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The Pre-Trial Diversion Program (PTD) was created pursuant to O.C.G.A. §15-18-80 as an alternative to the prosecution of offenders in the criminal justice system. The PTD shall be administered by the Solicitor General of Spalding County and shall be supervised by JAG Probation.

The PTD is designed for the benefit of the individual program participant as well as the overall criminal justice system for the State Court of Spalding County. The PTD allows participants avoid a conviction on their criminal record while also receiving rehabilitative services to address the issues which led to criminal behavior. The PTD also provides an early resolution to criminal cases which better serves the interests of victims and reduces the burden on the court system.

Participation in the program is voluntary and applicants should seek the advice of legal counsel prior to application to the PTD. Participation in the PTD will occur prior to the adjudication of the charged offense. Satisfactory completion of the PTD will result in the dismissal or nolle prosequi of the charged offense.
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Applicants accepted into the PTD will participate in an individualized program for a period of between one (1) and twelve (12) months, per charge, in lieu of traditional prosecution. Depending on the nature of the charged offense, individualized programs may require participants to perform community service, undergo substance abuse assessments and complete recommended substance abuse treatment, complete family violence and/or anger management counseling, complete a defensive driving course and obtain a Georgia driver’s license.

As set forth in O.C.G.A. §15-18-80(f), participants shall be assessed an administrative fee not to exceed $1,000.00. Participants shall also be assessed a monthly supervision fee. Participants may also be required to pay restitution to the victim of the charged offense. All administrative fees, supervision fees and restitution shall be paid to JAG Probation. All administrative fees collected from participants shall be remitted to the general fund of Spalding County.

Applicants may be required to execute forms waiving their right to certain Constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial. Applicants may also be required to execute releases for confidential records such as juvenile court records and medical records as needed to determine the applicant’s eligibility for the PTD.

Participants in the PTD who fail to comply with all terms and provisions of their individualized program shall, upon motion by the Solicitor General or JAG Probation, be terminated from the PTD. Participants terminated from the PTD shall have their cases placed on the next trial calendar for adjudication by bench trial or jury trial.

Solicitor General
Patrick M. Shepherd
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CONTACT INFORMATION
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Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 648,
Griffin, Georgia 30223
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‍‍Physical Address:
132 E. Solomon St.
Griffin, GA 30223

Hours:
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday

Phone: (770) 467-4350

ABOUT

The Solicitor's Office

The Spalding County Solicitor General’s Office is responsible for the prosecution of misdemeanors in the State Court of Spalding County. A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.00 ($5,000.00 for a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature). Common misdemeanors include crimes against persons, crimes against property and traffic offenses. Crimes against person include battery, domestic violence and stalking. Crimes against property include criminal trespass, shoplifting and theft by taking. Traffic offenses include DUI, reckless driving and speeding.

Cases falling under the jurisdiction of the Spalding County Solicitor General come to the office from the Spalding County Sherriff’s Department, Griffin Police Department and Georgia State Patrol. Cases come to the Solicitor General’s Office by way of warrants issued by the Spalding County Magistrate Court, citations issued by law enforcement officers and cases transferred by the District Attorney and Griffin Municipal Court.

The Spalding County Solicitor General’s Office is responsible for reviewing and investigating cases that are made by law enforcement, filing formal criminal charges, and representing the State of Georgia in criminal cases in the State Court of Spalding County from arraignment to trial.

About Patrick Shepherd

Patrick M. Shepherd was born and raised in Spalding County, Georgia. Patrick graduated from Griffin High School in 2001 and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in 2005. Patrick graduated from the Mercer University School of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in 2009.

Patrick and his father, Timothy N. Shepherd, were partners in the law firm Shepherd Law Offices, LLC from 2010 until 2018. Patrick also served as Chief Assistant Solicitor under Griffin E. Howell, III from 2016 until 2018. Following Griffin E. Howell, III’s retirement, Patrick was elected Solicitor General in 2018 and took office as Solicitor General on January 1, 2019.

Patrick is married to Robin Shepherd and they have a daughter, Elizabeth Bell Shepherd. Patrick is active in several civic organizations including the Griffin Exchange Club and the Griffin-Spalding Historical Society. Patrick and his family attend First Baptist Church of Griffin.

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