1. Jail Court o Jail Court is held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:30 a.m., unless a holiday requires a change to the schedule (approximately 120 sessions per year, about 10 cases per session). o Defendants consist of individuals detained in the Dougherty County Jail on local city charges, probation or bench warrants, or pending charges for the city. o The Public Defender will receive the jail court calendar, plea in absentia, and waiver of rights forms the day prior to Jail Court. o The Public Defender is required to conduct interviews with defendants at the jail on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday prior to Jail Court sessions. o If defendants enter plea deals, Jail Court is canceled the following day. 2. Traffic Arraignments o Traffic Arraignments are held on Mondays and Wednesdays (approximately 6 sessions per month) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (approximately 71 sessions per year, about 150 cases per session). o The Public Defender will be required to provide representation to defendants who have completed an affidavit of indigency and have been deemed eligible for representation. 3. Bench Trials o Bench Trials are held twice per month on the last Monday and Wednesday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (approximately 21 sessions per year, about 15 cases per session). o The Public Defender will prepare for each trial by subpoenaing witnesses, reviewing reports, requesting additional evidence, and negotiating with the Solicitor as necessary. o Representation will be provided for defendants deemed indigent prior to the bench trial. 4. Night Court o Night Court is held once per month on a Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Albany Technical College (approximately 10 sessions per year, with a potential increase to 20 sessions per year, about 40 cases per session). o If an additional Night Court is added in coordination with Albany State University, the Public Defender will be expected to provide coverage accordingly. 5. Friday Court (Probation Revocations, Compliance, Marshal Arraignments, and Code Enforcement) o Friday Court is held 3 times per month from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (approximately 28 sessions per year, about 35 cases per session). o The Public Defender will provide representation to defendants who have been deemed indigent for these hearings.
