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Criminal Defense Lawyer · Augusta, GA/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Augusta, GA

Finding the right legal representation is critical for anyone facing criminal charges. Our top picks in Augusta ensure you have the best defense.

Editorially independent8 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceJ Todd Mitchell Law Firm
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 8 Augusta-metro criminal defense lawyer businesses evaluated, top 8 ranked by Vetted Score.

When facing criminal charges, having a skilled attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Augusta is home to several qualified criminal defense lawyers, each offering unique strengths and specialties. This list highlights the best professionals to consider for your legal needs.

To create this ranking, we evaluated eight criminal defense lawyers in Augusta based on their Vetted Scores, which reflect client reviews and overall satisfaction. Our analysis is updated monthly, ensuring you receive current and relevant information.

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
Editor's Choice
96Score

J Todd Mitchell Law Firm

★★★★★5.0(131 reviews)

With a perfect rating of 5 from 131 reviews, J Todd Mitchell Law Firm stands out for its client-focused approach and effective defense strategies.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Robert T. Homlar P.C.

★★★★★4.9(88 reviews)

Robert T.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

The Usry Firm: Grant Usry

★★★★★5.0(44 reviews)

The Usry Firm: Grant Usry has earned a perfect 5 rating from 44 reviews, with clients praising their thorough preparation and strong courtroom presence.

Read full review

All 8, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
5.0★★★★★
131Comprehensive criminal defense
2
95Score
4.9★★★★★
88Value-driven legal representation
3
94Score
5.0★★★★★
44DUI and drug-related defense
4
91Score
4.7★★★★★
65General criminal defense
5
89Score
4.6★★★★★
82Simplifying legal complexities
6
86Score
4.5★★★★★
151Thorough case preparation
7
82Score
4.6★★★★★
21DUI defense
8
78Score
4.4★★★★★
112Diverse criminal defense
Methodology

How we evaluated all 8 criminal defense lawyers.

We assessed the criminal defense lawyers in Augusta by examining their ratings, number of reviews, and overall reputation within the community. Our goal is to provide a transparent ranking without any paid placements, ensuring that the best lawyers rise to the top based on merit.

This ranking is refreshed monthly, allowing us to incorporate new reviews and feedback. We aim to offer a reliable resource for those seeking legal representation in Augusta.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

J Todd Mitchell Law Firm

★★★★★5.0(131 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect rating of 5 from 131 reviews, J Todd Mitchell Law Firm stands out for its client-focused approach and effective defense strategies. Clients praise their thoroughness and dedication, making them an excellent choice for anyone facing criminal charges. However, their strong reputation can lead to high demand, which may affect availability.

Pros

  • Outstanding client reviews
  • Strong defense strategies
  • Dedicated and thorough

Cons

  • High demand may affect availability
  • Potentially higher fees
Best forComprehensive criminal defense
Service areaAugusta and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$1,500 to $10,000
2
Best Value

Robert T. Homlar P.C.

★★★★★4.9(88 reviews)
95Score

Robert T. Homlar P.C. boasts a rating of 4.9 from 88 reviews, highlighting their commitment to affordable yet effective legal representation. Clients appreciate the personalized attention and strategic insights offered by Robert T. Homlar. A potential drawback is the smaller review base, which makes their overall reputation less proven than some competitors.

Pros

  • Affordable legal services
  • Personalized attention
  • Strategic insights

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Less established reputation
Best forValue-driven legal representation
Service areaAugusta
Typical pricing$1,000 to $5,000
3
Most Reviewed

The Usry Firm: Grant Usry

★★★★★5.0(44 reviews)
94Score

The Usry Firm: Grant Usry has earned a perfect 5 rating from 44 reviews, with clients praising their thorough preparation and strong courtroom presence. They are particularly effective in DUI and drug-related cases. However, their limited number of reviews may make potential clients cautious about their overall trustworthiness. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is dUI and drug-related defense. It serves Augusta, with $2,000 to $8,000 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited number of reviews and potentially less experience.

Pros

  • Excellent courtroom presence
  • Thorough preparation
  • Specializes in DUI cases

Cons

  • Limited number of reviews
  • Potentially less experience
Best forDUI and drug-related defense
Service areaAugusta
Typical pricing$2,000 to $8,000
4

J. Pete Theodocion, Attorney at Law

★★★★★4.7(65 reviews)
91Score

J. Pete Theodocion, Attorney at Law, holds a rating of 4.7 from 65 reviews, with clients appreciating his straightforward approach and effective communication. He is known for handling a variety of criminal cases, but some clients have noted that he may take longer to respond to inquiries than expected. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is general criminal defense. It serves Augusta, with $1,500 to $7,000 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are response times can be slow and less aggressive in courtroom.

Pros

  • Straightforward approach
  • Effective communication
  • Diverse case handling

Cons

  • Response times can be slow
  • Less aggressive in courtroom
Best forGeneral criminal defense
Service areaAugusta
Typical pricing$1,500 to $7,000
5

Keith B. Johnson Law, LLC.

★★★★★4.6(82 reviews)
89Score

With a rating of 4.6 from 82 reviews, Keith B. Johnson Law, LLC, is recognized for its client-centered approach and extensive legal knowledge. Many clients commend the firm for its ability to simplify complex legal issues. However, the firm has a less aggressive reputation, which might not suit everyone. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is simplifying legal complexities. It serves Augusta, with $1,500 to $6,000 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are less aggressive in defense and may not appeal to all clients.

Pros

  • Client-centered approach
  • Extensive legal knowledge
  • Simplifies complex issues

Cons

  • Less aggressive in defense
  • May not appeal to all clients
Best forSimplifying legal complexities
Service areaAugusta
Typical pricing$1,500 to $6,000
6

Duncan Law Firm

★★★★★4.5(151 reviews)
86Score

Duncan Law Firm has a solid rating of 4.5 from 151 reviews, highlighting their experience and professionalism. Clients often mention the firm's thorough case preparation. However, some reviews suggest that their fees can be on the higher side, which might be a concern for budget-conscious clients. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is thorough case preparation. It serves Augusta, with $2,000 to $10,000 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher fees and potentially less personal attention.

Pros

  • Experienced and professional
  • Thorough case preparation
  • Strong client support

Cons

  • Higher fees
  • Potentially less personal attention
Best forThorough case preparation
Service areaAugusta
Typical pricing$2,000 to $10,000

The Law Office of Samuel Emas specializes in DUI and criminal defense, holding a rating of 4.6 from 21 reviews. Clients appreciate the focused expertise in DUI cases. However, the thin review base raises some concerns about the firm's overall track record and reliability. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is dUI defense. It serves Augusta, with $1,500 to $5,000 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are thin review base and less proven reputation.

Pros

  • Specializes in DUI defense
  • Focused expertise
  • Positive client feedback

Cons

  • Thin review base
  • Less proven reputation
Best forDUI defense
Service areaAugusta
Typical pricing$1,500 to $5,000
8
78Score

Law Offices of Tanya D. Jeffords and Associates, PC, has a rating of 4.4 from 112 reviews, indicating a solid level of client satisfaction. Clients often mention the firm's thoroughness and attention to detail. However, some have expressed concerns about communication and responsiveness, which could affect the overall experience. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is diverse criminal defense. It serves Augusta, with $1,000 to $6,000 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are communication issues and response times may vary.

Pros

  • Thorough and detail-oriented
  • Good client satisfaction
  • Diverse case handling

Cons

  • Communication issues
  • Response times may vary
Best forDiverse criminal defense
Service areaAugusta
Typical pricing$1,000 to $6,000
Before you book

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer in Augusta

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer is essential for a favorable outcome in your case. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision.

Experience with your case type

Look for a lawyer who specializes in the specific type of criminal charges you are facing.

Client reviews and testimonials

Check online reviews to gauge the satisfaction of previous clients and their experiences.

Communication style

Choose a lawyer who communicates clearly and makes you feel comfortable discussing your case.

Fee structure

Understand how the lawyer charges for their services, whether it's a flat fee or hourly rate.

What it costs

What criminal defense lawyers cost in Augusta

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Augusta can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case and the lawyer's experience. Here’s a general overview of what to expect.

Consultation fees$100 to $300 for an initial consultation, depending on the lawyer.
Flat fees for misdemeanors$1,500 to $5,000, depending on the case specifics.
Flat fees for felonies$5,000 to $20,000, reflecting the severity and complexity of the charge.
Hourly rates$150 to $500 per hour, depending on the lawyer's experience and reputation.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Augusta?

Costs can range from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on case complexity and lawyer experience.

What should I look for in a criminal defense lawyer?

Consider their experience, client reviews, communication style, and fee structure.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Augusta residents: Editor's Choice J Todd Mitchell Law Firm

For those seeking the best criminal defense representation in Augusta, J Todd Mitchell Law Firm is our top pick due to their outstanding reviews and client satisfaction. Close behind are Robert T. Homlar P.C., known for their value-driven approach, and The Usry Firm: Grant Usry, which excels in DUI defense.