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Experience Matters A law firm with a record you can rely on

We have a track record of winning cases and getting great results.

Trial Lawyers We Go To Court To Win

Whether resolving your case in or out of court, we fight for you and don’t sell you short.

We Protect Your record, your career and your reputation

When you have a lot on the line, Hawkins Spizman is a law firm you can trust.

Recent Results For Our Clients
Not Guilty

Defendant was stopped for speeding 72 in a 55 MPH zone. The officer testified that he smelled alcohol when he spoke to Defendant. Field sobriety evaluations, including the horizontal gaze nystagmus (eye test), 9-step Walk.

Felony Murder Dismissed

Defendant was accused of shooting his roommate four times. After a thorough investigation and preliminary hearing, a prosecutor and the grand jury decided not to indict for any charges. All charges were dismissed.

Not Guilty

Defendant was stopped in Fulton County after he was observed crossing the centerline, nearly causing a head-on collision with a truck. Field sobriety evaluations, including the horizontal gaze nystagmus (eye test), 9-step Walk & Turn, and One-Leg Stand tests

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Not Guilty

The Georgia State Patrol arrested R.K., who had been recently accepted to law school, after she struck a utility pole in the Virginia-Highlands neighborhood in Atlanta. She performed well, but not perfectly, on roadside sobriety tests

Not Guilty

The Sandy Springs police stopped defendant after a Be On the Look Out was dispatched for his SUV. It was reported that he had struck several cars when leaving a shopping center parking lot in Dunwoody

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Gwinnett County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being accused of a criminal offense is a frightening and stressful experience to endure. Depending upon the severity of the crime, you may be facing a significant amount of time in jail or the possibility of having to pay a massive amount of fines. Those who have been accused of committing this offense should seek out legal assistance to fully understand the gravity of their charge and what they could do to remedy the situation.

If you have been accused of committing a criminal offense, you should reach out to a Gwinnett County criminal defense lawyer for help with accurately assessing the accusations made against you. An experienced attorney could review the circumstances of your charge and provide you with clear insight about your next steps moving forward.

Examples of Criminal Charges

A criminal offense in Gwinnett County could involve various offenses. If someone is accused of committing a crime, they are given the opportunity to defend themselves in a court of law. The Georgia General Assembly details the criminal statutes in Title 16 of the Georgia Code. The following is a list of some laws:

  • Homicide
  • Assault and battery
  • Kidnapping
  • Stalking
  • Sexual Offenses
  • Theft
  • Damage to property
  • Trespass
  • Drug Offenses
  • Gang violence

If a person did not know their act was criminal, the government could still convict that person. Anyone charged with committing a crime should get in touch with a criminal attorney in Gwinnett County as soon as possible to get started on building a defense.

Rights of a Criminal Defendant

If the police want to arrest someone, they must follow all the rights given by the United States Constitution and by the local government. For example, when the police arrest someone, the search must be reasonable and there must be an arrest warrant or an exception. Everyone is also entitled to speak with an attorney and remain silent during a police interrogation.

If the government violates any of the defendant’s rights, there may be grounds to exclude specific evidence or have the matter dismissed. A knowledgeable Gwinnett County criminal lawyer would understand the applicable laws and how to address those matters.

Criminal Process of Gwinnett County

Once the police suspect the commission of a crime, the criminal process begins. At that point, law enforcement would investigate and gather evidence. They may request an arrest warrant or arrest someone they believe committed a criminal act in front of them. After an arrest, a local judge may hold a bail hearing to determine if the detained person is eligible for bail and the amount of the bail as well.

There may also be an arraignment where the court would formally charge the defendant and allow the defendant to enter a plea. Before a trial, there may be other hearings. At trial, a jury may hear testimony from the defendant and the prosecutor to determine guilt. After a trial, the defendant may wish to appeal the decision.

It is also important to keep in mind that the government would have the aid of an experienced prosecutor. In order to counteract the craftiness of the prosecution, a defendant could retain the services of a Gwinnett County criminal lawyer

Speak with a Gwinnett County Criminal Defense Attorney Today

You have the right to be properly represented in a criminal matter. Public defenders are often excellent, hardworking attorneys, but unfortunately, they are usually overworked and unable to give each defendant the time and attention they need. That is why if you have been charged with a criminal offense, it may be worthwhile to get in touch with a Gwinnett County criminal lawyer. An experienced attorney could approach your case with the focus and dedication that you deserve. Do not hesitate to get in touch with a lawyer today to get started on your case.

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Top-notch Lawyer
5 Star Review

I hired Justin for what was a stressful situation. I spoke with Justin and was so impressed with his ability to analyze my situation and his understanding of the urgency in resolving this matter promptly. He also gave me an honest legal assessment of my issue. Justin assured me that he fights aggressively for his clients. He was able to put a complete halt to what could have been a very bad situation had I not hired him....Read More

Tina
Happy Client
5 Star Review

Justin handled my case wonderfully. Although I hope I do not have to contact him anytime soon, he will be the first person I call if I am in need of criminal defense in the future. He made the whole process a breeze and did so at a respectable rate.

Anonymous
Extremely Capable and Skilled
5 Star Review

Attorney Spizman was hired for my DUI defense and did a great job with the case. He investigated and exhausted all my legal options and the case was brought to a positive conclusion.

Eric
Confident and Supportive
5 Star Review

My daughter, a paralegal, found Justin when our son needed a criminal defense attorney. During our initial interview, Justin answered our questions thoroughly and confidently and mapped the course we would be taking for the next few months. He made a variety of suggestions, one of which (character letters from friends and work associates) ultimately led to a "no bill" by the grand jury and our son being released. He brought in another attorney who had experience in...Read More

Pete
Superman
5 Star Review

Justin was fantastic and was able to reduce my citation and applicable fine which was the original goal! Very professional and most importantly delivered the results!

Adam
Excellent Attorney
5 Star Review

Justin Spizman knew exactly how to help me with my traffic citation. He was a extremely professional and explained everything so I would understand clearly. He worked aggressively to ensure I was helped to the best of his ability, I would highly recommend him.

Anonymous
Wonderful Attorney
5 Star Review

Attorney Spizman is an excellent Lawyer. He was prompt to court, handled my case professionally and above all, he gave me the justices I needed. Thank you so much.

Peter
Great Lawyer
5 Star Review

I was very happy with the representation. Justin did a great job having my case resolved quickly and efficiently. He explained everything that was going on and what to expect. He was professional, courteous and again did a great job settling my case. If I ever need legal assistance again, Justin would be the only person I would consider. I highly recommend you do the same.

Jeremy
Best DUI Lawyer in Georgia
5 Star Review

Justin’s was always there for me day or night and my family calm during the process. He doesn’t give you any BS just straight to the point and I liked that he was a little hard on me at times but I needed it. He saved my life and got me the best deal and I will always be grateful.

Andrew
Smooth and Painless
5 Star Review

Mr. Spizman made what could have been a very stressful situation almost painless. Spot on advice to prep for the case and handled everything in court. Very appreciative of his service. Highly recommended!

Anonymous
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Meet Our Experienced Team

Michael Hawkins brings a wealth of trial experience to protecting the rights of those who have been injured. Perhaps more importantly, he brings the mindset of a relentless advocate who has fought against the State for many years, to now representing the rights of those who have been injured and are up against insurance companies and corporations that should be held accountable to compensate them as victims. Hawkins is a trial lawyer with over 27 years of experience. Hawkins cut his teeth as an advocate for victims as prosecutor, where early in his career he served as an Assistant Solicitor in DeKalb County, and an Assistant District Attorney in Rockdale County. After several years of representing the State of Georgia in criminal cases, he was made an offer he couldn’t refuse by a defense lawyer whom he had tried several cases against. The offer was to leave prosecution, and to undertake to protect the rights of those accused of DUI and related cases. For over 20 years, Michael Hawkins has focused on seeking justice for his clients, both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney. With that experience, he craft a solid defense on your behalf.

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, and cross-examining police witnesses. Spizman works diligently with his clients to sculpt a meaningful and detail-oriented defense to their cases to ensure they obtain the best possible outcome. There is no case too big or too small. Spizman is admitted to practice law in the State of Georgia, all State and Superior Courts, the Georgia Court of Appeals, and the Georgia Supreme Court. He is a member of The State Bar of Georgia, The State Bar of Georgia Criminal Division, The Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, The National College for DUI Defense and Georgia Defense of Drinking Drivers.

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