Atlanta is home to both state courts operating under Georgia criminal law and federal courts in the Northern District of Georgia, creating one of the most complex criminal defense environments in the Southeast. The city’s position as a major metropolitan hub means criminal cases range from DUI and drug possession charges in Fulton and DeKalb County State Courts to large-scale federal white-collar prosecutions in the Northern District’s Atlanta courthouse. Georgia’s criminal sentencing framework includes mandatory minimums for certain drug and violent offenses, and the state’s recidivist statutes can dramatically increase punishment for repeat offenders, making skilled defense representation critical from the earliest stages of a case. Atlanta’s courts are heavily docketed, and experienced local attorneys who understand specific judges, prosecutors, and courtroom procedures have a significant practical advantage over out-of-state counsel.
When choosing a criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, determine whether they practice in the specific court where your case is pending — state and federal criminal procedure differ substantially, and not every attorney is admitted to federal court practice. Ask how many jury trials the attorney has personally conducted and what percentage of their caseload involves charges similar to yours. Former prosecutors on the defense side can offer valuable insight into how the government builds its case, but this background alone does not guarantee trial skill. Red flags include attorneys who promise specific outcomes, those who recommend pleading guilty at the initial consultation before reviewing all evidence, and firms where you cannot reach the attorney directly throughout the case.
Top Criminal Justice Attorney Companies in Atlanta
1. Garland, Samuel & Loeb, P.C.
Leadership: Edward Garland, Donald Samuel, Robin Loeb, John Garland, Amanda Clark Palmer
Address: Garland Law Building, 3151 Maple Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 262-2225
Website: https://www.gsllaw.com
Services:
- State and federal criminal defense
- White-collar crime defense
- Appeals and post-conviction relief
- Personal injury litigation
- Business dispute litigation
About: Garland, Samuel & Loeb traces its history to the 1920s when founder Reuben Garland became the South’s most prominent criminal trial lawyer, holding the record for the largest civil damages verdict in Georgia at the time. The firm has operated continuously for over 70 years and currently has nine attorneys including five partners. Partner Don Samuel is the author of multiple publications recognized as definitive references for criminal defense attorneys across the country. The firm’s dual expertise in criminal defense and civil litigation gives it a distinctive breadth of advocacy skill that few Atlanta firms match.
2. Kohn & Yager, LLC
Phone: (404) 567-5515
Website: https://www.georgiacriminaldefense.com
Services:
- DUI defense
- Drug possession and trafficking defense
- Felony and misdemeanor defense
- Jury trial representation
- Plea negotiation
About: Kohn & Yager is a criminal defense firm whose attorneys carry an average of over 30 years of criminal law experience, giving the practice substantial depth in both Georgia state courts and federal proceedings. The firm operates four office locations across Georgia, making it accessible to clients in Atlanta and the surrounding metro region. Their attorneys have handled jury trials and complex criminal matters across the full spectrum of charges, from DUI and drug cases to serious felony allegations. The firm’s multi-decade track record in Georgia courts provides meaningful familiarity with local prosecution practices and sentencing patterns.
3. Law Office of Matthew T. McNally
Phone: (678) 918-4421
Website: https://www.mtmlegal.com
Services:
- Criminal defense representation
- DUI defense
- Drug charges
- Assault and violent crime defense
- Theft and property crime defense
- Federal criminal defense
About: Matthew T. McNally brings nearly 20 years of criminal law experience to his Atlanta practice, including substantial time as an Assistant District Attorney in the Coweta and Cobb County judicial circuits before transitioning to defense work. His prosecutorial background provides direct insight into how district attorneys build cases, select charges, and approach plea negotiations, which he applies strategically on behalf of his clients. The firm provides individualized attention and direct attorney access throughout the representation. McNally’s combined experience on both sides of the courtroom positions him to anticipate prosecution strategy and identify weaknesses in the government’s case at an early stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do immediately after being arrested in Atlanta?
A: Exercise your right to remain silent beyond providing your identifying information, and request an attorney before answering any questions. Do not consent to searches of your vehicle or property, and do not discuss the facts of your case with cellmates, friends, or family while in custody, as those conversations are not privileged. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible — an experienced Atlanta attorney can sometimes intervene before formal charges are filed, attend your first appearance hearing, and work on securing favorable bond conditions.
Q: How much does a criminal defense attorney in Atlanta typically cost?
A: Fees vary significantly based on the complexity and severity of the charges. Misdemeanor representation in Atlanta courts typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 for a flat fee. Felony cases commonly run from $5,000 to $25,000 or more depending on the seriousness of the charges and whether the case goes to trial. Federal criminal defense is generally more expensive, with retainers of $10,000 to $50,000 common for complex federal proceedings that require extensive pretrial investigation and motion practice. Most Atlanta criminal defense attorneys require a retainer before beginning representation.
Q: What is the difference between a state and federal criminal case in Atlanta?
A: State criminal cases in Atlanta are prosecuted by the Fulton County District Attorney or the City of Atlanta Solicitor and are heard in Fulton County Superior Court or State Court. Federal criminal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia and are tried in the Richard B. Russell Federal Building and United States Courthouse in downtown Atlanta. Federal sentencing guidelines are more structured and often result in longer sentences than state court outcomes for comparable conduct, and the acquittal rate in federal cases is lower than in state court, making early and aggressive defense strategy especially important.
Conclusion
Facing criminal charges in Atlanta requires an attorney with specific knowledge of Georgia courts, local prosecution practices, and the procedural distinctions between state and federal proceedings. Garland, Samuel & Loeb brings over 70 years of Atlanta courtroom history and nationally recognized defense scholarship. Kohn & Yager offers multi-location access and attorneys averaging over three decades of criminal defense experience. The Law Office of Matthew T. McNally leverages former prosecutorial experience to anticipate and counter the government’s approach. Contact any of these firms immediately if you are under investigation or facing charges.