1. Prine Law Group
Focus Area: Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, Drug Offenses
Practice Areas: DUI charges, drug offenses, felony crimes, theft and shoplifting, juvenile offenses, domestic disputes, probation violations, traffic defense
Background: Founded in 2007 by Joseph R. Prine Jr., the firm has three attorneys with 38 combined years of practice. Joseph Prine (Charleston School of Law, admitted 2007) serves as Solicitor for Twiggs County Probate Court. Dylan “Zane” Hasty (Mercer Law magna cum laude, admitted 2019) serves as Assistant Solicitor for Twiggs County Probate Court and Perry Municipal Court. Michael Barber (Charleston School of Law, admitted 2011 in Georgia and South Carolina) has practiced in Middle Georgia since 2011. All attorneys are admitted to practice in Georgia Superior Courts and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. The firm has earned more than 85 five-star reviews from clients throughout Middle Georgia.
Location: 740 Mulberry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201
Contact: (478) 257-6333 | prinelaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Cooper, Barton & Cooper
Focus Area: Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation, Business Law
Practice Areas: Felonies, misdemeanors, drug crimes, DUI, violent crimes, sex crimes, theft crimes, juvenile crimes, white collar crimes, cyber crimes, domestic violence, federal cases, assault and battery
Background: The firm has 30+ years of combined knowledge and experience in criminal defense. The legal team includes experienced trial attorneys who have worked for judges and in various District Attorney’s offices in multiple states. The attorneys are experienced litigators who handle cases personally rather than delegating to paralegals or law clerks. The firm provides services in both English and Spanish.
Location: 170 College Street, Macon, GA 31201
Contact: (478) 202-7050 | cooperbarton.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
3. Carter & Foster LLC
Focus Area: Criminal Defense (exclusive focus)
Practice Areas: White collar crimes, family and domestic violence, drug offenses, violent offenses, DUI/DWI, parole and probation violations, sex offenses, kidnapping, murder/homicide, drug trafficking
Background: Carter & Foster LLC focuses exclusively on criminal defense representation. The firm is led by attorneys John Carter (Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, admitted 2000) and Andrew S. Foster (admitted 1994). Together, they have over 50 combined years of experience defending clients in state and federal courts throughout Middle Georgia. The attorneys personally track down witnesses, talk to neighbors, and aggressively investigate each case. They appear in court several days every week as active trial lawyers.
Location: 4885 Riverside Drive, Suite 310, Macon, GA 31210
Contact: (478) 216-3074 | maconcriminaldefense.com
Consultation: Free consultation available; jail visits can be arranged if necessary
4. Bushway Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, Violent Crimes
Practice Areas: Criminal law, drug crimes, violent crimes, DUI defense, traffic crime representation, probation violation representation
Background: Gregory Bushway has over 30 years of legal experience and opened his private practice in October 2013. Prior to that, he served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit. His prosecutorial experience provides insight into how the state builds cases. He has tried cases ranging from death penalty matters to DUI and has argued before the Georgia Supreme Court and litigated before the Georgia Court of Appeals. The firm is a member of The National Trial Lawyers.
Location: 923 Washington Ave., Macon, GA 31201
Contact: (478) 621-4995 | bushwaylawfirm.com
Consultation: Contact firm for consultation scheduling
5. Dozier Law
Focus Area: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, traffic offenses, drug charges (possession, trafficking, manufacturing), theft and shoplifting, violent crimes, white-collar offenses, sex crimes
Background: Dozier Law provides criminal defense representation from multiple Georgia offices, including Macon. The firm represents clients in state, federal, and municipal courts. They have experience representing military members stationed at Robins Air Force Base (RAFB) and civil servants. The firm handles cases at all stages, from initial investigation through trial and appeal. Attorney Zack Dozier has received recognition for professionalism and attentive case management.
Location: Macon Office (Middle Georgia region)
Contact: (478) 742-8441 | dozierlaw.com
Consultation: Free, confidential case consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Georgia
Felony vs. Misdemeanor Classifications
Georgia law distinguishes between felonies and misdemeanors based on potential incarceration time. A felony is defined under Georgia Code Section 16-1-3 as a crime punishable by death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment for more than 12 months. Misdemeanors carry a maximum jail sentence of 12 months. Georgia does not use a lettered or numbered classification system for felonies (such as Class A or Level 1). Instead, statutes specify maximum penalties on a crime-by-crime basis. Georgia recognizes “misdemeanors of a high and aggravated nature,” which carry up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $5,000, compared to standard misdemeanors with maximum fines of $1,000.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Georgia imposes mandatory minimum sentences for certain serious violent felonies, commonly referred to as the “seven deadly sins”: murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, aggravated sodomy, aggravated sexual battery, and aggravated child molestation. Conviction for any of these offenses results in a mandatory minimum sentence, typically 10 to 25 years without parole, and murder carries a mandatory life sentence. Drug trafficking offenses also carry mandatory minimums based on the type and quantity of controlled substance involved, ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment.
Repeat Offender Enhancements
Georgia has strict sentencing laws for repeat felony offenders. A second felony conviction (excluding the seven deadly sins) results in the maximum sentence allowed by law, with parole eligibility. A fourth felony conviction requires imprisonment for 100 percent of the sentence with no opportunity for parole. For a fourth serious violent felony conviction, the sentence is life imprisonment without parole.
Expungement and Record Restriction
Georgia does not allow true expungement (permanent deletion) of criminal records. Instead, the state uses a “record restriction” process under O.C.G.A. Section 35-3-37, which limits public access to certain records. Non-conviction records (dismissals, acquittals, no-bills) are generally eligible for restriction. Up to two misdemeanor convictions may be restricted four years after completing the sentence, provided the individual has no additional convictions or pending charges during that period. Certain misdemeanors, including family violence offenses and serious traffic violations, are excluded from restriction eligibility. Felony convictions can only be restricted if the individual receives a pardon from the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles, or if sentenced under the First Offender Act and the sentence is successfully completed.
Bail and Bond System
Georgia’s bail system underwent significant changes effective July 1, 2024, under Senate Bill 63. The system now distinguishes between “bail” (secured release requiring cash, surety, or property bond) and “unsecured judicial release” (release without a secured financial amount). Approximately 30 offenses, including 18 typically charged as misdemeanors, are now designated as “bail-restricted offenses” and require secured bonds rather than unsecured release. Repeat offenders (those previously arrested for any felony within seven years) are ineligible for unsecured judicial release on any charge. Bail amounts are determined by judges based on factors including the severity of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, financial resources, community ties, and flight risk. Professional bail bondsmen typically charge 12-15% of the total bail amount as a non-refundable fee.
Three Strikes / Recidivist Laws
Georgia operates a “two-strikes” system rather than a traditional three-strikes law. Under this framework, a second felony conviction results in the maximum allowable sentence for that offense. A fourth felony conviction mandates that the defendant serve 100% of the sentence without parole eligibility. For serious violent felonies (the “seven deadly sins”), a second conviction creates a rebuttable presumption that no conditions of release will ensure the defendant’s court appearance or community safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at a first appearance hearing in Bibb County, and how quickly does it occur after an arrest?
When you are arrested in Bibb County, your first appearance hearing typically occurs within 72 hours of your arrest. If arrested on a Friday night, the first appearance is generally held Saturday morning at the Bibb County Jail. During this hearing, a judge will read your charges, explain your constitutional rights, and address the issue of bond. Having an attorney present at this stage can be important for arguing for reasonable bond conditions or release.
Can I get a DUI conviction removed from my record in Georgia?
Georgia law does not permit restriction or sealing of DUI convictions. If you were convicted of DUI, that conviction remains on your criminal record permanently. However, if your DUI charge was dismissed, reduced to a lesser offense, or resulted in an acquittal, you may be eligible to have the arrest record restricted. Georgia also maintains a 10-year lookback period for DUI offenses, meaning prior DUI convictions within that timeframe affect sentencing for subsequent charges.
What is the difference between Bibb County Superior Court and Bibb County State Court for criminal cases?
Bibb County Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, while Bibb County State Court handles misdemeanor cases. Additionally, Macon Recorder’s Court addresses traffic offenses and city ordinance violations. Each court has different judges, prosecutors, and procedural rules. The court where your case is heard depends on the severity of the charge, and understanding these distinctions is important for developing an appropriate defense strategy.
How does Georgia’s First Offender Act work, and who is eligible?
Georgia’s First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. Section 42-8-60) allows certain individuals with no prior felony convictions to avoid a formal conviction on their record if they successfully complete all terms of their sentence, including probation. If you qualify and complete your sentence without violations, the case is discharged without adjudication of guilt, and your record may be restricted. First Offender status is not available for all offenses, and acceptance is at the judge’s discretion. If you violate the terms of your First Offender sentence, the judge can revoke the status and impose any sentence that could have been originally given.
What are the consequences of refusing a breathalyzer test during a DUI stop in Macon?
Under Georgia’s implied consent law, refusing a breathalyzer or chemical test during a lawful DUI stop triggers an automatic administrative license suspension for one year. This suspension is separate from any criminal penalties that may result from the DUI charge itself. You have 30 days from the date of arrest to request an administrative hearing to contest the suspension. While a refusal may limit the evidence the prosecution can use against you, prosecutors can still pursue DUI charges based on officer observations, field sobriety test results, and other evidence. An attorney can advise whether challenging the refusal or negotiating the charges is the appropriate strategy for your situation.