City of Atlanta public defender faces staffing crisis amid rising caseloads

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Updated  March 26, 2025 9:49am EDT
FOX 5 Atlanta
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Atlanta's public defender shortage

There's a shortage of attorneys in the Atlanta Public Defenders office, and it's leading to backed up caseloads. Here's how that could be affecting you.

The Brief

    • The City of Atlanta public defender says his office has a staffing shortage.
    • Chief Public Defender Kenneth Days says his department can barely keep up with the criminal caseload, which makes evictions and immigration cases even more of a challenge.
    • Chief Days told the Atlanta Public Safety Committee on Monday that his case volume has gone up and he is always in need of attorney staff.
    • Chief Days says the definition of a public defender now involves a holistic approach, which includes wraparound services for your client, not just a courtroom appearance.

ATLANTA - The City of Atlanta chief public defender is trying to deal with a staffing shortage.

His department can barely keep up with the criminal caseload, which makes evictions and immigration cases even more of a challenge. 

What they're saying:

At-large Councilman Michael Julian Bond wants to know how many additional staffers Chief Kenneth Days might need.

Days said that is a difficult answer to derive.

What's next:

Councilman Bond suggested a recapture program as a possible solution, which will allow retired public defenders to come back and work.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect that it is the City of Atlanta's Public Defenders Office that is facing a staffing shortage. The story incorrectly stated it was Fulton County's Public Defender Office previously. 

The Source: FOX 5’s Aungelique Proctor talked to several council members or their staffers about the issue. 

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