Alma Criminal Lawyers

Patrick J. McDonough leads the criminal defense division for Andersen, Tate & Carr, and is among the most sought after criminal defense attorneys in the state of Georgia. He has received national attention from the news media, and has been featured in leading publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Sports Illustrated, AJC and Forbes. His criminal practice includes both state and federal white-collar and general criminal defense. Yet, his primary focus is helping the average citizen who has gotten caught up in the system from a kid shoplifting to a DUI.

Before earning his reputation as a criminal...

Attorney Erin Gerstenzang is the founder and owner of Erin H. Gerstenzang, L.L.C., in Atlanta, Georgia. A top-rated trial lawyer with more than 16 years of experience, Ms. Gerstenzang focuses her practice solely on criminal defense, and she provides unmatched counsel and support to clients throughout the greater Atlanta metro and surrounding areas who face serious felony and misdemeanor criminal charges, including DUI/DWI and traffic violations. As a criminal defense attorney, Ms. Gerstenzang has gained a reputation for her tenacity and aggressive approach to helping her clients achieve the favorable outcomes they seek as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Devoted to...

UGA,1973, with honors. UGA School of Law, 1976. Georgia DUI legal book co-author & DUI defense litigation practice, best attorney ratings. Top lawyer ratings with Martindale-Best Lawyers-Super Lawyers-Best Law Firms in America. Chaired or co-chaired over 40 legal seminars for ICLE-GA beginning in 1978 In 1991, wrote 101 Ways to Avoid a Drunk Driving Conviction with co-author Reese I. Joye, Jr. Started the annual 2-day seminar, Defense of Drinking Drivers handled by ICLE-GA Speaker at the 1992 ATLA DC convention & the 1993 ATLA national convention Sponsored the first NHTSA training seminar for criminal defense lawyers in Atlanta GA in July 1994....

EXPERIENCE: For nearly 13 years, I have focused on representing clients in a variety of complex cases involving immigration law, criminal defense and family law. I have successfully helped thousands of clients over the years with extremely difficult cases.

RESULTS DRIVEN: Our goal is always to get you the best result possible. We don't make guarantees of a particular outcome, but what we do guarantee is that we will aggressively pursue every legal avenue possible as we fight for you.

OUR DIFFERENCE: I take pride in every person that entrusts me with their legal matter. For that...

A Double Dawg from the University of Georgia, high honors in Political Science in 2007, and honors at UGA Law School in 2011. David's practice includes bankruptcy, personal injury, civil litigation and criminal defense. AV-Preeminent (highest lawyer ratings in legal ability and ethical conduct. "Superb" attorney ratings by AVVO, plus was named a 2018 Rising Star by Super Lawyers. David is currently President of the Fayette County Bar Association and is an adjunct professor at Georgia Military College in Fayetteville.

Attorney Sean J. McIlhinney is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with over 24 years of legal experience and has earned the reputation as of Georgia's best traffic ticket attorneys in the state!

Sean holds a J.D. from Georgia State College of Law where he was on the Law Review and graduated with Honors, Cum Laude. After graduating from law school in 1995, he joined King & Spalding, the premier law firm in the Southeast and worked as an attorney in the firm’s products liability division. Though he enjoyed his time spent there, he left King & Spalding, after three years...

Mr. Thomas is an experienced Criminal Defense attorney that handles serious cases involving Drugs, Assault & Battery, Firearms, Fraud, White Collar Crime, Violence, and Sex Crimes. Mr. Thomas received his law degree from Emory University School of Law. He also received his bachelors degree, cum laude, in political science from the State University of New York at Albany (SUNY). Mr. Thomas is a former Assistant Federal Defender for the Middle District of Alabama (Montgomery). As a federal defender, Mr. Thomas handled serious felony cases ranging from white collar crime to drug and firearm cases where defendants were facing life sentences. Prior to...

Ryan Locke represents people who have been injured and people who have been unfairly convicted from his office in Atlanta. Formerly a public defender, Ryan uses the same passion and relentless advocacy for his clients today. Ryan is also an adjunct professor at Emory University School of Law; hosts a podcast about appellate practice called Georgia Appellate Review; and maintains comprehensive legal resources on his website for lawyers and the public, such as his guide for using the HITECH Act to get cheap medical records and his guide for people to change their name and gender in Georgia government documents.

Holly Chapman moved to Augusta from Sandy Springs, Georgia in 2009 when she began her career as a criminal defense attorney. Prior to that, she studied chemical engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and obtained her bachelor’s degree. She went on to earn her law degree from Georgia State University, where she was awarded honors for litigation.
Although she initially worked for a small civil firm, she knew that she wanted to pursue other opportunities. Her passion for justice and defending the rights of individuals made criminal law a natural choice. Over the past nine years, she has participated in...

My training as both a prosecutor and defense attorney gives me the ability to know what the other side is thinking and better defend DUI cases. Working for my family law firm familiarized me with civil law but making a foray into criminal law with the City of Atlanta Municipal Court led to my true passion in criminal law specifically DUI, drug and traffic cases.

I have been invited by other county prosecutors to be a guest instructor for DUI instruction courses at both the Georgia Public Safety and Training Center and various county locations. I also had the opportunity...

Kyle Koester is an highly reviewed and experienced Cherokee County GA personal injury attorney. He has successfully handled difficult personal injury and criminal defense cases. Kyle's clients appreciate his personal approach to helping with their individual needs. Kyle's firm works closely with top experts and other attorneys from across the country to get his clients get the best results. Whether you have been hurt in an accident or are facing criminal charges, Kyle Koester has the necessary knowledge and skill to achieve the best resolution possible in your case. Over the past few years the Law Offices of Kyle E....

Atlanta Criminal Defense Attorney Glenn Stern learned how to practice law representing indigent clients for the Rockdale County Public Defender's Office - one of metro Atlanta's toughest places to be charged with a crime. In private practice, Glenn has continued to use that skill and training for decades, winning dismissals and reductions for his clients. A graduate of the Stetson University College of Law (nationally renowned for their trial advocacy program), Glenn gained valuable insight into how the "other side" works, trying cases for the Hillsborough County Florida District Attorney's Office as a third-year student. Call today...

With more than 20 years experience as one of metro Atlanta's premier criminal defense lawyers, David S. West has been recognized throughout Georgia and the southeast for his success defending difficult and high-profile criminal cases. Awarded America's coveted Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America award in 2013 and featured on CNN, FoxNews, 48 Hours and numerous other media outlets, Mr. West is now widely recognized as a leading criminal defense lawyer in his field. Mr. West is a Life Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, as well as the National Organization for the Reform of...

After years of representing indigent clients in matters ranging from traffic crimes to murder as an Assistant Public Defender in Miami, Eric Bernstein has transitioned into private criminal defense in the Metro Atlanta area and well beyond. Trained for years by some of most respected criminal defense attorneys in the business, Mr. Bernstein incorporates his trial skills and negotiation techniques on a daily basis with George Creal Jr., P.C. He has helped clients obtain justice in dozens of counties and municipalities all over the state of Georgia. Mr. Bernstein has also tried cases ranging from murder to...

Cawanna Anise McMichael “CAM” is a competent and experienced trial attorney in the West Georgia Area who has defended well over 1000 felony and misdemeanor cases in Superior, State, and Magistrate Courts throughout the State of Georgia.She has built a reputation as an attorney who works tirelessly to achieve the best possible results for her clients and keeps them engaged as she strategically maneuvers their case. CAM believes in transparent representation, she listens to her clients and involves them in every stage of litigation.

CAM was born and raised in Carrollton, Georgia. She is a proud Alumni of Central-Carroll High School,...

Alfred “Al” Edward Fargione, III
Al Fargione is an experienced civil and criminal litigator, having represented clients in high stakes civil and criminal litigation in State, Superior, and Federal Courts across Georgia. Mr. Fargione’s experience includes successfully proving an Uber driver’s innocence after the said driver was accused of sexually assaulting one of his fares and recovering insurance policy limits for those injured in automobile accidents.

Mr. Fargione received his Bachelor’s Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY; his J.D. from New England Law | Boston, where he was the Symposium Editor on the New England Law Review; and his LL.M....

With years of experience in the legal profession, I handle a diverse range of cases, specializing in criminal and civil defense. Moreover, I am dedicated to representing injured employees and personal injury victims. Our firm's extensive expertise allows us to offer comprehensive legal services to a wide array of clients. Additionally, my background in the military and various industries has instilled in me a strong commitment to delivering exceptional customer service to all my clients.

Attorney Scott Fortas has been practicing law in the state of Georgia since 1999. Attorney Fortas joined Hawkins, Spizman, Fortas in 2018 to further expand his practice and continue to fight for those in need. He heads the firm’s consumer advocacy and traffic divisions. Prior to joining Hawkins Spizman he founded the Fortas Law Group in 2006, a criminal defense, lemon law and auto fraud firm in Atlanta, Georgia to provide legal assistance to those in need of aggressive, experienced legal representation. Mr. Fortas managed the Georgia division of Krohn and Moss, Ltd. from 1999-2005 prior to forming The Fortas Law...

Ahmad Crews (Selected as a Georgia Super Lawyer Rising Star Recipient) tirelessly defends those accused of criminal misconduct and has built a strong reputation based on exhaustive preparation, creative and novel motions, and zealous courtroom advocacy. Ahmad's trial results, wherein he has achieved not guilty verdicts in seemingly unwinnable cases, reflects the commitment he gives his clients.

The Issa law firm is dedicated to providing personalized counsel and legal representation of the highest ethical and professional standards. Our firm attempts to work with people of all ages, ethnic and socio-economic groups, to provide personal legal services at an affordable price.

Our philosophy is that a personal, positive, results-oriented relationship with a client is the formula for mutual success. We provide our clients with first-rate legal representation, working with them to determine their goals and placing their interests first.

Our mission is to help our clients achieve their goals. Our success is measured in the thoughtful, creative, personalized representation and...

I am an attorney who has completely dedicated my practice to the area of criminal defense. I handle cases ranging from traffic tickets to capital murder. My geographic practice area includes metro Atlanta, west Georgia, and counties south of Atlanta. I have been endorsed by over 100 lawyers and countless former clients. My law partner, Dane Garland, also exclusively handles criminal cases in the west Georgia and metro area.

I am the only lawyer named as a SuperLawyer in the area of criminal defense in the west Georgia area. I am also AV rated...

As Diwan Law’s founder, Christopher J. Diwan has expertise in multiple areas of the law. He represents clients in cases involving Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Collection and Collection Defense, Criminal Defense, and other Litigation. Diwan Law, LLC. is a full-service law firm in Atlanta, GA that is dedicated to providing exceptional and personalized legal service to our clients. Diwan Law represents clients in cases involving civil rights law, traffic ticket defense, debt collection, premises liability, debt collection litigation defense, criminal defense, and more. EDUCATION J.D., Georgia State University College of Law, 2004 B.A., University of Georgia, 2001 JURISDICTIONS ADMITTED TO PRACTICE State Bar of Georgia,...

At The Sellers Law Firm, LLC, I practice primarily in family law and criminal defense, ranging from divorce, legitimation, adoption, deprivation, and custody cases to DUIs, misdemeanors, traffic citations, and major felonies. My firm is located in Griffin, Georgia, but I travel across the state to represent our clients. I also handle matters related to personal injury, workers compensation, medical malpractice, products liability, and wills/probate. If you are in need of an attorney now or you just want to ask a few questions, give me a call at The Sellers Law Firm: Where Clients...

Melanie is a results-driven DUI and criminal defense attorney. Her unique experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney and judicial candidate have provided her the knowledge and insight to contest her clients’ cases aggressively.
While in private practice, she is honored to have been recognized by her peers as a Super Lawyers’ Rising Star, one of the legal profession’s top achievements. By anonymous votes of Georgia lawyers, she was recognized for her legal work in the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 editions of Georgia Super Lawyers magazine. The Rising Star award is reserved for attorneys under the...

Tanya Miller is comfortable in the spotlight, whether engaging the judge and jury in the courtroom, appearing as a legal analyst and commentator on broadcast media, or leading high-profile cases that have earned national attention for her strategies and successes.

She is also a passionate advocate for each and every one of her clients, standing strong to give voice to the injured, the wrongfully accused, and those vulnerable to the vagaries of the criminal justice system. With thousands of hours spent face-to-face with witnesses and head-to-head with opposing counsel, Miller is Exhibit A for the value of extensive courtroom experience.

Aggressive yet...

Kim T. Stephens ranks as one of the most accomplished trial lawyers and attorneys in the state of Georgia. With more than twenty-five years of experience in litigation, he has won numerous awards for litigation and has successfully resolved high profile cases, defending professional and college athletes, doctors, police officers, and teachers charged with crimes ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony crimes. Kim has extensive experience in the areas of criminal law, personal injury, business and contract litigation, and probate law. He practices in all courts including federal courts and appellate courts, representing individuals charged with misdemeanor crimes, including DUI;...

As a member of the Georgia Bar, AJ Richman has handled thousands of cases including DUI, BUI, underage drinking, drugs, domestic violence, and probation violations. Mr. Richman’s high courtroom success is attributed to his in-depth knowledge of the law and exhaustive approach to investigating cases. Prior to representing those accused of committing crimes, Mr. Richman was a felony and misdemeanor prosecutor for the State of Georgia. With a certification in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and DUI detection from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while working for the State, Mr. Richman was chosen to instruct Forsyth and Lumpkin County police...

Stewart Bratcher is a trial attorney with over a decade of experience in Georgia courtrooms. Upon graduation from law school in 2005 he accepted a position as an Assistant District Attorney in the Cherokee Judicial Circuit (Bartow and Gordon Counties) where he remained employed until founding The Bratcher Firm. While employed as a prosecutor, Stewart handled thousands of criminal cases ranging from traffic violations to capital murder and tried over 100 cases to verdict before a jury or judge in Superior Court. As the office appellate specialist, Stewart served as appellate counsel in more than 20 cases and orally argued...

Jessica Towne is a respected attorney and former Gwinnett County prosecutor. She is the author of the books "How to Choose a Georgia DUI Lawyer" and "What You Should Know About Georgia DUI Laws." During her twenty-plus-year legal career, she has given dozens of lectures on constitutional law, trial practice, and the admissibility of scientific evidence in court. She is a member of many legal societies, and as served as President of both the Gwinnett County Bar Association and the Criminal Defense Section of Gwinnett County Bar Association, and as the Vice President of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense...

Tessie D. Edwards is an attorney that fights to find the right solutions for families in crisis. With her years of experience as a prosecutor, attorneys respect Tessie as an aggressive advocate who knows how to achieve clients’ objectives in and out of the courtroom. Clients see her compassionate side, where she and her team take the time to listen to gain a full understanding of the situation. With a passion for justice, Tessie started her career in criminal law, serving as an Assistant Solicitor General in Clayton County and an Assistant District Attorney in Fulton County. She prosecuted over 2,000...

Super Lawyers elected Spizman a Rising Star Every year since 2014. Since 2014 and every year thereafter, The National Trial Lawyers Association selected Spizman as a Top 40 Under 40 and as part of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America. Georgia Trend Magazine continues to recognize Spizman as part of their annual Legal Elite publication, from 2013 to the present. He has achieved a perfect rating on Avvo, a preeminent professional rating and review website, with over 170 five star reviews by his peers and former clients. Spizman regularly speaks nationally on trial strategies, defending DUI and criminal cases,...

Justin devotes his practice primarily to the areas of divorce, custody, and parental advocacy in DFCS matters. As an advocate for the rights of parents, Justin has realized his lifelong passion for helping others in their time of need. Through seven years of practice, Justin has represented a variety of clients in various matters throughout our legal system. He finds great satisfaction in seeing his client’s cases through to a successful resolution, regardless of the challenges that may exist with any particular case. Among his peers, Justin is well known to be a compassionate advocate for...

I specialize in criminal defense. I have never practiced any other type of law and, honestly, I don’t think I ever will. My mom always tells me that ever since I was young, I hated seeing anyone being picked on and I would immediately jump to their defense. My disdain for bullies has turned into my passion for protecting people’s rights and fighting for justice. Regardless of guilt or innocence, in my opinion, each person deserves to be treated with decency and respect. Nothing is more upsetting to me than watching prosecutors take advantage of vulnerable people. Which is why...

Prior to moving to Blairsville, Daniel was a partner in one of the largest law firms in the State of Florida, with over 400 attorneys. Through his work, Daniel was awarded the AV Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest ranking for ethics and legal ability.

Daniel earned his Bachelor of Arts from Emory University where he had the honor of interning with a U.S. Representative. Mr. Duello received his Juris Doctor from the Georgia State University School of Law.

Daniel and his wife Katherine moved to Blairsville to raise their children in a supportive, moral, and beautiful environment. Daniel...

Prior to attending law school, I served in the United States Army as an Infantry Officer. I served as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Mortar Platoon Leader, Instructor, Battalion Staff Officer and an Infantry Rifle Company Commander. I began practicing law in Canton, Georgia in 1993. After obtaining a Master of Laws concentrating in litigation, I logged several thousand hours in the courtroom developing a practice in domestic relations, criminal law and commercial litigation. In 2007 I was certified as a mediator, using my years of courtroom experience coupled with alternative dispute resolution training to help people resolve...

A criminal defense lawyer exclusively since 2005. We specialize in DUI, drug possession, family violence, and other criminal defense areas.

Alexia Davis is a trial tested attorney who has represented several hundred clients each year during her twelve years of law practice. She has advocated on behalf of my clients charged with offenses ranging from simple possession of marijuana and misdemeanor theft charges to felony drug trafficking charges and violent felonies of aggravated assault to murder.

I am a pure criminal defense attorney and I take great pride in that fact. Even before law school, my goal was to become one of the best criminal defense attorneys of my time. I realized that goal was achievable the very first time I stepped into a courtroom because advocating for my client gave me a true sense of purpose. Since then, my passion for helping people and defending them against the government continues to grow every day. To me, standing up for a person, who is being prosecuted by the government, is the most honorable act. I truly...

I was born in Stockbridge, Georgia, April 4, 1972: admitted to the bar 2004, State of Georgia. Education: University of West Georgia (B.S.Ed. 1990); Georgia State University College of Law (J.D. 2004); Atlanta Law School Full Scholarship Recipient; Received Honors in Litigation; Moot Court Qualifier; Phi Alpha Delta (Marshal); State Bar of Georgia; Secretary, Douglas County Bar Association; Former Instructor, National Rifle Association. PRACTICE AREAS: Family Law; Juvenile Law; Criminal Law; Adoption; Wills; Civil Litigation.