Public Defender

Maurice Kenner assumed the role of Circuit Public Defender for the Atlanta Judicial Circuit (Fulton County) on August 2, 2021. Prior to his appointment, he held the position of Deputy Director of State Level Services at the Georgia Public Defender Council. Mr. Kenner is an alumnus of Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He further pursued his education at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, graduating in 1993.

His professional journey commenced as an intern at the DeKalb County Solicitor’s Office, eventually transitioning to the role of prosecutor for the City of Decatur. With a wealth of experience spanning seventeen years in private practice, Mr. Kenner defended clients across a broad spectrum of cases, from traffic offenses to complex capital murder trials involving the death penalty. His diverse legal background and commitment to justice have shaped his career trajectory.

In his personal life, Mr. Kenner shares three accomplished adult children with his wife, Deadra Kenner. Denise Kenner-Virgil serves as a Program Manager at IN THE DOOR, an organization collaborating with government agencies across the United States. Maurice Kenner Jr. proudly holds the rank of Major in the United States Army and has previously served as a faculty member at the United States Military Academy. Karen Kenner Scott, an accomplished former prosecutor at the DeKalb County Solicitor’s Office, now excels as a Senior Associate at the Decatur based real estate and business law firm Williams Teusink.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Kenner finds joy in family moments, cherishing time spent with his beloved grandchildren Julia and Hannah Scott, as well as Gibson and Riley Kenner. Mr. Kenner’s commitment to upholding justice and his dedication to his legal profession exemplify his unwavering integrity and leadership in the legal community.