1. Davis, Chapman & Wilder, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 30+ years collective experience and trial expertise
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, domestic violence, assault, battery, theft, traffic offenses
Background: At Davis, Chapman, and Wilder, LLC, they understand that clients come to them in times of great personal distress and face severe potential consequences. They strive to provide compassionate and thorough representation and counseling. The attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers who work together to ensure that each client receives exceptional representation. With decades of collective experience as criminal defense attorneys in Augusta, GA, the lawyers know the law, the courts, and the local prosecutors. Not only do they have the skill to expertly negotiate cases on clients’ behalf, but they are also prepared to zealously represent clients in a trial when necessary. If you have been charged with a crime, call the office immediately to speak with one of the lawyers about your case. Do not delay when your liberty is at stake. There is no substitute for experience. Being a law firm, they bring 30+ years of collective experience to defending clients who are charged with crimes. They’ve defended thousands of clients charged with criminal cases like theft, reckless driving, vandalism, DUI, domestic violence, and more.
Location: Augusta, Georgia (serves Richmond County and surrounding areas)
Contact: (706) 200-1578 | https://www.dcwattorneys.com/
Consultation: Complimentary consultation available
2. Keith B. Johnson, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Top 100 Trial Lawyers recognition and former judge experience
Practice Areas: Criminal defense, assault, aggravated assault, drug crimes, theft, violent crimes, federal crimes
Background: Keith B. Johnson was named one of the Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the United States by the National Trial Lawyers Association. He was selected to the Super Lawyers 2017-2022 Georgia Rising Stars list, an honor reserved for those lawyers who exhibit excellence in practice. Only 2% of attorneys in Georgia received this distinction. Keith was featured in a USA Today article, “Justice in My Town” discussing the future of policing in America. In 2013, at the age of 30, he was appointed by the Judges of the Augusta Judicial Circuit to serve as an associate Juvenile Court Judge for the Augusta Judicial Circuit. This made him one of the youngest judges in the State of Georgia at the time of his appointment. Keith served as Chief Judge of the Augusta Judicial Circuit Juvenile Court prior to the Augusta Judicial Circuit split in 2021. Keith continues to serve as an associate juvenile court judge in the newly formed Columbia Judicial Circuit, while still maintaining his private criminal practice. He is a member of the South Carolina and Georgia Bar Associations. As a criminal defense attorney, Keith has handled thousands of criminal cases in Georgia and South Carolina state and federal courts.
Location: Enterprise Mill, 1450 Greene St., Suite 226, Augusta, Georgia
Contact: (706) 426-4233 | https://www.augusta-criminallawyer.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
3. Plunkett, Hamilton, Manton & Graves, LLP
Focus Area: Full-service criminal defense with Augusta and Evans offices
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: At Plunkett, Hamilton, Manton & Graves, LLP, the attorneys are supportive of every client in effectively navigating the criminal justice system and they carry the necessary experience in all areas of the law. They are aggressive, effective criminal defense lawyers in Augusta, Georgia, seeking to protect the rights of every client. The attorneys are skilled in effectively asserting your rights in court. They will protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. From your initial consultation through the final resolution of your case, you can trust the team of criminal defense attorneys to remain dedicated to your rights and freedoms. They treat every client with dignity and respect and are committed to ensuring that their rights are protected throughout the criminal process. Plunkett, Hamilton, Manton & Graves, LLP is a full service law firm located in Augusta, Georgia. They represent clients in Columbia County, Richmond County, Augusta, Evans, Martinez and the surrounding areas in the CSRA and Eastern Georgia.
Location: Augusta, Georgia (also Evans office)
Contact: (706) 722-4111 (Augusta) or (706) 650-2100 (Evans) | https://www.phmglaw.com/
Consultation: Consultation available
4. J. Pete Theodocion, Attorney at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 20+ years experience in federal and state offenses
Practice Areas: Federal drug charges, white collar crimes, fraud, violent crimes, felonies
Background: In a criminal prosecution, the government has built-in advantages. They determine who is charged, what crimes are charged and when prosecution takes place. The government has unlimited resources with which to prosecute you. Essentially, the government has all the power. How can this possibly be a fair fight? The only way to make this a fair fight is to enlist a criminal law attorney who is capable of outperforming the attorney for the government. You want a relentless advocate who has a demonstrated reputation for going up against the government and winning. J. Pete Theodocion is an experienced Augusta criminal defense lawyer. For more than 20 years, he has fought aggressively on behalf of people who have been charged with serious federal and state criminal offenses. With a long and growing record of obtaining dismissals, securing favorable plea agreements and winning trials, he is recognized as one of the most experienced and successful criminal defense lawyers in the state of Georgia. His goal in every case is to obtain the most favorable outcome possible, and his record is proof of his ability to obtain positive results in even the most serious cases involving federal drug charges, white collar crimes, fraud and violent crimes.
Location: Augusta, Georgia
Contact: (706) 250-8762 | https://www.georgia-criminalattorney.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Claridge Law Firm LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with husband/wife attorney team and personalized attention
Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence
Background: At Claridge Law Firm LLC, they believe that understanding their clients is just as important as understanding the law. They will listen to what clients have to say. They need to hear your story because how else can they effectively represent you? The lawyers, Roger and Barbara Claridge, care about your well-being and helping you resolve your case. That is why, when you work with them, they will strive to resolve your legal problem in a prompt and timely manner. At Claridge Law Firm in Augusta, Georgia, the husband/wife team of lawyers handles criminal defense, family law and more. When your life, livelihood and future are at risk, the attorneys are tenacious about protecting your rights. They resolve legal conflicts, such as family law, personal injury and criminal defense, in a prompt and timely manner by using effective strategies that aim to advance clients’ goals, mitigate risk and pursue success. If you are facing criminal charges, they can come to your defense. They will leverage their negotiation and litigation skills to help defend and protect your rights.
Location: Augusta, Georgia
Contact: (706) 860-4500 | https://www.claridgelawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Georgia
Felony Classifications
Georgia does not use a traditional class system. Felonies are categorized by specific penalties:
Life Felony: Includes murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, and aggravated sexual battery. Penalty ranges from life imprisonment to death for certain offenses.
Serious Violent Felonies: Includes murder, felony murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy, and aggravated sexual battery. These offenses require serving 100% of the sentence.
Other Felonies: Penalties vary by statute, generally ranging from 1-20 years imprisonment.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Misdemeanor: Most misdemeanors carry maximum 12 months in jail and $1,000 fine.
High and Aggravated Misdemeanor: Certain offenses carry enhanced penalties up to 12 months in jail and $5,000 fine.
First Offender Act
Georgia’s First Offender Act allows first-time offenders to plead guilty without a conviction:
Eligibility: Available for most first-time offenders who have never been convicted of a felony. Not available for certain serious offenses.
Effect: Upon successful completion of the sentence, the defendant is discharged without a conviction. The record can later be restricted.
Expungement and Record Restriction
Georgia allows record restriction (similar to expungement) for certain cases:
Eligible Records: Dismissals, acquittals, and certain first offender discharges are eligible for restriction.
Effect: Record is hidden from most background checks but remains accessible to law enforcement.
DUI Laws
Georgia DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense carries 10 days to 12 months jail (24 hours mandatory), $300-$1,000 fine, 12-month license suspension, and DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program. Second offense within 10 years carries 90 days to 12 months jail (72 hours mandatory), $600-$1,000 fine, 3-year license suspension (hard suspension for 18 months), and 30 days community service. Third offense within 10 years is a high and aggravated misdemeanor with 120 days to 12 months jail (15 days mandatory), $1,000-$5,000 fine, and 5-year license revocation. Fourth offense within 10 years is a felony with 1-5 years prison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Augusta?
Criminal cases in Augusta are handled by multiple courts depending on the offense. Augusta-Richmond County State Court handles misdemeanors. Richmond County Superior Court handles felony cases. The Augusta Judicial Circuit serves Richmond County. Magistrate Court handles preliminary hearings and certain minor offenses. Federal criminal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, Augusta Division. Having an Augusta criminal defense attorney familiar with local judges and prosecutors in Richmond County provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What is Georgia’s First Offender Act?
Georgia’s First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. 42-8-60) allows first-time offenders to plead guilty without being convicted. The defendant enters a guilty plea, and the court defers a finding of guilt and places the defendant on probation. Upon successful completion of the sentence, the defendant is discharged without a conviction on their record. The defendant can later petition to restrict (seal) the record. The First Offender Act is not available for certain serious offenses including serious violent felonies, sex offenses requiring registration, and DUI. An Augusta criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and negotiate for First Offender treatment.
What are the penalties for drug possession in Georgia?
Georgia has different penalties depending on the drug and amount. Possession of marijuana (less than 1 oz) is a misdemeanor with up to 12 months jail and $1,000 fine. Possession of marijuana (more than 1 oz) is a felony with 1-10 years prison. Possession of controlled substances (Schedule I or II, first offense) is a felony with 2-15 years prison. Possession of controlled substances (second offense) is a felony with 5-30 years prison. Possession with intent to distribute carries enhanced penalties. Georgia has no recreational marijuana legalization. An Augusta criminal defense attorney can evaluate defenses and negotiate for drug court or conditional discharge.
What happens if I am charged with DUI in Richmond County?
A DUI charge in Richmond County carries serious consequences. First offense carries 10 days to 12 months jail (24 hours mandatory), $300-$1,000 fine, 12-month license suspension (may be eligible for limited permit after 120 days), DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program, and community service. Enhanced penalties apply for BAC of .15% or higher or if there was an accident. Second offense within 10 years carries 90 days to 12 months jail (72 hours mandatory), $600-$1,000 fine, 3-year license suspension, and 30 days community service. Third offense is a high and aggravated misdemeanor. Fourth offense is a felony. An Augusta criminal defense attorney can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and chemical test results.
Can I get my Georgia criminal record restricted or expunged?
Georgia allows record restriction (similar to expungement) for certain cases. Eligible records include arrests without conviction (dismissals, acquittals, no indictment), successful completion of First Offender probation, and certain youthful offender cases. Convictions generally cannot be restricted in Georgia. The effect of restriction is that the record is hidden from most background checks but remains accessible to law enforcement and certain employers. Recent legislation (SB 288) expanded automatic record restriction for certain offenses. An Augusta criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and file the appropriate petition.