McDonough Criminal Lawyers

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...

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....

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...

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...

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.

Kim Keheley Frye is a Georgia criminal defense trial attorney with experience defending the accused in over 50 felony and misdemeanor jury trials. A graduate of the University of Georgia and the Georgia State University School of Law. Kim had experience as a Defender-Advocate, Honor Court and the Student Trial teams while in school. Previously working as a prosecutor in both felony and misdemeanor court gives Kim special insight into the workings of the prosecution and law enforcement. In 2008, Frye Law Group was born as a law office to champion and protect the rights of the accused. Kim has...

Saraliene is a criminal defense attorney with over 15 years of experience fighting for her clients in state and federal court. She has argued many times before the federal and state appellate courts. She has appeared on Court TV as a criminal defense expert to discuss high profile cases. Let her use her expertise to help you win your case.

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...

E. Jay Abt is a trial-oriented criminal defense attorney who understands that his clients are facing one of the most challenging moments of their life. Mr. Abt defends those who are facing serious charges with skilled and aggressive defense tactics. After studying Japanese history at Emory University, E. Jay Abt graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in 1992. He then continued his education at Emory Law School and graduated in 1995. In 2000, Mr. Abt Founded Abt Law Firm, LLC in Atlanta, Georgia on the principle that all who face criminal charges deserve a fighting chance in court. For the...

Ecleynne Mercy is a proud graduate of Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a graduate of Western Michigan University Cooley Law School with a concentration in Litigation.

Ecleynne started her legal career as an indigent defense attorney in Clayton County. Later, as an associate with the Cochran Firm, Ecleynne was devoted in representing clients in their pursuit of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Ecleynne Mercy and her colleagues went to Ferguson, Missouri to act as legal observers for the ongoing protests involving the death of Michael Brown. The National Conference of Black...

Justin Goodman is a 2006 graduate of the Georgia State University College of Law and a 2001 graduate of Emory University. While in law school, he targeted his professional development on the practice of criminal law through internships with the Georgia Innocence Project and the Federal Defender Program for the Northern District of Georgia. He further developed his legal skills as a vocal advocate for those in need through an internship with Atlanta Legal Aid as well as his participation in the Fulton County Jail Project, for which he was awarded the College of Law's Public Service Award.

Justin next developed...

George C. Creal, Jr., P.C. is a law firm concentrating in DUI Defense and Personal Injury and Work Injury Prosecution. We have represented thousands of individuals arrested for DUI, secured over 100 not guilty jury verdicts for our clients and secured millions of dollars in settlements and judgments for those injured at work and through the negligence of others. As reflected in our 5 star client reviews across the internet, our dedication to customer service and the well-being of our clients are second to none. Rated AV Preeminent on Martindale.com and 10.0/10.0 on Avvo.com. If you are in Metro Atlanta...

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....

PHONE CONSULT AVAILABLE. I have personal experience in thousands of criminal cases, ranging from minor traffic offenses to serious felonies. In almost a decade of practice, I have worked with hundreds of judges and prosecutors and have appeared in court thousands of times. I know the system and how to work my knowledge to your advantage.

EXCLUSIVE PRACTICE - My practice is limited to Criminal, DUI, and Traffic defense cases. I am not a general practitioner who handles many different types of law. Criminal law has been my focus area since I became a lawyer in 2010.

TEAM APPROACH - When...

Parag Y. Shah is a personal injury and criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Rhodes College in 2003 and went on to receive his law degree from Ohio Northern University in 2006. After doing indigent work and practicing with a small firm, Mr. Shah started his own law firm, The Shah Law Firm, specializing in personal injury and criminal defense. Mr. Shah is a member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association of Justice, the Solo and Small Firm Section of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Criminal Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers,...

Awarded among the top 100 lawyers in Georgia by the National Trial Lawyers and Top 100 Super Lawyer as published in Atlanta Magazine, Rick has earned the reputation for being among the best DUI lawyers not only in Gwinnett County, but anywhere in Georgia. He earned this reputation as a top lawyer by fearlessly defending difficult DUI cases. He was also awarded The Most Amazing Winning Streak (2011), DUI Lawyer of the Year (2009) and the Most Amazing verdict of Acquittal by the Georgia DODD group. Rick Ryczek tirelessly defends those accused of DUI, and challenges himself...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Peter J. Wosnik is a talented trial lawyer who has defended people in hundreds of felony and misdemeanor criminal cases throughout Georgia. He has taken multiple cases to trial and has achieved not-guilty verdicts for charges such as drug trafficking and possession, battery, and criminal trespass. Pete tried his first felony case before getting his bar results and achieved not-guilty verdicts on both charges for his client. In addition to acquittals, he has helped clients receive dismissals in charges of aggravated assault, child cruelty, robbery, burglary, criminal damage to property, theft by taking, and more. Beyond success in criminal cases, Pete...

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...

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.

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...

James Yeargan is one of the most respected, and sought after DUI attorneys in the state. His successful defense record, and unprecedented devotion to his clients, has earned him this honor. Mr. Yeargan’s reputation as a tenacious DUI practitioner, coupled with his remarkable trial strategy and indomitable presence in the courtroom, have earned him the moniker “DUI Jim” throughout the Atlanta community, and Georgia at large. It is his dedication to his clients that makes Mr. Yeargan’s DUI practice so unique and sought after.

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.

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,...

Attorney Dwayne L. Brown always puts his clients first, working hard to build a strong attorney-client relationship that’s based on trust and that produces real results. By effectively and expertly managing each case and giving clients the attention and interaction they deserve, Brown has earned a stellar reputation for client satisfaction and collected millions of dollars in compensation for his many clients from all over Alabama and throughout the United States. “I have always believed that the law is the greatest weapon against tyranny and injustice,” Brown says. “Injustice is like a deep sea of water that if not contained will...

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 have been involved in the criminal justice system for over 38 years. After all that time, I still like the work of representing clients. Everyone is human, and most of us make mistakes from time to time. Even those who did nothing wrong occasionally find themselves involved in a matter that spins out of control. Relying on my 38 years’ worth of experience in doing this work, I try to remember that I cannot judge what happened when I am asked to represent someone under investigation or being prosecuted for a supposed crime. Instead, my goal at first is...

Joshua Brownlee is a native of Georgia. Mr. Brownlee received his B.A. from Georgia State University and his J.D. from John Marshall Law School. While at John Marshall, Mr. Brownlee was a member of the school's mock trial team. Mr. Brownlee was the recipient of the 2009-2010 Judge Harold R. Banke Advocacy Award for outstanding performance on the mock trial team. Throughout law school, Mr. Brownlee dedicated himself to protecting indigent rights by volunteering at both the Metro Conflict Defender Office and DeKalb County Public Defender's Office. During this time, Mr. Brownlee had the opportunity to sit...

Chadwick D. Plumley is a native of Paulding County, Georgia. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1993 with a B.A. in History and received his law degree from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. Chad graduated from law school cum laude in 1997, and served on the Mercer Law review for two years. He is a member of both the Tennessee bar and the Georgia bar. Chad served as an Associate Magistrate Judge for Paulding County from 2003-2010, and has served as the Municipal Court Judge for the City of Hiram since 2011. He...

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,...

I was an attorney/partner with the firm of Chambless, Higdon, Richardson, Katz and Griggs for 15 years. I left the firm at the end of 2015 and went out on my own as a sole practitioner. I have handled cases involving criminal defense, traffic tickets, workers' compensation, personal injury and wills, estates and probate. During my entire career of 21 years, I have handled numerous criminal cases involving murder, rape, armed robbery, theft by taking, theft by receiving, fraud, identify theft and many others. I also handle traffic tickets that involving driving under the influence, driving...

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...

Richard A. Grossman is an experienced Atlanta Criminal Defense Attorney. He is committed to zealous representation for federal and state criminal defense cases, with particular expertise in drug offenses. Attorney Richard A. Grossman is dedicated to protecting the rights of the accused.

When you are facing federal criminal charges, you need a lawyer with proven skill, experience and knowledge. Attorney Richard A. Grossman has defended hundreds of clients in federal and state criminal cases, including more than a dozen clients on appeal to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. He is also admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for...

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...