Best Atlanta Criminal Defense Lawyers

The best Atlanta criminal defense lawyers understand Georgia's tough prosecutors and local court systems. Facing charges without proper representation risks your freedom and future. Our reviewed list features Atlanta's top-rated defense attorneys with winning records in Fulton County courts.

List of the Top Criminal Defense Attorneys in Atlanta, Georgia

Screenshot of the Yeargan & Kert, LLC Website
3715 Northside Pkwy NW Building 100 Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30327, USA

Yeargan & Kert, LLC is a top-rated Atlanta DUI law firm with over 50 years of combined experience. As former DUI prosecutors, they use insider knowledge to defend clients facing traffic charges. With numerous 5-star reviews, Yeargan & Kert is known for its award-winning legal representation. The firm serves the greater Atlanta area, including Fulton, Cobb, and DeKalb counties.

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Screenshot of the Issa and Castro LLC Website
66 Lenox Pointe NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, USA

The Issa Castro Law Firm handles personal injury and criminal defense throughout Georgia. Their attorneys include a John Marshall Law School valedictorian. The small team offers complimentary consultations and provides weekly case updates. They serve clients from Atlanta to Valdosta. Call them at (404)-LAWSUIT. Their case managers have a decade of experience helping injury victims get compensation.

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Screenshot of the Attorney Scott Fortas Website
200 Ashford Center N Suite 350, Atlanta, GA 30338, USA

Georgia Traffic Lawyers defend against traffic violations throughout Atlanta and Georgia. Since 2001, they've resolved more than 10,000 tickets. The firm handles speeding tickets, DUIs, and other violations. Most clients avoid court appearances while fighting their tickets. They offer free consultations and work to prevent points and insurance increases.

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Screenshot of the Schnipper Law, P.C. Website
2300 Henderson Mill Rd Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30345, USA

Schnipper Law, P.C. is a top-rated criminal defense firm in Atlanta. David Schnipper worked in two District Attorney's offices before starting his practice. He's a Rising Stars honoree and NCDD member. The firm handles DUI, criminal defense, and personal injury cases. They offer free case consultations. Schnipper has a satellite office in Buckhead. Their motto: "Bad Things Happen To Good People."

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Screenshot of the Hirsch Criminal Defense Website
1936-B N Druid Hills Rd 1st floor, Atlanta, GA 30319, USA

Attorney Matt Hirsch represents clients facing criminal charges throughout metro Atlanta. With over 20 years of trial experience, he handles DUI cases, felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. Matt graduated from the University of Georgia and John Marshall Law School. He's been named to Super Lawyers from 2021 to 2025. Clients can reach him anytime for urgent defense matters.

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Screenshot of the David West & Associates Website
123 Church St #220, Marietta, GA 30060, USA

David West & Associates has focused exclusively on criminal defense throughout Georgia since 1994. Lead attorney David S. West handles drug crimes, DUI cases, and felony charges with extensive courtroom experience. The Marietta-based firm provides free consultations, 24/7 availability, and flexible payment plans. Their dedicated approach ensures clients receive robust legal defense backed by decades of criminal law expertise.

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Screenshot of the Michael D. Barber & Associates, P.C. Website
1842 Independence Square Suite A & B, Atlanta, GA 30338, USA

Michael D. Barber & Associates is a Dunwoody criminal defense firm with former prosecutors on staff. They handle DUI, violent crimes, drug charges, and family law across Georgia. Multiple office locations serve Atlanta, Lawrenceville, and the surrounding areas. The attorneys use insider knowledge to reduce charges and secure dismissals. Free consultations and payment plans make quality defense accessible.

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Screenshot of the W. Scott Smith Website
100 Peachtree St NW #2060, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

W. Scott Smith, P.C. is an Atlanta criminal defense attorney specializing in DUI and murder cases. The firm provides skilled representation for both misdemeanor and felony charges. They offer free consultations and maintain a strong reputation for favorable outcomes. Located in downtown Atlanta, the practice serves clients throughout Georgia with dedicated advocacy.

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Screenshot of the Weintraub & Alper Legal Website
1447 Peachtree St NE Suite 455, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

Weintraub & Alper Legal delivers aggressive criminal defense representation in Atlanta, Georgia. The attorneys combine 6 decades of experience handling DUI, drug charges, and violent crimes in state and federal courts. Lead attorney Howard J. Weintraub brings valuable insight as a former federal prosecutor. The firm serves Atlanta and Marietta with 24/7 client support. Experienced trial lawyers committed to protecting clients' rights.

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Screenshot of the Law Office of Matthew T. McNally Website
659 Auburn Ave NE STE 153, Atlanta, GA 30312, USA

Law Office of Matthew T. McNally is an Atlanta criminal defense firm serving Fulton, DeKalb, and Cobb counties. McNally, a former prosecutor with over 70 jury trials, earned Super Lawyers recognition for 2022-2023. The firm handles DUI, drug offenses, and white-collar crimes. McNally maintains a small caseload to provide personal attention. He offers zero-down financing with six months of no interest and responds to texts personally.

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Screenshot of the The Abt Law Firm, LLC Website
2295 Parklake Dr NE, Suite 525, Atlanta, GA 30345, USA

The Abt Law Firm provides aggressive criminal defense throughout Atlanta and Georgia. With 30 years of experience and 3,000+ cases defended, Mr. Abt handles felonies, sex crimes, drug charges, and federal cases. The firm has won acquittals in murder and trafficking cases with overwhelming evidence against clients. They offer free consultations and fight to keep clients out of jail in Dekalb and Fulton Counties.

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Screenshot of the Law Office of Judy Kim Website
3500 Lenox Rd NE suite 1500, Atlanta, GA 30326, USA

The Law Office of Judy Kim delivers criminal defense representation in Atlanta, Georgia. Attorney Judy Kim has successfully handled over 3,000 criminal cases across drug crimes, violent offenses, and white-collar matters. She specializes in domestic violence and internet crime defense. Recognized as a Super Lawyer™, Kim provides 24/7 consultations for criminal charges. The Atlanta-based practice offers aggressive yet affordable legal representation for clients facing serious criminal allegations throughout Georgia.

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Screenshot of the The Law Ladies Website
691 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE Suite V-138, Atlanta, GA 30312, USA

The Law Ladies is an all-female criminal defense firm in Atlanta, Georgia. Ashley McMahan, a former DUI prosecutor, leads the practice with over 10 years of experience. They've won notable victories including reducing a murder bond from $800K to $55K. The firm handles DUI, drug charges, and personal injury cases. McMahan earned Super Lawyers recognition. They offer video consultations and serve metro Atlanta with proven results in criminal defense.

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Screenshot of the Conoscienti & Ledbetter, Attorneys at Law Website
315 W Ponce de Leon Ave #400, Decatur, GA 30030, USA

Conoscienti & Ledbetter serves Metro Atlanta with criminal defense, personal injury, and civil litigation services. Joseph A. Conoscienti has 4 decades of criminal law experience in Georgia courts. J. Blake Ledbetter earned SuperLawyers Rising Star recognition from 2018 to 2025. The Decatur firm handles DUI cases, car accidents, and business disputes. They speak Spanish and offer round-the-clock availability for urgent legal matters.

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Screenshot of the EHG Law Firm Website
Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Suite 8500, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA

EHG Law Firm delivers expert criminal defense representation throughout Atlanta and Georgia. Attorneys Erin H. Gerstenzang and Juanita Kimble specialize in DUI defense, traffic violations, drug charges, and juvenile cases. With extensive courtroom experience, they provide strategic legal guidance tailored to each client's situation. The firm is recognized for achieving favorable outcomes through meticulous case preparation and assertive advocacy in Atlanta's criminal courts.

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Screenshot of the Thomas C. Nagel Attorney at Law Website
5855 Sandy Springs Cir STE 150, Atlanta, GA 30328, USA

Atlanta criminal defense lawyer with 25 years defending DUI and felony cases. Thomas C. Nagel is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. He offers 24/7 availability and free consultations at 404-255-1600. The Sandy Springs office handles cases throughout Fulton County and Georgia courts. Mr. Nagel defends juvenile crimes, theft charges, and drug offenses. He fights license suspensions and preserves driving privileges for clients.

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Screenshot of the The Maloof Law Firm Website
215 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030, USA

The Maloof Law Firm serves Decatur with three generations of legal excellence. They defend clients against felony, misdemeanor, DUI, and drug charges in local courts. The attorneys provide aggressive advocacy with personalized service for each case. Their deep roots in the community mean they know local judges and prosecutors. Ethical practice and client care define their approach.

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Screenshot of the Joe S. Habachy, PC, Attorney at Law Website
44 Broad St NW #203, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

Joe Habachy is an Atlanta criminal defense attorney with 25+ years of experience. He handles DUI, criminal defense, and entertainment law cases throughout Georgia and federal courts nationwide. As Chairman of the Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyers Education Foundation and a Super Lawyers honoree since 2018, he has successfully defended nearly 2,000 DUI cases. His office offers free consultations and Spanish-speaking services.

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Screenshot of the Hill Duvernay and Associates, LLC Website
110 Habersham Dr, Fayetteville, GA 30214, USA

Hill Duvernay & Associates provides criminal defense services in Morrow and Fayetteville, Georgia. Their attorneys handle traffic violations, restorative justice, and expungement cases. With over 10 years of experience, they protect clients' futures through strategic legal guidance. The firm offers compassionate defense for unexpected criminal charges throughout metro Atlanta.

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Screenshot of the The Law Offices of Brandon A. Thomas Website
1 Glenlake Pkwy NE, Suite 650, Atlanta, GA 30328, USA

Brandon A. Thomas is a criminal defense lawyer in Atlanta. He defends clients against DUI, assault, battery, theft, fraud, and drug charges. The firm serves Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett Counties. Each case gets a tailored defense strategy. Brandon knows Georgia courts and how prosecutors work. He fights to protect your rights and freedom. Initial consultations are free for clients across the Atlanta metro area.

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Screenshot of the Michael Moran & Associates, LLC Website
659 Auburn Ave NE STE 153, Atlanta, GA 30312, USA

Michael Moran & Associates is an Atlanta criminal defense law firm serving clients across Georgia. The team handles DUI, drug charges, theft crimes, assault cases, and white-collar offenses. They have defended cases in virtually every county and court throughout the state. The firm offers payment plans and no-cost phone consultations. With over 50 years of combined experience, their attorneys provide personalized attention to each client.

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Screenshot of the Chestney & Sullivan Law Firm Website
3110 Maple Dr NE UNIT 103, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA

Georgia DUI defense attorneys available 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Chestney & Sullivan has over 30 years of experience defending drunk driving cases statewide. Mr. Sullivan argued cases before the Georgia Supreme Court. The Atlanta firm offers free consultations at 404-816-8777. They handle administrative license suspensions within the critical 30-day deadline. Former prosecutor certified in field sobriety testing now defends DUI charges.

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Screenshot of the Giannini Law Office, PC Website
260 Constitution Blvd, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, USA

Giannini Law Office handles personal injury and criminal defense cases in Lawrenceville, GA. Attorney Bob Giannini has practiced law for over 25 years. Named a Super Lawyer from 2016 through 2023, he represents clients throughout Gwinnett, DeKalb, Walton, Barrow, and Fulton counties. The firm handles car accidents, medical malpractice, DUI defense, and other criminal matters. They offer no-cost case evaluations. The office serves communities across North Georgia and the Atlanta area.

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Screenshot of the The Carnell Law Firm, LLC Website
4056 Wetherburn Way NW #3, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092, USA

The Carnell Law Firm serves metro Atlanta with workers' compensation, criminal defense, and personal injury representation. Attorney Jason Carnell, a former Air Force officer, handles hundreds of cases across Georgia counties including Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett. The firm emphasizes customer service and personalized attention. Free initial consultations are available for all practice areas.

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Screenshot of the Atlanta Criminal Defense Team | Sabbak & Izmaylova, P.C. Website

Atlanta Criminal Defense Team provides aggressive criminal defense in Roswell and Atlanta. With over a decade of experience, they handle domestic violence, drug crimes, DUI, murder, sex crimes, and violent crimes. They prepare every case for trial to achieve optimal outcomes. The firm has been recognized by Super Lawyers® since 2019. They offer free consultations to develop personalized defense strategies for each client.

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Screenshot of the Kish Law LLC Website
229 Peachtree St NE #2505, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

Kish Law LLC provides federal criminal defense throughout Georgia from its Atlanta office. Led by Paul Kish with 4 decades of experience, including 20 years as a Federal Defender, the firm handles white-collar crimes, drug offenses, and internet cases. Notable results include dismissed fraud charges, reversed convictions, and jury acquittals. They serve clients in Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb counties and nationwide for federal matters. Free consultations available.

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Screenshot of the The Hames Law Firm LLC Website
511 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA

Adam Marshall Hames defends serious criminal charges in Atlanta with over 20 years of experience. He handles murder, fraud, appeals, and federal cases. Hames earned an AV Preeminent rating and Super Lawyers recognition. He won 90+ published appellate opinions. The firm overturned a murder conviction after seven years of fighting. Hames previously worked at the Georgia Attorney General's office.

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Screenshot of the Law Office of Saraliene Smith Durrett Website
1800 Peachtree Rd #300, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

Saraliene Smith Durrett, LLC focuses exclusively on Atlanta criminal defense with over 15 years of experience. Saraliene has won cases in the US Supreme Court and other high courts. The firm offers free evaluations, aggressive defense strategies, and compassionate client support. As a former judicial law clerk and top 100 trial lawyer, she brings a unique courtroom perspective. Licensed in multiple jurisdictions for state and federal criminal cases.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when hiring a criminal defense lawyer?

Start by checking their experience with your specific type of charge. A lawyer who handles DUI cases daily will serve you better for a drunk driving charge than someone who mainly does white-collar crime. Look for these key factors:

  • Track record: Ask about their success rate with cases similar to yours
  • Local court experience: They should know the prosecutors and judges in your courthouse
  • Communication style: You need someone who explains things clearly and returns calls promptly
  • Fee structure: Understand whether they charge flat fees or hourly rates, and what's included

Always meet with at least 2-3 lawyers before deciding. Trust your instincts about who will fight hardest for you.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?

Criminal defense lawyers typically charge between $2,500-$10,000 for misdemeanors and $5,000-$50,000+ for felonies. The exact cost depends on case complexity, the lawyer's experience, and whether you go to trial.

Common fee structures:

  • Flat fees for straightforward cases (most common for DUI, simple assault, theft)
  • Hourly rates ranging from $250-$750 per hour
  • Retainer fees that cover initial work, with additional costs if the case continues

Some lawyers offer payment plans. Public defenders are available for free if you qualify based on income, though they often have heavy caseloads.

What's the difference between a misdemeanor and felony in Georgia?

Misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in county jail and $1,000 in fines. Common examples include simple battery, first-offense shoplifting under $500, and disorderly conduct.

Felonies mean potential state prison time of one year to life, depending on the charge. Georgia classifies felonies by severity - from shoplifting over $500 to murder. Felony convictions also strip certain rights:

  • Voting (until sentence completion)
  • Gun ownership
  • Professional licenses
  • Housing and employment opportunities

The classification affects your lawyer strategy, potential plea deals, and long-term consequences.

Should I accept a plea bargain?

Accepting a plea depends on evidence strength, potential sentences, and your personal situation. Your lawyer should explain the pros and cons clearly.

Consider accepting when:

  • The evidence against you is overwhelming
  • The plea significantly reduces potential jail time
  • You avoid felony charges or sex offender registration
  • Trial costs exceed your resources

Consider refusing when:

  • The state has weak evidence
  • You have a strong defense
  • The plea offer isn't much better than likely trial outcome
  • Long-term consequences outweigh short-term benefits

Never accept a plea without understanding every consequence, including immigration issues, job impacts, and license suspensions.

How do I compare criminal defense lawyers effectively?

Create a comparison chart with these essential factors:

FactorQuestions to AskRed Flags
ExperienceYears practicing? Cases like mine? Trial experience?Less than 3 years practicing or no jury trials
ResultsSuccess rate? Recent case outcomes?Won't discuss past results or makes guarantees
AvailabilityWho handles my case? Response time?Hands everything to junior associates
StrategyInitial case assessment? Defense options?Can't explain their approach clearly
CostsTotal estimated fees? What's included?Hidden fees or unclear billing

Schedule consultations with your top three choices. The right lawyer will make you feel heard, explain your options without legal jargon, and give you realistic expectations.

What happens at my first court appearance?

Your first appearance (arraignment) typically happens within 72 hours of arrest. The judge reads your charges, sets bail, and asks for your plea. You'll plead not guilty at this stage - even if you plan to negotiate later.

What to expect:

  • The hearing lasts 5-10 minutes
  • You'll receive formal charging documents
  • The judge sets conditions for release (bail, no contact orders, travel restrictions)
  • Your next court date gets scheduled

Having a lawyer present protects your rights and can mean lower bail. If you can't afford one yet, tell the judge you're seeking counsel - they'll usually grant a short continuance.

Can a criminal conviction be expunged from my record?

Georgia has strict expungement laws. You can't expunge convictions - only certain arrests and dismissed charges qualify.

Eligible for restriction (Georgia's limited expungement):

  • Arrests without conviction after case completion
  • First-time misdemeanor convictions (if under 21 when crime occurred)
  • Certain marijuana possession convictions

Never eligible:

  • Felony convictions
  • Sexual offenses
  • Crimes against children
  • Family violence convictions

The process takes 3-6 months and costs around $300 in fees. Some employers still see restricted records during background checks for sensitive positions.

What should I do immediately after being arrested?

Stay quiet beyond providing basic identification information. Police must read Miranda rights before interrogation, but anything you volunteer can hurt you.

Critical first steps:

  1. Invoke your right to remain silent and request a lawyer
  2. Don't discuss your case with anyone except your attorney
  3. Write down everything you remember while it's fresh
  4. Gather witness contact information if possible
  5. Document any injuries with photos
  6. Avoid social media completely - prosecutors check

Contact a lawyer before your first court date. Many offer free consultations and can start protecting your rights immediately, including preserving evidence and contacting witnesses.