Rule 29. U.S. Code. - Right to and assignment of counsel, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 44. Law reviews. - For survey article on criminal law, see 59 Mercer L. Rev. 89 (2007). For survey article on legal ethics, see 59 Mercer L. Rev. 253 (2007).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 17-12-1
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-12-1 cover?
Section 17-12-1 ("Short title; Georgia Public Defender Council; responsibilities.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 17-12-1?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-12-1" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 17-12-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.