Holistic: 5 Dimensions of Holistic Defense - GJPS Approach

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For nearly 40 years Georgia Justice Project (GJP) has pioneered holistic defense interventions. Our client center approach encompasses 5 different dimensions of engagement: 1) Direct Representation from arrest through reentry, (2) sustaining long term relationships which includes prison visitation, parole advocacy, and reentry support, (3) Social services (4) collateral consequences expertise and consultation, (5) statewide policy advocacy emanating from our direct representation to address systematic change. GJP's work is community driven - clients, their families, and non-profit partners request our services - all of which are free and not tethered to the court system. GJP's work starts and ends with the needs of our clients and obviates the inefficiencies and inequities of a siloed system and approach.

describe holistic defense's second dimension - extending client engagement beyond the case. GJP's client-centered approach, anchored by social service experts, identifies clients' needs and goals with tailored advocacy and intervention.
Describe the 3rd dimension of holistic defense - Reentry Advocacy. Reentry Advocacy extends the attorney-client relationship by offering prison support, parole & probation advocacy, family engagement, and social service support.
describe collateral consequences as the 4th dimension. Addressing collateral consequences and long-lasting effects of criminal justice involvement is essential. E.g. criminal records, probation, driver's license, and detainers.
describe policy reform as the 5th dimension. GJP exports lessons from client engagement and identifies policy gaps created by a siloed system. E.g. probation termination, expungement, and driver's license reinstatement.

Douglas Ammar, Lawyer

Executive Director

Georgia Justice Project

Douglas B. Ammar has been an active presence at Georgia Justice Project (GJP) since its beginning in 1986. Starting as a volunteer, then joining as a staff attorney in 1990, Doug has led GJP as Executive Director since 1995. GJP has sought to be advocates for our clients not only by providing holistic criminal defense and social services; but also seeking systemic change in Georgia law that will reduce the number of people under correctional control and reduce barriers to reentry. During his time as Executive Director, GJP has help change 22 laws in Georgia that have worked to reduce barriers to reentry for people impacted by the criminal justice system. Originally from Charleston, West Virginia, Doug earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Davidson College in 1984, and then a law degree from Washington and Lee University in 1989.

Rachel Holmes

Managing Attorney

Georgia Justice Project

Rachel Holmes joined the GJP team in January 2018. Ms. Holmes leads GJP’s Criminal Defense team, which encompasses GJP’s holistic criminal defense work, including our work at the Metro Reentry Facility. Ms. Holmes zealously represents clients facing criminal charges, returning citizens at the Metro Reentry Facility with detainer issues such as pending cases and violations of probation, and advocates for early termination of probation for her clients facing lengthy probation sentences. She has also represented clients who have been denied employment, housing, or benefits as a result of their criminal history. In 2021, Ms. Holmes worked with the GJP policy team and stakeholders to help successfully pass legislation that expands eligibility for early termination of felony probation. She has provided training to directly impacted individuals, service providers, and attorneys about early termination of probation and criminal records. Prior to coming to GJP, Ms. Holmes was a public defender for 8 years. Ms. Holmes came to GJP after representing clients in Juvenile court, State court and Superior Court.