Criminal Defense Attorney in Marietta
Former District Attorneys. 100+ Years of Combined Experience. Fighting for You.
When you’re facing criminal charges in Marietta, the attorney you choose can affect whether those charges are reduced, dismissed, or taken to trial. At Smith, Schnatmeier, Dettmering & Kilgo, LLP, our team includes former District Attorneys who know how prosecutors build cases and use that knowledge to build stronger defenses. Engaging a criminal lawyer early, even before charges are formally filed, can shape the direction of an investigation and expand the options available to you.
With over 100 years of combined litigation experience and deep familiarity with Marietta law enforcement and the Cobb County judicial system, we anticipate procedural challenges before they arise. Our attorneys stay in constant communication with every client through every stage of the process, so you know where your case stands.
Facing a criminal charge? With 100+ years of combined experience, we offer personalized attention. Contact a criminal defense lawyer in Marietta today by calling (770) 599-5328 or reaching out online.
Criminal Cases We Handle in Marietta
Our firm handles a wide range of criminal matters in Marietta and Cobb County courts. Each charge type carries distinct legal challenges and requires its own defense strategy. The approach to a DUI is not the approach to a fraud case. A criminal attorney who regularly appears in Cobb County courts understands which pretrial motions and procedural arguments may carry weight in this jurisdiction, and that familiarity matters.
- Domestic Violence: Courts treat these charges seriously. We defend against accusations of domestic assault, battery, and protective order violations, working to protect your rights and your reputation.
- Drug Crimes: Our defense covers the full range of drug offenses, from simple possession to felony charges of distribution, sale, or trafficking of controlled substances.
- DUI: We represent clients facing DUI and BUI charges, challenging the legality of the stop, the accuracy of chemical tests, and the validity of field sobriety tests.
- Sex Crimes: We defend against accusations of sexual assault, child molestation, and related offenses, working to protect you from the severe penalties and registration requirements that can follow a conviction.
- Theft Crimes: We represent clients accused of theft offenses ranging from petty theft and shoplifting to grand theft and burglary, focusing on challenging the prosecution’s evidence of intent.
- Traffic Violations: Some traffic offenses, such as reckless driving and driving with a suspended license, carry misdemeanor charges that can result in fines, license suspension, and a criminal record. We can help.
- Violent Crimes: We defend against assault, battery, robbery, and related charges by thoroughly investigating the evidence and challenging witness credibility.
- White Collar Crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, and similar charges involve complex financial and digital evidence. We provide a rigorous defense tailored to the demands of these cases.
The Right Choice for Your Defense
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Constant Contact with Client
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Results Oriented
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Personalized Attention
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100+ Years of Combined Experience
Client Experiences
Hear from those we've represented in their legal battles.
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Thank you, Ben Smith, for your time, knowledge, and your thoroughness and wisdom
Former Client -
Ben, I was very impressed with how you handled everything.
Jeff -
Mr. Schnatmeier made the experience as painless as possible. He was very responsive and I was pleasantly surprised by how available he was.
Anonymous
Navigating the Marietta Criminal Justice System
Criminal cases in Marietta move through several distinct stages: investigation, arrest, arraignment, pretrial motions, and, if necessary, trial. Arraignment is the formal reading of charges where the defendant enters a plea. Bond and bail conditions are typically addressed at these early hearings as well. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, are among the most powerful tools available to the defense. They can resolve a case before it ever reaches a jury. Felony charges are prosecuted by the Cobb County District Attorney in Cobb County Superior Court. Misdemeanor and traffic matters are handled by the Solicitor General in Cobb County State Court. The procedural rules and local practices governing each venue shape what’s possible at every phase.
Our representation begins at the investigation stage, before charges are filed, and extends through every court proceeding. Our familiarity with local judges’ preferences and the Cobb County prosecutorial landscape lets us tailor strategy in ways a less familiar criminal law attorney in Marietta might miss. That local knowledge can affect pretrial negotiations and the options available as your case develops.
What Sets Our Criminal Lawyers Apart in Marietta
Credentials matter, but what most distinguishes our firm is how we work. We combine peer-recognized legal ability with a commitment to honest communication and genuine attention to each client’s circumstances.
Credentials & Recognition
Our attorneys hold 10.0 Superb Avvo ratings, Super Lawyers listings, and AV Preeminent® ratings from Martindale-Hubbell. The firm is also listed in Best Law Firms by U.S. News and World Report. These are independent, peer-reviewed distinctions, not self-promotion, and they reflect the standard of representation we provide.
Prosecutorial Insider Knowledge
Our firm includes former District Attorneys who understand firsthand how the prosecution builds a case. That perspective can be a concrete advantage when developing defense strategy. A criminal defense attorney whose team has sat on both sides of the courtroom evaluates your case through a lens that a defense-only background simply can’t provide.
Communication & Ethical Practice
We keep clients informed at every stage, not because it’s expected, but because understanding your case helps you make better decisions. We maintain high ethical standards in every representation and build the kind of attorney-client relationship where you feel heard, not managed.
Contact Us for Experienced Criminal Defense in Marietta
If you’re facing criminal charges in Marietta, acting promptly can make a real difference. We can answer your questions, walk you through your options, and build a defense strategy tailored to your situation. The sooner we get involved, the more tools we may have to work with.
Contact us online or call (770) 599-5328 to schedule a consultation with our Marietta criminal defense team.
