Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Quick Answer: How Do You Find the Best Criminal Lawyer in Atlanta, GA?
Many Atlanta law firms claim to be the “best,” but only a few can back that up with objective, third‑party credentials.
- Ignore self‑proclaimed hype and look instead at independent rating services like Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Best Law Firms in America, Martindale‑Hubbell, and AVVO.
- Check who actually appears on multiple “best criminal attorney” lists year after year, not just paid listings or ads.
- Look for published authors and educators in criminal law and DUI defense, because they are often the lawyers other attorneys turn to for guidance.
- Confirm real trial experience and client reviews in serious Georgia criminal and DUI cases in the metro Atlanta courts where your case is pending.
At Kohn & Yager, our three‑lawyer team combines decades of criminal trial experience, over 30 cumulative Super Lawyers recognitions, national legal publications, and hundreds of 5‑star client reviews, making us one of the most consistently top‑rated criminal law firms in Atlanta, Georgia.
Why So Many Firms Claim to Have the “Top” Criminal Lawyers in Atlanta
When you search for top criminal lawyers in Atlanta, GA, you will see dozens of firms claiming to be the best. Yet those bold claims usually do not match up with what the respected, consensus rating services show.
Once you compare credentials and results side by side, it becomes clear that not every firm calling itself the “best” can support that statement. You should always ask how a lawyer’s “top” or “best” label is being earned and whether any neutral organization agrees.
How to Separate Puffery from Proven Credentials
Any lawyer can say “we are the best criminal defense attorneys in Atlanta,” but that does not make it true. Real proof comes from consistent recognition by neutral, national rating services, published legal work, and a long record of serious case results.
If a website goes beyond puffery and falsely self‑proclaims its attorneys as “the best” without objective backing, you must decide whether to trust them with your freedom, your record, and your future. Do a little research before you hand over a serious felony or DUI case.
One Atlanta Criminal Defense Firm with Unmatched Cumulative Ratings
Only one Atlanta criminal defense law firm has cumulative attorney ratings of over 30 Super Lawyers recognitions among its three partners, and all three are published law‑book co‑authors. That firm is led by William C. “Bubba” Head, with partners Larry Kohn and Cory Yager.
Our law practice has been named to more “best criminal attorney” and “best DUI attorney” lists than any other active, three‑lawyer criminal litigation firm of similar size in Georgia. In addition, respected rating services like Martindale‑Hubbell and Best Law Firms in America have repeatedly recognized our Atlanta team for excellence in criminal defense and DUI law.
Top Criminal Defense Attorneys in One Atlanta Law Office
Georgia criminal defense lawyer Bubba Head hired partner Larry Kohn in 1996 while Larry was still in law school. In 2007, Mr. Head brought in veteran former police officer Cory Yager after he graduated law school and completed nearly a decade in law enforcement.
Today, these three Atlanta criminal defense lawyers are nationally known for aggressive, relentless criminal law representation in Georgia, particularly in serious DUI, felony, and vehicular cases.
Media Recognition: Criminal Law Commentary on WSB Radio
Criminal defense attorney Cory Yager regularly serves as a criminal law commentator for breaking legal news stories on WSB Radio’s evening program “Word on the Street.” Hosts Shelley Wynter and Malani Kai turn to Attorney Yager and his partner, Larry Kohn, for the answers Georgia listeners want when important criminal justice issues make the news.
For sex crime topics like prostitution or child molestation, WSB frequently consults with attorney Larry Kohn, who has handled many such cases. When Atlanta’s largest news radio station needs authoritative criminal law insight, they call on our lawyers.
Client Ratings: Hundreds of 5‑Star Reviews
Client feedback is another powerful way to measure who the best criminal defense lawyers in Atlanta really are. Georgia defense attorney Larry Kohn has earned well over 500 AVVO 5‑star reviews from former clients, reflecting years of hands‑on work in criminal and DUI courts throughout metro Atlanta.
Those ratings do not happen by accident. They reflect personal attention, honest advice, and hard work for people facing the most stressful situations of their lives.
Criminal Law Book Co‑Authors Since 1991
In January 1991, William C. Head and South Carolina attorney Reese Joye self‑published the first national drunk driving defense book outlining 101 ways that DUI lawyers beat DWI‑DUI charges. That book, 101 Ways to Avoid a Drunk Driving Conviction, sold approximately 14,000 copies and remains popular on reseller sites.
In 1995, Mr. Head self‑published The Georgia DUI Trial Practice Manual, which quickly became a must‑have guide for lawyers handling Georgia DUI cases. Harrison Company later acquired the rights, and then West Publishing (now Thomson‑Reuters) took over, where the treatise has grown to roughly 1,500 pages and is still co‑authored by Mr. Head.
National DUI Publications and Teaching Other Lawyers
Mr. Head also self‑published The DUI Book in 2006 and then helped attorneys in more than a dozen other states produce their own state‑specific DUI defense books for citizens facing charges.
In 2016, both Atlanta criminal defense attorneys Cory Yager and Larry Kohn were invited to author separate criminal law chapters in books published by Aspatore Publishing, a division of Thomson‑Reuters. When publishers and other lawyers seek expert authors, they turn to our team.
DUI Defense by Atlanta Criminal Defense Lawyers
When it comes to DUI defense, William C. “Bubba” Head is widely recognized as one of the top DUI lawyers in Georgia and the nation. In 2003, the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) named him the top DUI lawyer in America, and Best Lawyers in America has repeatedly listed him as the Atlanta DUI attorney of the year in its annual rankings, including for 2022.
Mr. Head is a Life Member of both the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (GACDL). He was one of the original 12 founders of the NCDD and served as a Regent of that organization for five years, with its operations run from his Atlanta law office for the first six years.
Education, Professional Honors, and Board Certification
Bubba Head is a “Double Dawg” from the University of Georgia, earning both his undergraduate degree (1973) and law degree (1976) from UGA. He has been a donor through the UGA President’s Club since 1979, reflecting a long‑standing commitment to the university.
In the 26‑year history of NCDD.com, Mr. Head is among fewer than 100 DUI attorneys nationwide who have been board‑certified in DUI Defense Law. Both of our other Atlanta criminal defense lawyers, Larry Kohn and Cory Yager, have spent their entire legal careers working with Mr. Head.
More Top Ratings: Martindale‑Hubbell and Super Lawyers
Martindale‑Hubbell, America’s oldest attorney rating service (founded in 1868), has awarded criminal attorney Cory Yager its highest rating, 5.0 out of 5.0, with an AV Preeminent designation. William Head has held Martindale‑Hubbell’s top rating for nearly 30 consecutive years.
Super Lawyers, now owned by Thomson‑Reuters, has recognized all three of our Atlanta criminal defense attorneys for multiple years. Combined, our partners have over 30 Super Lawyers or Rising Stars recognitions, something almost no other three‑lawyer criminal firm in Georgia can match.
Discuss Your Case with Veteran Criminal Defense Attorneys in Georgia
When your liberty, career, and record are on the line, you should only retain Atlanta trial lawyers with proven success at trial and consensus “best in Atlanta” credentials from multiple independent rating services.
After reviewing our legal team’s ratings, books, media interviews, and decades of courtroom results, compare those resumes to any other firm you are considering. With a FREE consultation available, there is no reason to guess about your options. Call 404‑567‑5515 now, 24 hours a day, to speak with Larry or Cory. Ask them about payment plans.
Choosing the Right Atlanta Criminal Lawyer for Your Case
When you contact our office, we look at the location of your court, the type of crime or crimes you are facing, and any special issues such as prior record or professional licensing. Then we match you with the partner best suited to your case—whether that is Mr. Head, Mr. Kohn, or Mr. Yager.
When your legal advice comes from recognized leaders in the criminal defense community, you are not just hiring a lawyer—you are hiring a team that has spent decades earning its reputation as one of the best criminal defense law firms in Atlanta, Georgia. Payment plans are available. Free lawyer advice if you hire us or not.