Georgia § 17-12-22 - Procedure for appointment of attorneys for indigent defendants in event of public defender's conflict of interest; identification of conflict.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-12-22 — Procedure for appointment of attorneys for indigent defendants in event of public defender's conflict of interest; identification of conflict., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-12-22. Procedure for appointment of attorneys for indigent defendants in event of public defender's conflict of interest; identification of conflict.
The director, with input from the council, shall establish a procedure for providing legal representation in cases where the circuit public defender office has a conflict of interest. Such procedure may include, but shall not be limited to, the appointment of individual counsel on a case-by-case basis or the utilization of another circuit public defender office. Whatever procedure the director establishes for each circuit's conflict of interest cases shall be adhered to by the circuit public defender office. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the director consider the most efficient and effective system to provide legal representation where the circuit public defender office has a conflict of interest. The circuit public defender shall establish a method for identifying conflicts of interest at the earliest possible opportunity. If there is a conflict of interest such that the circuit public defender office cannot represent a defendant and an attorney who is not employed by the circuit public defender office is appointed, such attorney shall have a contractual relationship with the council to represent indigent persons in conflict of interest cases, and such relationship may include, but shall not be limited to, a flat fee structure. Attorneys who seek appointment in conflict cases shall have such experience or training in the defense of criminal cases as is necessary in light of the complexity of the case to which he or she is appointed and shall meet such qualifications and standards for the representation of indigent defendants as are established by the council. (Code 1981, § 17-12-22 , enacted by Ga. L. 2003, p. 191, § 1; Ga. L. 2008, p. 846, § 29/HB 1245; Ga. L. 2010, p. 226, § 2A/HB 889; Ga. L. 2011, p. 91, § 11/HB 238.) Law reviews. - For survey article on criminal law, see 59 Mercer L. Rev. 89 (2007).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 17-12-22
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-12-22 cover?
Section 17-12-22 ("Procedure for appointment of attorneys for indigent defendants in event of public defender's conflict of interest; identification of conflict.") 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 § 17-12-22?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-12-22" (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 § 17-12-22 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.