Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta criminal defense lawyers defend charges that can put your freedom and record at risk. These range across DUI, drug, theft, assault, and federal cases. Each one moves through its own court across metro Atlanta. The firms listed here handle the full range and answer when arrests happen.

Our team evaluates Atlanta Criminal Defense Lawyers on credentials, track record, and client reviews to help you find a good fit.

  • Bar standing and public disciplinary history review
  • Documented case results and courtroom trial experience
  • Peer recognition within the legal community
  • Client reviews, communication, and responsiveness
  • Aggregate satisfaction signals from independent sources

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

Best-Rated Atlanta Defense Attorneys for DUI, Drug & Felony Charges

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

Yeargan & Kert is a criminal defense and DUI firm in Atlanta led by former prosecutors. Jim Yeargan and Julie Kert once handled DUI cases for the state. Today they use that insight to defend drivers across metro Atlanta.

The team brings more than 50 years of combined experience. They handle DUI charges along with battery, robbery, and domestic violence cases.

Georgia drivers have only 30 days to stop an automatic license suspension after an arrest. The firm acts fast to protect your record and your license. With hundreds of 5-star reviews and free consultations, clients know what to expect from the start.

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

Run by attorney Scott Fortas, Georgia Traffic Lawyers defends drivers facing tickets across the state. The Dunwoody-based practice serves all of Georgia from its office north of Atlanta.

The firm handles speeding tickets, Super Speeder charges, and reckless driving cases. It also takes on red light tickets, CDL violations, and missed court dates. Drivers under 21 and those facing DUI charges can find help here too.

A traffic conviction can raise insurance rates and add points to your license. Fortas works to keep tickets off your record. Phone lines stay open 24/7, and the first ticket consultation costs nothing.

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

For criminal matters, Issa and Castro stands out as an Atlanta criminal defense attorney with real courtroom wins. Founders Mark Issa and Miguel Castro have practiced for more than 20 years.

The criminal side of the practice includes murder acquittals and DUI defense. Bilingual staff assists Spanish-speaking clients.

The firm is also well known for personal injury work. Its attorneys handle car accidents, truck wrecks, and other injury claims across Atlanta. That trial experience carries over to criminal defense.

Clients facing felony or misdemeanor charges get lawyers who have argued hard cases and come out ahead.

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

David Schnipper is a former prosecutor who now defends the accused in Atlanta. His firm covers criminal charges, DUI, and personal injury.

He holds a top Avvo rating and a spot among the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. That experience shows in cases involving assault, drug crimes, and domestic violence.

Schnipper also helps clients clear records through expungement. White collar charges fall within his practice as well. A free case evaluation lets you weigh your options before deciding.

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

With over 20 years in Georgia criminal law, Matt Hirsch defends clients against charges big and small. He has earned Super Lawyers recognition every year from 2021 through 2025.

His Atlanta practice represents both adults and juveniles. Cases range from traffic tickets to violent crime charges.

Hirsch knows that arrests rarely happen during office hours. He stays reachable when clients need answers most. Flexible payment options make a strong defense easier to afford.

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

Since 1994, David West has built a criminal defense practice based in Marietta. His work has drawn coverage from CNN, Fox, 48 Hours, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

West handles DUI, felony, and federal charges across Georgia. He is known for defending clients in drug-related cases, including large-scale cases.

The firm carries more than 30 years of combined experience. Phone lines stay open around the clock for new clients.

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

Based in Dunwoody, this firm defends clients throughout metro Atlanta. Michael D. Barber and his team focus on criminal charges and DUI cases.

Their record includes DUI reductions and felony dismissals. The practice also handles drug charges, violent crime, and theft.

Traffic citations and bond questions are part of their work, too. Payment plans help clients manage the cost of defense.

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

W. Scott Smith, P.C. is a criminal defense firm serving clients across metro Atlanta. The team defends both misdemeanor and felony charges in Georgia.

Practice areas include DUI, drug crimes, and domestic violence. The firm also takes on murder, sex crime, and juvenile cases.

Theft charges round out the practice. Each case gets prepared for trial when the facts call for it.

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

A former prosecutor, Matthew T. McNally has tried more than 70 cases before juries. He now puts that courtroom experience to work for the defense in Atlanta.

McNally earned Super Lawyers recognition in 2022 and 2023. He keeps his caseload small so each client gets personal attention.

The practice covers felony and misdemeanor charges, DUI, drug offenses, and juvenile cases. Financing is available.

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

With thousands of cases behind it, The Abt Law Firm has built deep experience in Georgia courtrooms. The team recently won 18 of 20 murder trials.

Founder E. Jay Abt and his attorneys have appeared on CNN and Fox. They defend drug, federal, felony, and sex crime charges.

Violent crimes, theft, and criminal appeals are part of the practice. The phones are answered 24/7.

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

Since 1985, this Atlanta firm has defended clients against state and federal charges. Howard Weintraub, a former federal prosecutor, leads the team with Benjamin Alper.

Together, they bring more than 55 years of combined experience. The firm handles federal crimes, homicide, sex offenses, drug charges, and DUI.

Support is available 24/7 for people facing serious accusations.

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

Attorney Judy Kim defends clients across Atlanta against tough criminal charges. A recognized Super Lawyer, she has handled thousands of cases.

Her practice is known for being both aggressive and affordable. Kim takes on drug, violent, federal, and white collar charges.

Internet crimes, juvenile cases, sex offenses, and theft also fall within her work. Spanish-speaking clients are welcome, and help is available 24/7.

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

Award-winning and based in Decatur near Atlanta, Conoscienti & Ledbetter handles criminal and civil matters. Joseph Conoscienti leads the criminal side with 37 years of experience.

The firm defends DUI, drug, felony, assault, and gun charges. Spanish services and around-the-clock access are available.

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

Founded by Ashley McMahan, The Law Ladies is a woman-owned Atlanta firm offering video consultations. The team has helped thousands across criminal defense, personal injury, and business law. Past results include a murder bond reduction and a DUI acquittal.

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

A three-generation Decatur firm dating to 1975, The Maloof Law Firm defends serious criminal cases. The practice focuses on DUI, drug, and felony charges. Attorney Maloof is Super Lawyers recognized and AV-rated.

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

Attorneys Erin Gerstenzang and Juanita Kimble run EHG Law Firm from Ponce City Market in Atlanta. The practice defends DUI, traffic, and drug charges, along with juvenile cases, through a client-centered approach.

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

AV-rated and practicing for more than 25 years, Thomas C. Nagel defends clients from his Sandy Springs office. He handles DUI, felony, and juvenile cases, with no-cost case reviews available day or night.

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

Joe Habachy has defended around 2,000 DUI cases and earned Super Lawyers honors from 2018 to 2025. His Atlanta practice spans criminal defense and entertainment law in both state and federal courts.

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

Based in Fayetteville, Hill Duvernay & Associates serves clients across the south metro Atlanta area. The firm handles criminal defense and traffic cases in Fayette, Henry, and Clayton counties, including expungements.

Screenshot of the Arca Law - Marietta Criminal Defense Firm Website
166 Anderson St SE Suite 102, Marietta, GA 30060, USA

Led by Alex Arca, this Marietta firm defends DUI, drug, and theft charges across Cobb, Gwinnett, and DeKalb counties. Known for trial experience, the practice stays available 24/7 for new clients.

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

In Atlanta's Buckhead area, The Law Offices of Brandon A. Thomas defends criminal charges including DUI, drug, theft, and fraud. A former federal defender and Emory Law graduate, Thomas also handles employment law and injury claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do criminal defense lawyers in Atlanta cost?

It depends on the charge. Most Atlanta criminal defense lawyers bill a flat fee for misdemeanors. Felony and federal cases often cost more and may be billed in stages. Many firms offer free consultations and payment plans.

How long does a criminal case take in Atlanta?

A few months to over a year. Simple misdemeanors in Atlanta Municipal Court can resolve quickly. Felony cases in Fulton or DeKalb County Superior Court take longer. Trials, motions, and crowded dockets all add time.

What is the statute of limitations for crimes in Georgia?

Two years for most misdemeanors. Georgia gives prosecutors four years to charge most felonies. Serious felonies allow seven years, and forcible rape allows fifteen. Murder has no time limit at all.

What happens to my license after a DUI arrest in Atlanta?

You have 30 days to act. A Georgia DUI arrest triggers a separate license suspension process. You must request a hearing or install an interlock within 30 days. The temporary permit on Form 1205 lasts 45 days.

Can I get a criminal record restricted in Georgia?

Sometimes, yes. Georgia calls it record restriction, not expungement. Dismissed charges and some misdemeanor convictions may qualify. A defense attorney can tell you if your record is eligible.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Georgia?

The possible jail time. A Georgia misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail. Felonies carry more than a year and heavier fines. Felony convictions can also cost you gun and voting rights.

Types of Criminal Cases Atlanta Defense Lawyers Handle

DUI Defense. DUI is one of the most common charges in metro Atlanta. Georgia treats both per se and less safe DUI as crimes. A strong defense often starts with the traffic stop itself.

Drug Crimes. Charges range from simple possession to trafficking. Georgia sets harsh mandatory minimums for trafficking weights. Many cases turn on how the search was conducted.

Felony Charges. These include burglary, fraud, and aggravated assault. A felony conviction in Georgia brings prison time and lasting penalties. Early defense work can shape the outcome.

Violent Crimes. Assault, armed robbery, and homicide fall here. Georgia's stand your ground law can apply in some cases. These charges carry the steepest sentences.

Sex Crimes. These cases bring long sentences and registry requirements. The stakes are high, so experienced counsel matters. Evidence and procedure count from day one.

Federal Crimes. Some cases are assigned to the Northern District of Georgia. Federal court follows different rules and tougher guidelines. Not every local lawyer handles federal defense.

Traffic and Juvenile Cases. Speeding, suspended license, and Super Speeder tickets add up. Juvenile charges run through a separate court system. Both can affect a young person's future.

How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Atlanta

Check their trial record. Many cases settle, but some must go to trial. Pick a lawyer who has argued before Fulton and DeKalb juries.

Match the lawyer to the charge. DUI, drug, and federal cases each need different skills. A former prosecutor often knows how the other side thinks.

Ask about local court experience. Judges and prosecutors vary by county. A lawyer who knows the local courts can move faster.

Confirm availability. Arrests do not wait for business hours. Many Atlanta firms answer calls 24/7.

Review the fee agreement. Get the fee structure in writing before you sign. Ask what happens if the case goes to trial.

What Outcomes to Expect in an Atlanta Criminal Case

Outcomes vary with the charge and the evidence. A first misdemeanor may end in probation or a reduced plea. Felony cases can bring prison time and a permanent record. Georgia's First Offender Act lets some defendants avoid a conviction on their record. An experienced Atlanta criminal defense attorney can explain the realistic range for your case.