ATHENS, GA - The Western Judicial Circuit Georgia Public Defender Office is proud to announce the appointment of Assistant Public Defender Latasha Prempeh to the Juvenile Court bench.

John W. Donnelly, Circuit Public Defender said "it is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to a highly skilled public defender.

"She dedicated over a decade defending at-risk children in this community. We are tremendously appreciative of her service with the public defender's office. Her experience has put her in the best position possible to join Judge Trimble in the circuit's juvenile courts," Donnelly said.

Prempeh was an essential member of the Western Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office since 2013, serving as a passionate advocate for the rights and best interests of our juvenile clients. Her tireless work and commitment to justice have earned her respect and admiration throughout the legal community.

" Her unwavering dedication, expertise, and empathy have made an immeasurable impact on our team and the clients we serve," Donnelly said.

Judge Prempeh's new role as a Juvenile Court Judge will allow her to continue working for the well-being of young individuals in the circuit.

"We have no doubt that she will approach her new position with the same integrity, compassion, and wisdom that have defined her time as a public defender," Donnelly said.

The Georgia Public Defender Council's Western Judicial Circuit office represents defendants within the Circuit, which includes Clarke and Oconee counties.

Prempeh, who was sworn in as judge Nov. 4, 2024, received her undergraduate degree from Macon State College and her law degree from the University of Georgia.

The Juvenile Court of the Western Judicial Circuit serves Athens-Clarke County and Oconee County. Juvenile Court judges preside over cases involving most children under the age of 17 who are charged with violating any law or are deemed runaways, ungovernable, or beyond parental control. The court also hears all cases involving allegations of deprivation of children under the age of 18 within its jurisdictions.

The Georgia Public Defender Council is an independent state agency within the Executive Branch of the State of Georgia, responsible for providing legal representation to approximately 85 percent of all criminally accused persons. GPDC public defenders work diligently to offer zealous, effective, and timely legal counsel to those under their care. To learn more, visit https://www.gapubdef.org.