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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Athens

Our Recommended Top 14

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Athens Criminal Defense Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

95

Reviewed

62

Curated

14

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
4402 Lawrenceville Road, Loganville, GA 30052

Why choose this provider?

Frost & Carey LLC offers professional counsel and representation in a variety of legal areas, including criminal defense. Its team has more than two years of experience fighting on behalf of those accused of criminal offenses such as assault, drug possession, and DUIs. Attorney Bryan H. Frost is admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Georgia. He previously served as an assistant district attorney in the Alcovy Judicial Circuit.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Tyler Carey - Managing Partner8 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
FindLaw
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
924 Cherokee Avenue, Monroe, GA 30655

Why choose this provider?

Wosnik Law is a criminal defense law firm in the Athens area. Attorney Peter J. Wosnik handles cases for individuals who are facing charges for crimes such as assault, theft, and DUI. He is experienced in handling complex cases, including those with multiple charges. In addition to criminal law, this firm also handles cases pertaining to divorce and child custody. Peter J. Wosnik was named a Top 40 Under 40 attorney by the National Trial Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Peter Wosnik - Principal7 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (61)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (32)
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (12)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1055 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30606

Why choose this provider?

Persons needing a criminal lawyer in Athens can rely on the Law Offices of J. Lee Web. This firm has been serving clients in the area for more than 25 years, taking on a variety of complex criminal cases including those with multiple charges or serious offenses such as homicide or sex crimes. Attorney J. Lee Web has been provided an AV-Preeminent peer rating by Martindale Hubbell and has been recognized by Super Lawyers, as well as Avvo.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jerry Webb - Principal29 yrs
Jerry Webb - Principal29 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.8 / 5 (21)
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (17)
Facebook
4.2 / 5 (12)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2405 West Broad Street, Athens, GA 30606

Why choose this provider?

Cowsert Heath LLP has been helping clients in the Athens area for more than 20 years. This firm handles a variety of criminal defense cases, including sexual misconduct, retail theft, and assault. In addition to criminal law, this firm also handles cases in legal areas such as real estate and business litigation. It has been provided an AV-Preeminent peer rating by Martindale-Hubbell and received a Best's Client Recommended award in 2018.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
William Cowsert - Partner41 yrs
William Cowsert - Founding Partner41 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
220 College Avenue, Athens, GA 30601

Why choose this provider?

Individuals in need of a criminal justice attorney in Athens can contact the Olson Law Office LLC. This firm is dedicated to providing sound counsel and aggressive representation for clients who have been charged with criminal offenses such as assault, theft, and homicide. In addition to criminal law, attorney Olson also assists clients in family law matters and personal injury claims. He is admitted to practice in state and federal courts throughout Georgia.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
William Olson - Principal18 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (62)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
P.O. Box 102, Athens, GA 30603

Why choose this provider?

Nancee Tomlinson LLC is a criminal lawyer in Athens. She provides legal defense for clients of all ages, including juvenile offenders, when they've been charged with criminal offenses. Her focus is on helping her clients obtain a fair trial and whenever possible, she strives to have charges against her clients dropped or reduced. In addition to criminal law, Nancee Tomlinson also practices family law and provides mediation and arbitration services.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Nancee Tomlinson - Principal24 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.8 / 5 (4)
Avvo
3.0 / 5 (2)

Website
244 East Washington Street, Athens, GA 30601

Why choose this provider?

Ryan J. Swingle Attorney at Law LLC is a criminal justice attorney in Athens. He is experienced and focused on helping his clients protect their futures by providing aggressive representation in court and striving to have all charges against his clients dismissed. Typical cases handled by Ryan J. Swingle include DUIs, rape, assault, and theft. He was a 2018 recipient of an Avvo Clients' Choice Award and holds memberships in the State Bar of Georgia and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Ryan Swingle - Founding Attorney25 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (61)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (11)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
490 North Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 30601

Why choose this provider?

Wiltshire Defense provides legal counsel and representation for clients in the Athens area. This firm handles a variety of criminal charges, including assault, homicide, theft, and sexual misconduct. Managing attorney Mo Wiltshire is a former prosecutor who is now focused on helping individuals preserve their rights when faced with criminal charges. He has been provided an AV-Preeminent peer rating by Martindale-Hubbell and is a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Morris Wiltshire - Principal30 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (82)
Google
4.8 / 5 (41)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1220 Langford Drive Building 200, Suite 101, Watkinsville, GA 30677

Why choose this provider?

Epps, Holloway, DeLoach, & Hoipkemier is a law firm in Watkinsville that features criminal defense attorneys serving clients in the Athens metro area. The firm provides services for individuals who have been charged with crimes such as vehicular homicide, drug cases, domestic violence, theft, arson, and other major offenses. Epps, Holloway, DeLoach, & Hoipkemier also handles civil litigation as well as estate planning and elder law matters. The law firm values integrity, excellence, and service.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jeffrey Deloach - Partner21 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Facebook
4.0 / 5 (4)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1160 South Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 30605

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2002, Eberhardt & Hale LLP is a criminal defense law firm that handles a variety of cases for clients in the Athens area. This firm's attorneys work hard to help clients clear their names when they've been charged with crimes such as white collar offenses and DUIs. In addition to criminal law, the firm also provides representation in mater such as property litigation and personal injury claims. Managing attorney M. Eric Eberhardt is a former assistant district attorney and is admitted to practice in all courts throughout Georgia.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
William Hale - Partner35 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
0.3

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
201 N. East Street, Greensboro, GA 30642

Why choose this provider?

E.J. Boswell Law Office features a criminal defense attorney near Athens. This firm is dedicated to helping its clients defend themselves in court when facing charges such as aggravated assault, theft, or domestic violence. Its team works hard to preserve its clients' freedoms and whenever possible, to help them avoid jail time. Managing attorney E.J. Boswell also provides his services in DUI defense cases, as well as matters pertaining to family law and estate planning.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
E.J. Boswell - Principal20 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
150 East Washington Street Suite B, Athens, GA 30601

Why choose this provider?

Daniels & Rothman PC has been helping clients in the Athens area for more than 50 years. This firm handles all levels of criminal offenses, ranging from state-level misdemeanors to federal felonies and capital crimes. Attorney Jeffrey A. Rothman is exclusively focused on criminal defense and commonly works with those defending themselves in DUI cases. He is a member of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a founding member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Gregory Daniels - Partner34 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (49)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)
Justia
10.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
302 North Broad Street, Monroe, GA 30655

Why choose this provider?

Foster, Hanks, & Ballard LLC is a criminal defense law firm that provides legal representation and counsel for clients in Athens and throughout the city's nearby areas. This firm handles all types of criminal charges, including summary, misdemeanor, and federal offenses. Typical clients include those who've been charged with crimes such as murder, theft, and drug offenses. This firm also practices in several other legal areas, such as personal injury and family law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Marcy Hanks - Partner25 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (98)
Google
4.8 / 5 (43)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (15)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
337 South Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 30605

Why choose this provider?

Crawford and Boyle LLC is a criminal defense law firm that serves clients in Athens and throughout its surrounding areas. The firm is focused on providing aggressive representation for individuals who've been accused of crimes such as DUIs, theft, assault, and domestic violence. It's been named a Top 40 Under 40 and a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers and is a member of the National College for DUI Defense.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Eric Crawford - Managing Partner19 yrs
David Boyle - Partner27 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (62)
Facebook
4.3 / 5 (43)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Athens, Georgia?

    The non-emergency contact number of Athens is 706-613-3345.

  • What if Athens police didn't read you Miranda warnings?

    Because there is little questioning after an arrest in an Athens DUI case, Miranda warnings are not required. However, the law requires that you be informed of your right to counsel and your right to remain silent in some criminal proceedings. Even though this can stop law enforcement from questioning you, it is still preferable to remain silent because any voluntary remarks you make could be used against you later.

  • Can I keep my driver's license with any type of drug charge in Athens?

    Your license in Athens will remain valid in the event of a marijuana arrest, as long as you do not plead guilty. This applies to scenarios, including possession, manufacturing, intent to distribute, and drug paraphernalia charges. Regardless of whether you were not driving when apprehended, pleading guilty could still result in the suspension of your license.

  • What separates a misdemeanor from a felony charge in Athens?

    The possibility of a prison sentence is the main difference between a misdemeanor and a felony case. In Georgia, the state where Athens is located, a person convicted of a misdemeanor faces a maximum sentence of one year in county jail. Felony convictions, on the other hand, carry a minimum imprisonment sentence of at least one year and a maximum of 25 years or perhaps life in prison, depending on the offense. They also serve this in prison.

  • What defines a minor in possession of alcohol in Athens?

    Those under the age of 21 who were found with alcohol are considered minors in possession of alcohol. This includes having alcohol on you—for example, by holding a beer—or having it in your system. The latter is known as possession by consumption, and you may be arrested even if you are not carrying any physical alcohol on you.

  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of hiring a public defender vs a skilled criminal defense attorney in Athens?

    There is a noticeable cost difference between hiring an experienced criminal attorney and choosing a public defender for legal counsel in Athens, with the latter being the less expensive choice. The disadvantage is that they might not have as many resources or as much experience as professional attorneys. A private attorney would likely focus on a smaller number of cases, as opposed to the hundreds of cases that public defenders sometimes handle at once. A skilled private attorney would also have access to broader resources, specialized training, and other support that a public defender would not have.