GJP Mission

When a poor person is accused of a crime, most of society sees this as an end. Georgia Justice Project sees it as a beginning.

''GJP is an unlikely mix of lawyers, social workers and a landscaping company. GJP defends people accused of crimes and, win or lose, stands with our clients while they rebuild their lives. We believe this is the only way to break the cycle of crime and poverty.''

Founded in 1986, GJP's mission is to ensure justice for the indigent criminally accused and to take a holistic approach to assist them in establishing crime-free lives and being productive citizens.

GJP Approach

GJP carefully selects which cases it takes on and has the freedom to do so because it receives no government grants. Private foundations, corporations, individuals and religious congregations fund GJP. People are initially referred to GJP because they have a criminal case pending and cannot afford an attorney. They become GJP clients if they are committed to making a life change and being productive members of society. GJP legal, social service, and jobs staffs work together with the client to carry out this mission. What makes this approach unique is that it is:

• Holistic. The client's initial contact with GJP includes both a legal and social work assessment. A holistic case plan is developed as a team. Services include quality legal representation, individual counseling, substance abuse intervention, educational assistance, and job training and placement. If convicted, GJP visits clients in prison, advocates for their needs while in prison and provides post-release support.
• Entrepreneurial. GJP started a company. All GJP clients are eligible for pre-disposition and post-release employment in its company, New Horizon Landscaping (NHL). New Horizon Landscaping has provided quality lawn care services since 1993. It offers an opportunity of job training and steady employment for the clients served by the Georgia Justice Project.
• Relationship-driven. At GJP, we seek long lasting, redemptive relationships with our clients. During the initial stage (legal representation), we establish a foundation of trust upon which all subsequent services are built. We make sure our representation is both thorough and personal and that the client is involved in all stages of the representation, not just at the courthouse on the day of trial. And the relationship continues long after the case is over. It is common for staff to spend time with clients whose cases have been over for years through structured services (e.g. counseling, working with NHL) or informal support. Our clients know that there are folks who care about them.
• A Partnership. Clients work with staff to develop a case plan outlining goals and expectations and clients must fulfill their part to continue to receive services.
• Independent.  The GJP is supported solely by private sources. By not seeking government funding, we maintain an independent status with regard to the court system. Thus, we have total control of our caseload and can reverse the way legal services have been traditionally available to the poor.
• Successful.  GJP lawyers and social workers have been using this approach for 20 years and it works.  The recidivism rate for GJP clients is 18.8% compared to a national average of over 60%. The incarceration rate for GJP clients is 7.30% compared to an average of 71.30% in a study of urban public defender offices.