1. Kohn & Yager, LLC
Practice Focus: DUI/DWI defense, criminal defense, drug crimes, violent crimes, domestic violence, white collar crimes, vehicular homicide, sex offenses
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug possession and distribution, violent crimes, domestic violence, vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle, sex offenses, hit and run, theft, assault, battery
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, jury trials, administrative license hearings, appeals, DMV representation, pretrial motions
Background: The firm is led by attorneys William C. “Bubba” Head, Larry Kohn, and Cory Yager, with collectively over 96 years of criminal defense experience averaging 32 years each. Attorney Bubba Head has litigated criminal cases since 1976 and co-authored the state’s authoritative book on DUI law for over 30 years. He is one of only three active Georgia attorneys with Board Certification in DUI defense through the ABA. Attorney Larry Kohn earned his J.D. from Georgia State University and has handled over 5,000 criminal cases since being sworn in as a Georgia attorney in 1998. Selected to Best Lawyers in America and Best Law Firms in America. Attorney Cory Yager is a former police officer (nearly a decade) who graduated second in his law school class. The firm practices exclusively criminal defense with no civil law matters.
Location: 5590 Roswell Road, Building H, Suite 125, Sandy Springs, GA 30342 (serving all Metro Atlanta)
Contact: (404) 567-5515 | https://www.georgiacriminaldefense.com
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7
2. Weintraub & Alper Legal
Practice Focus: Federal criminal defense, state criminal defense, white collar crimes, drug crimes, violent crimes, sex offenses, DUI/DWI, domestic violence
Case Types Handled: Federal crimes, felonies, misdemeanors, white collar crimes, fraud, drug crimes, violent crimes, sex offenses, DUI/DWI, domestic violence, RICO charges, conspiracy, money laundering
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, grand jury representation, plea negotiations, motion practice, jury trials, investigation defense, appeals
Background: Attorney Howard Jarrett Weintraub served as a federal prosecutor with the United States Department of Justice in Washington D.C. for three years before becoming Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Georgia, a position he held for seven years. His federal prosecution experience provides insight into government investigative and prosecution methods. Attorney Benjamin B. Alper is partner with experience in state and federal criminal defense. Featured in Attorney at Law Magazine.
Location: 5555 Glenridge Connector, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30342
Contact: (404) 907-1536 | https://www.ga-criminaldefense.com
Consultation: Consultation available
3. Ross & Pines, LLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI/DWI, drug crimes, violent crimes, domestic violence, sex offenses, white collar crimes, federal crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug crimes, violent crimes, domestic violence, sex offenses, white collar crimes, federal crimes, theft, assault, battery, weapons charges
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, plea negotiations, motion practice, jury trials, appeals, investigation defense, bond hearings
Background: The firm brings over 100 years of combined experience in criminal defense, led by three former prosecutors, including one former judge. Partner Peter J. Ross and Partner Noah H. Pines lead the team along with Partner Carlos E. Solomiany. Super Lawyers selection. Martindale-Hubbell AV rating (highest possible). Avvo 10 “Superb” rating. Outstanding Super Lawyers badge recipients. The firm handles felony and misdemeanor cases at both state and federal levels throughout Georgia.
Location: 1 Ravinia Drive, Suite 1100, Atlanta, GA 30346
Contact: (404) 815-9977 | https://www.rossandpines.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
4. Ghanayem & Rayasam
Practice Focus: Federal criminal defense, state criminal defense, DUI/DWI, drug crimes, violent crimes, white collar crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence
Case Types Handled: Federal crimes, felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, violent crimes, white collar crimes (financial fraud, embezzlement), sex crimes, domestic violence, assault, battery, theft, shoplifting, weapons charges, arson, RICO violations, money laundering, probation violations
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, plea negotiations, motion practice, jury trials, appeals, postconviction relief, expungement, investigation defense, bond hearings
Background: The firm is recognized as a nationally acclaimed criminal defense practice with decades of litigation experience. The firm concentrates exclusively on criminal defense in Atlanta and handles cases personally rather than as case numbers. Known for thorough case preparation and courtroom advocacy in both state and federal courts.
Location: 3060 Peachtree Road NW, Suite 555, Atlanta, GA 30305
Contact: (404) 561-0202 | https://www.gratlantalaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available by appointment
5. Conaway & Strickler, P.C.
Practice Focus: White collar criminal defense, federal criminal defense, cybercrime, internet crimes, fraud, tax crimes, securities crimes, internal investigations
Case Types Handled: Federal crimes, white collar crimes, cybercrime, computer intrusions, online fraud, tax crimes, healthcare fraud, securities fraud, government contracting fraud, insider trading, bank fraud, SEC investigations, internal corporate investigations
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, internal investigations, grand jury representation, SEC defense, regulatory defense, appeals, corporate criminal defense, early-stage investigation intervention
Background: Attorney Meg Strickler is licensed in Georgia, New York, and California with close to three decades of experience. Recognized nationally for expertise in internet crime and technology law. Represents individuals and corporations, financial institutions, and professional firms in criminal investigations. Adjunct professor at Georgia State University College of Law teaching Advanced Evidence. Instructor at Emory Law School’s Kessler-Eidson Institute for Trial Advocacy. Member of ABA Cyberspace Law Committee. Published “Recent Developments in Privacy Law” in ABA Business Law Journal. Former co-chair of iTechLaw Cyber Crime Committee. ABA Section of International Law Liaison to Criminal Justice Section. J.D. from Emory University School of Law (1997), B.A. from University of Delaware (1991). Regularly appears on national television and Court TV commenting on high-profile cases.
Location: 3535 Piedmont Road NE, Building 14, Suite 410, Atlanta, GA 30305
Contact: (404) 816-8068 | https://www.conawayandstrickler.com
Consultation: Consultation available by appointment
Criminal Defense Regulations in Georgia
Georgia requires attorneys to be admitted to the State Bar of Georgia to practice law. Admission requires graduation from an ABA-accredited law school (with limited exceptions), passing the Georgia bar examination, and satisfying character and fitness requirements. The State Bar of Georgia is a unified mandatory bar under the supervision of the Supreme Court of Georgia.
Georgia operates a county-based public defender system. The Georgia Public Defender Council oversees the statewide system, with each judicial circuit having a public defender’s office. Indigency determination is made by the court based on financial affidavits, with eligibility generally set at 125% of federal poverty guidelines. Defendants charged with offenses carrying potential imprisonment have the right to appointed counsel if indigent.
The State Bar of Georgia does not offer criminal law specialty certification. However, the National Board of Trial Advocacy offers Criminal Trial Law certification recognized in Georgia. The National College for DUI Defense offers DUI Defense Law certification. Approximately six Georgia attorneys hold NCDD certification. Attorney William C. “Bubba” Head is one of only three active Georgia attorneys with ABA Board Certification in DUI defense.
Attorney advertising in Georgia is governed by Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 7.1 through 7.5. All communications must be truthful and not misleading. Direct solicitation of prospective clients for pecuniary gain is prohibited when the person has not sought legal services.
Attorney-client privilege in Georgia is codified in O.C.G.A. Section 24-5-501, protecting confidential communications between attorneys and clients made for the purpose of obtaining legal services.
Georgia requires attorneys to complete 12 hours of continuing legal education annually, including one hour of ethics, one hour of professionalism, and one hour addressing elimination of bias in the legal profession.
Georgia classifies felonies without letter grades, instead setting penalties by specific offense in the criminal code. Felonies generally carry imprisonment of one year or more. Misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in county jail and/or $1,000 fine. High and aggravated misdemeanors carry up to 12 months and $5,000 fine. Property crimes are classified by value: theft of property valued over $500 is typically a felony (1-10 years imprisonment), while theft under $500 is a misdemeanor.
Georgia has the death penalty for capital murder. Capital defense in Georgia requires attorneys to be certified by the Georgia Supreme Court through the Georgia Capital Defender Office. The state maintains separate qualifications for lead counsel in death penalty cases.
Georgia has very limited expungement provisions. Under O.C.G.A. Section 35-3-37, arrest records may be restricted (not destroyed) if charges are dismissed, nolle prossed, or result in acquittal. Convictions generally cannot be expunged in Georgia except for first-time drug offenders under age 21 through the conditional discharge program (O.C.G.A. Section 16-13-2) and certain youthful offenders. DUI convictions cannot be expunged and remain on record permanently. Record restriction seals records from public view but does not destroy them.
Georgia has recidivist sentencing provisions that enhance penalties for repeat offenders. O.C.G.A. Section 17-10-7 imposes mandatory minimum sentences for certain repeat felony offenders. “Seven deadly sins” provisions require life imprisonment without parole for second convictions of murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy, or aggravated sexual battery.
Bail in Georgia is governed by O.C.G.A. Title 17, Chapter 6. Most offenses are bailable, with the exception of capital offenses, certain violent felonies, and violations of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act punishable by life imprisonment. Superior court judges set bail for most felonies, while magistrate courts handle misdemeanor bail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens at an arraignment in Fulton County?
A: At arraignment in Fulton County Superior Court or State Court, the judge formally reads the charges (indictment or accusation) and asks how you plead (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere). You have the right to an attorney at arraignment. If you cannot afford counsel, you may apply for a public defender. In Superior Court, arraignments occur after the grand jury returns an indictment. The court may address bond conditions at this time. Discovery (exchange of evidence) timelines begin running from arraignment. In many misdemeanor cases in State Court, arraignment and first appearance may be combined. Failure to appear at arraignment can result in a bench warrant for your arrest.
Q: How does the Fulton County Jail handle bond and release?
A: At the Fulton County Jail (Rice Street), bond is typically set at the first appearance before a magistrate judge, which must occur within 48 hours of arrest (72 hours for weekends/holidays). For many misdemeanors, standard bond amounts may allow release before first appearance. Cash bond can be paid directly at the jail. Bonding companies (bail bondsmen) typically charge 10-15% of the bond amount as a non-refundable fee. Property bonds require equity documentation. Defendants who cannot afford bond may request a bond reduction hearing. The court may impose conditions such as GPS monitoring, no contact orders, or supervised release. Processing after bond is posted typically takes several hours depending on jail population.
Q: What are the penalties for a first-offense DUI in Georgia?
A: A first-offense DUI in Georgia is a misdemeanor carrying: 10 days to 12 months in jail (24 hours mandatory minimum, though remainder may be probated), fine of $300 to $1,000 plus surcharges (total often exceeds $1,500), 12 months probation, 40 hours of community service, DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (DUI school), clinical evaluation and treatment if recommended, and license suspension of up to 12 months (limited permit may be available after 120 days for refusal or after court appearance for test failure). If BAC was 0.08% to 0.149%, you may be eligible for limited driving permit immediately. If BAC was 0.15% or higher, additional penalties apply. A DUI conviction cannot be expunged in Georgia and remains on your record permanently.
Q: Does Fulton County have pretrial diversion or drug court programs?
A: Yes. Fulton County offers several alternatives to traditional prosecution. Pretrial Diversion Program through the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office is available for certain first-time non-violent offenders, allowing charges to be dismissed upon completion of conditions. Fulton County Drug Court (Superior Court) provides intensive supervision and treatment for eligible defendants with substance abuse issues. Fulton County Accountability Court (State Court) handles DUI and drug cases with treatment components. Mental Health Court serves defendants with serious mental illness. Veterans Treatment Court is available for eligible veterans. Eligibility depends on the nature of charges, criminal history, victim input, and prosecutor approval. Successful completion typically results in dismissal of charges or reduced sentencing.
Q: Can I get my criminal record expunged or restricted in Georgia?
A: Georgia has very limited expungement provisions and uses “record restriction” rather than true expungement. Under O.C.G.A. Section 35-3-37, you may petition for record restriction if your case was dismissed, nolle prossed (not prosecuted), or resulted in acquittal (not guilty verdict), charges were referred to a diversion or accountability court program and successfully completed, or you received a pardon. Convictions generally cannot be restricted, with narrow exceptions: first-time drug possession offenders under age 21 who complete conditional discharge under O.C.G.A. Section 16-13-2, certain youthful offenders under First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. Section 42-8-60 through 42-8-66), and cases where conviction was vacated or reversed. DUI convictions cannot be restricted or expunged under any circumstances in Georgia. Record restriction seals records from most public databases but records may still be accessible to law enforcement, prosecutors, and some licensing agencies.