Washington, DC (Oct. 15, 2025) – Rachel Holmes, Managing Attorney at the Georgia Justice Project (GJP) was presented with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ (NACDL) Champion of State Criminal Justice Reform Award at NACDL's 24th Annual State Criminal Justice Network (SCJN) Conference. The award recognizes an individual or group whose tremendous efforts have led to progressive reform of a state criminal legal system. Rachel’s groundbreaking work has led to sweeping criminal justice reforms in Georgia – improving outcomes for thousands of justice-impacted individuals and advancing a more equitable system.
Rachel’s accomplishments include developing legislation to address Georgia’s unjust probation practices. Georgia has the highest probation population and the longest probation sentences in the country. Too many individuals remain on probation long after achieving stability and success. In response, Rachel was a leading architect of SB 105 (2021), which took effect on July 1, 2021, making it easier for people to end felony probation early. Over 20,000 people have received early termination of probation thanks to this law. Additionally, Rachel co-led the drafting and passage of landmark legislation aimed at preventing survivors of domestic violence and child abuse from being unjustly criminalized. The law modernizes self-defense and coercion statutes, expands sentencing mitigation, and establishes a robust resentencing process for survivors currently serving excessive sentences. Rachel has also championed reforms to reduce driver’s license suspensions related to Failure to Appear and has been integral in Fulton County’s efforts to improve diversion and justice policies.
Speaking about her work at the Georgia Justice Project, Rachel said, "At GJP, I have the opportunity to explore a more holistic approach to representation work. Alongside our social workers, we build long-term relationships with our clients. I'm able to confront systemic issues and look for big and small ways to change the system for people facing charges, under correctional control, and trying to break free from the revolving door of the system." Looking forward, she said, "It is more important to me than ever to continue to fight for the voiceless and create solutions to make our community stronger and safer, while fighting for the criminal legal system to recognize the humanity and potential of all."
Rachel’s work extends beyond legislation; she is deeply engaged in implementing reforms on the ground—collaborating with the Department of Community Supervision, the Justice Policy Board, and community organizations to ensure laws serve those they were designed to protect. She guides clients through complex legal processes and provides training to legal professionals and peer mentors across Georgia.
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