Western Circuit District Attorney's Office

10/26/2026

💜 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month 💜

The Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office stands with survivors of domestic violence and remains committed to promoting awareness, supporting victims, and holding offenders accountable throughout Athens-Clarke County and Oconee County.

Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or background. Abuse is not limited to physical abuse; it can also include emotional, verbal, financial, and technological abuse. It is not just a private matter; it is a crime.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. You are not alone, and support is within reach.

This month and every month, let’s work together to break the silence, support survivors, promote healthy relationships, and build safer communities.

💜 Together, we can make a difference.

10/07/2026

🎓 Connecting with the Next Generation of Criminal Justice Professionals

Last night, the Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office had the opportunity to join the UGA Criminal Justice Society for a conversation about state and local law enforcement and the important roles each plays in our criminal justice system.

Senior Investigator Lee Walker of the Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office joined Assistant Special Agent in Charge Katie Walker and Special Agent Jeremy Howell, both with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Cold Case Unit, to share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives with students interested in careers in criminal justice and public safety.

Engaging with students at this stage is important. These conversations give future criminal justice professionals an opportunity to hear directly from those working in the field, ask questions, learn about different career paths, and gain a better understanding of how agencies work together to serve our communities.

We appreciate the UGA Criminal Justice Society for inviting our team and for providing an opportunity to connect with the next generation of criminal justice professionals.

10/05/2026

What started as a jail tour in Athens, Georgia almost 5 years ago, to help young people make better choices, has now grown into a family-oriented program that is now being highlighted by CNN and Atlanta News First (ANF).

Beyond the Bars gives young people an opportunity to have honest conversations about choices, consequences, accountability, and their future. Through conversations with law enforcement, community partners, and individuals with lived experience, young people get an opportunity to see firsthand where certain decisions can lead, and, more importantly, to understand that they have the power to choose a different path.

This program is not about scaring kids. It is about education, exposure, relationships, and opportunity.

We are incredibly proud to see the work being done in Athens receive this kind of recognition. But the media attention isn't why we do this.

We do it for the young people and their families.

We do it because prevention matters.

We do it because one positive relationship can make a difference.

We do it because sometimes a young person needs to see the consequences of a choice before they make it.

And we do it because their future is worth fighting for.

We understand that as these young people grow and improve, so will our community.

Beyond the Bars is a true community collaboration involving the Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Athens-Clarke County Corrections, Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, The Department of Juvenile Justice, Boys & Girls Club of Athens / YouthForce, Strong Base, Inc., Principles Over Passions, and other community partners.

Thank you to everyone who continues to invest their time, energy, and heart into our young people.

Athens is doing the work. And now, people beyond Athens are taking notice.

Here at the Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, we are excited about the potential this program has, not just locally, but nationally as well. We hope to inspire others to continue to do the work, to ensure our future is primed with youth today that have the ability to lead tomorrow.

09/29/2026

We were honored to spend time with the YouthForce students at the Boys & Girls Club of Athens!

Thank you to the Boys & Girls Club for welcoming the Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office and for the incredible work you do to prepare young people for their futures.

Our time with YouthForce was an opportunity to talk about careers, leadership, decision-making, public service, and the many paths available to our young people. Most importantly, it was a chance to listen, answer questions, and build meaningful connections.

Investing in our youth means investing in the future of our entire community. We’re proud to partner with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club that are helping young people recognize their potential and see what’s possible.

Thank you, YouthForce, for allowing us to be part of your journey!

Together, we’re preparing today’s youth for tomorrow’s opportunities. 💙

09/28/2026

Last Thursday, District Attorney Kalki Yalamanchili had the opportunity to speak with students at the University of Georgia as part of the Arch Policy Institute.

Engaging with the next generation of leaders is an important part of building a stronger community. The conversation provided an opportunity for students to learn more about the role of the District Attorney’s Office, the challenges facing our community, and the importance of public service.

We appreciate the Arch Policy Institute for inviting DA Yalamanchili to be part of this experience and, most importantly, for creating opportunities for students to connect with leaders working in public service.

The future of our communities starts with informed, engaged, and committed leaders.

09/25/2026

Our Victim Advocates are committed to being prepared for victims not only during the legal process, but also in moments of crisis and trauma.

Last week, Alena, Amanda, Stephani, Callie, Stephany, and Elizabeth completed the NOVA Basic Crisis Response Training, a 24-hour, hands-on training focused on crisis intervention and psychological first aid.

The training provided advocates with practical techniques for responding to individuals and groups impacted by trauma, critical incidents, and other crises, helping them provide emotional support, education, and crisis intervention when it is needed most.

We are proud of our advocates for continuing to strengthen their skills and expand their ability to serve our community. Their commitment to learning, preparedness, and compassionate victim-centered support makes a difference.

Prepared to respond. Trained to support. Committed to serving.

09/24/2026

Staff members and interns from the Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office recently had the opportunity to tour the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Crime Lab in Decatur.

The visit gave our team a firsthand look at the important role forensic science plays in the criminal justice system. From the collection and analysis of evidence to the science and technology used to help investigators and prosecutors understand the facts of a case, the tour provided a valuable look at the work that happens behind the scenes.

Experiences like this are especially meaningful for our interns, giving them an opportunity to see how law enforcement, forensic scientists, investigators, and prosecutors work together throughout the criminal justice process.

A special thank you to the GBI Crime Lab staff for welcoming our team, sharing their expertise, answering our questions, and providing such an informative experience.

At the Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, we believe that continued education, collaboration, and hands-on learning help us better serve the communities of Athens-Clarke and Oconee Counties.

⚖️ Learning. Collaborating. Serving.



Georgia Bureau of Investigation

09/23/2026

The Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office Community Outreach team was proud to partner with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department to spend time with students at Classic City High School.

Classic City High School provides a non-traditional educational setting for students who may be taking a different path toward reaching their goals. Our purpose was simple: show up, listen, encourage, and remind these young people that their future is still theirs to create.

Success doesn’t look the same for everyone, and sometimes the road to graduation, and to life beyond high school, comes with a few detours. What matters is continuing to move forward.

We want our young people to know that their community believes in them, supports them, and wants to see them succeed.

Partnerships like this are about more than law enforcement and public safety. They’re about building relationships, providing positive mentorship, and creating opportunities before young people ever enter the criminal justice system.

A special thank you to Classic City High School for welcoming us and to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department for continuing to partner with us in reaching and supporting the youth of our community.

Sometimes the most important thing we can give a young person is the opportunity to see that their past does not have to determine their future.

09/22/2026

Sometimes, a birthday cake means more than we realize.

The Kroger Promise Team recently provided a birthday meal for one of our Beyond the Bars team members. For him, it was especially meaningful, it was his first birthday cake in more than 20 years.

Beyond the Bars is about more than simply working with youth to prevent incarceration. It’s also about preparing our incarcerated team member for the day he returns home, and helping him develop the skills needed to build a future beyond his bars as well.

A simple birthday celebration became a powerful reminder that every person has value, every person deserves hope, and everyone has the opportunity to write a different chapter.

We are grateful to the Kroger Promise Team for helping make this birthday special and for supporting the mission of Beyond the Bars.

Prevention. Accountability. Preparation. Hope.

That’s Beyond the Bars

09/17/2026