Georgia § 38-2-1038 - Trial counsel.

Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 38-2-1038 — Trial counsel., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 38-2-1038. Trial counsel.

The trial counsel of a general or special court-martial shall be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia and shall prosecute in the name of this state and shall, under the direction of the court, prepare the record of the proceedings. The accused shall have the right to be represented in defense before a general or special court-martial or at an investigation under Code Section 38-2-1032 as provided for in this subsection. The accused may be represented by civilian counsel at the provision and expense of the accused. Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, the accused shall be represented by: Military counsel as provided for under Code Section 38-2-1027; or Military counsel of the accused's own selection if such counsel is reasonably available as determined under paragraph (7) of this subsection. If the accused is represented by civilian counsel, military counsel detailed or selected under paragraph (3) of this subsection shall act as associate counsel if requested in writing by the accused; provided, however, that if no such request in writing is made, military counsel detailed under paragraph (3) of this subsection shall be excused. Except as provided under paragraph (6) of this subsection, if the accused is represented by military counsel of his or her own selection under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of this subsection, any military counsel detailed under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of this subsection shall be excused. The accused shall not be entitled to be represented by more than one military counsel; provided, however, that the person authorized under regulations prescribed under Code Section 38-2-1027 to detail counsel, in such person's sole discretion: May detail additional military counsel as assistant defense counsel; and If the accused is represented by military counsel of the accused's own selection under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of this subsection, may approve a request from the accused that military counsel detailed under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of this subsection act as associate defense counsel. The staff judge advocate of the same force of the accused shall determine whether the military counsel selected by an accused is reasonably available. In any court-martial proceeding resulting in a conviction, the defense counsel may: Forward for attachment to the record of proceedings a brief of such matters as counsel determines should be considered in behalf of the accused on review, including any objection to the contents of the record which such counsel considers appropriate; Assist the accused in the submission of any matter under Code Section 38-2-1060 ; and Take other action as authorized by this article. (Code 1981, § 38-2-1038 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 753, § 1/HB 98; Ga. L. 2016, p. 864, § 38/HB 737.) U.S. Code. - For similar provision in Uniform Code of Military Justice, see 10 U.S.C. § 838.

Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 38-2-1038

What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 38-2-1038 cover?

Section 38-2-1038 ("Trial counsel.") 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 § 38-2-1038?

A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 38-2-1038" (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 § 38-2-1038 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.