A Sunday Conversation with Chattahoochee Circuit Public Defender Moffett Flournoy

Q: For readers who may not fully understand the role, what is the core mission of the Public Defender’s Office, and why is it essential to a fair justice system?

Moffett: Our mission is to provide high-quality legal defense to people who cannot afford an attorney. It’s essential because the justice system only works fairly when everyone—regardless of income—has a real advocate for protecting their rights. A strong defense helps courts reach outcomes that are lawful, accurate, and just.

Q: The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to counsel. How does your office bring that constitutional promise to life every day?

Moffett: We bring it to life by showing up—early and consistently—for people at one of the hardest moments in their lives. That means explaining the process, investigating the facts, filing necessary motions, negotiating when appropriate, and going to trial when needed. We make sure every client understands their rights and has a lawyer standing beside them at every critical stage.

 Q: Why do you often describe public defenders as a “check and balance” within the criminal justice system?

Moffett: Because a defense lawyer helps ensure the government meets its burden to prove the charges and follows the rules. We test evidence, challenge unlawful stops or searches, and make sure decisions are based on facts—not assumptions. That protects not only our clients, but the integrity of the system for everyone.

Q: Many of your clients come from marginalized or vulnerable communities. How does the Public Defender’s Office help ensure equal justice regardless of income or status?

Moffett: We were created for that purpose in 2003. We treat every client with dignity and fight for outcomes that reflect the individual—not stereotypes or circumstances. We also help people understand the system, which can feel confusing and intimidating. Equal justice means the same constitutional protections apply to everyone, every day.

Q: What are some common misconceptions the public has about people who rely on public defenders?

Moffett: One misconception is that our clients don’t care—or that they’re “bad people.” In reality, many are parents, workers, students, veterans—people facing a crisis, often tied to poverty, trauma, or instability. Another misconception is that needing a public defender is something to be ashamed of; it isn’t, it is a constitutional right.

Q: How do you respond to the narrative that indigent defense is somehow less effective than private legal representation?

Moffett: Effectiveness comes from preparation, skill, and commitment—not a price tag. Public defenders handle complex cases and appear in court every day, which builds deep experience. What helps most is having the time and resources to do the work thoroughly, something every defender’s office should be supported to provide.

Q: Walk us through what “zealous representation” really looks like—from investigation to courtroom advocacy.

Moffett: t starts with listening—getting the client’s full story and goals—then investigating facts and reviewing evidence carefully. We challenge illegal procedures, consult experts when needed, and prepare for hearings or trials. In court, zealous advocacy means we speak up clearly and persistently to protect rights and pursue the best lawful outcome.

Q: How important is case investigation in preventing wrongful convictions, and what challenges do public defenders face in that process?

Moffett: Investigation is critical. Cases turn on details, and details can be missed if no one looks. Challenges can include time pressure, delayed discovery, hard-to-locate witnesses, or evidence that requires expert review. That’s why investment in defense resources—especially investigation, is an investment in accuracy and public trust.

Q: Plea negotiations resolve most criminal cases. How do public defenders balance negotiation with protecting clients’ long-term rights and futures?

Moffett: We never treat a plea like a shortcut. We weigh the evidence, the law, and the consequences—especially the long-term impact on housing, employment, family stability, and sometimes immigration status. Our job is to give clear advice and protect the client’s right to make an informed decision.

Q: You often represent people at the most vulnerable moment of their lives. How do public defenders ensure that judges and juries see the person, not just the charge?

Moffett: We present the full picture—who the person is, what brought them to this moment, and what accountability and rehabilitation could look like. That includes family responsibilities, work history, treatment needs, and community ties. Justice isn’t served when someone is reduced to a single allegation.

Q: How does your office address underlying issues such as mental health, substance abuse, or homelessness when defending clients?

Moffett: We look for solutions that reduce harm and improve stability, not just punishment. When appropriate, we connect clients to services and advocate for treatment-based or community-based alternatives. The goal is to make communities safer and fewer people cycling back into court.

Q: Can you share an example—without violating confidentiality—of a case where telling a client’s full story made a critical difference?

Moffett: I’ve seen situations where a person looked “noncompliant” on paper, but the real issue was untreated mental health needs or unstable housing. Once the court understood the context and we helped connect the person to services, the outcome shifted toward accountability plus stability—rather than unnecessary incarceration. Those are the moments that show why the full story matters.

Q: Public defenders frequently face heavy caseloads and limited resources. How do these challenges affect justice, and what changes are needed?

Moffett: When defenders are stretched too thin, the risk is that cases move faster than truth. Justice requires time to investigate, counsel, and prepare. The changes needed are straightforward: sustainable staffing, strong investigator support, and resources that match the seriousness of what’s at stake—people’s liberty and families.

Q: What role does your office play in reducing wrongful convictions and addressing systemic bias?

Moffett: We challenge weak evidence, improper procedures, and unreliable testimony—before a case ever reaches a verdict. We also advocate fair bail decisions and individualized sentencing, which helps reduce disparities. A fair system depends on defense lawyers who can push back when the process goes off track.

Q: How do public defenders contribute to reducing incarceration and advocating for alternatives to punishment?

Moffett: We advocate for options that reduce future harm—diversion where appropriate, treatment, supervision, restorative approaches, and problem-solving solutions. In many cases, the best public-safety outcome isn’t a longer jail stay; it’s stability, accountability, and support that prevents reoffending.

Q: Why should the public—especially communities disproportionately impacted by the justice system—trust the work of public defenders?

Moffett: Because we’re there for the community when it matters most, and our duty is to the client—not politics, profit, or publicity. We protect rights, insist on fairness, and help families navigate a system that can feel overwhelming. Trust is also why we’re doing Meet Your Public Defender—so the public can ask questions directly.

Q: How does your office maintain ethical accountability while advocating aggressively for clients?

Moffett: Ethics are central to what we do—confidentiality, honesty with the court, and loyalty to the client’s interests within the law. We can be firm advocates while still being professional and respectful. Accountability also means being transparent about our mission and limits.

 Q: In what ways do public defenders help preserve confidence in the judicial system as a whole?

Moffett: When defense work is strong, outcomes are more reliable and the process is more legitimate. People are more likely to accept results—win or lose—when they believe the process was fair. Public defenders help ensure the system earns that legitimacy.

Q: As chief public defender in this area, what principles guide your leadership and decision-making?

Moffett: Dignity, preparation, and fairness. I want our office to be known for strong client communication, rigorous casework, and a culture where every person—client or staff—feels respected. Leadership also means building partnerships that connect people to resources.

Q: What keeps you motivated in a profession that is often demanding and under-recognized?

Moffett: The stakes are real: liberty, family unity, and a person’s future. I’m motivated by the belief that justice isn’t a slogan—it’s daily work. And I’m motivated when our community sees that public defense is part of public safety and community strength.

Q: How do you support the well-being and resilience of the attorneys and staff who do this work daily?

Moffett: By emphasizing teamwork, preparation, and realistic support—because burnout helps no one. We encourage professional development, healthy boundaries where possible, and a culture where people can ask for help. Resilience grows when staff feel valued and connected to the mission.

Q: What reforms or investments would most strengthen indigent defense in the years ahead?

Moffett: Staffing and investigation resources are key, along with training and technology that helps us work efficiently. Also, expanded community-based options—treatment, housing supports, and reentry services—so courts have better tools than incarceration. Strong defense and strong services go together.

Q: How can community members, policymakers, and the media better support the work of public defenders?

Moffett: Community members can attend events like Meet Your Public Defender, learn their rights, and share accurate information. Policymakers can invest in indigent defense and in alternatives that reduce repeat involvement with the justice system. Media can help by covering the human reality of the system, not just the most sensational moments.

Q: What message would you like to leave with readers about justice, fairness, and the right to a defense?

Moffett: A fair system depends on the principle that every person is entitled to a defense because the law must be applied carefully and fairly. When rights are protected, communities are stronger and safer. I invite everyone to come meet us, ask questions, and learn what public defense truly means.

We hope readers will join us for Meet Your Public Defender on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the City Service Center, 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus. It’s free and family-friendly, with refreshments and information about public defense, reentry resources, and career opportunities.