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Karen Jane Shelley

Criminal defense Attorney at Conyers, GA

4.6   25 reviews
  • Licensed for 14 years
    State GA
    Acquired 2008
    Status
    Active Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Karen

Learn Karen’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    95%
    Defends Murder, Aggravated Assault, Property Crimes, DUI, DWI/Less Safe, Possession, Trafficking, Assault, Battery, Speeding, Sexual Offenses, Fraud, Domestic Violence and Juvenile Delinquency.

    15 years, 1,000 cases

  2. Family
    5%
    Custody, Modification, Contempt, TPOs, Divorce.

    15 years, 600 cases

Georgia State College of Law, Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude 2008

University of Central Florida, Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude 1999

Karen possesses compassion, grit, grace, as well as humanity, and she infuses her practice with each of those virtues. Her passion for justice has afforded her exposure to mental health awareness and treatment, addiction and crime, poverty crimes, racial bias in the courtroom, economic bias, and everything else that could possibly go wrong in an unassuming individual’s life after they are born. She is a strong supporter of recovery-based programs and alternatives to incarceration for people seeking relief from the burden of addiction.

Karen is a native of Manchester, England. And, if you need to know her team – “There’s Only One Color in Manchester and its RED!”

 

 

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Contact Karen

Similar lawyers nearby

Karen Shelley, Esq.
1007 Green Street, # 307
Conyers, GA, 30012

Reviews

4.6 / 5.0
  25 customer reviews
Posted by Otis L III | January 14, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Attorney Karen Shelly is "All That and Some"
I cannot say enough things about my attorney Karen Shelly! After my initial consultation with her. I felt assured that i had hired a very experienced and professional attorney to represent my case. She made me feel confident and comfortable; she was very instrumental and helpful from start to finish of my case. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome. She's such a great human being and a talented and competent lawyer! I Highly recommended her.
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Posted by Jeremy | January 25, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing
Karen is a amazing lawyer she helped turn my son’s life around. He now has a second chance.
Posted by Pierre | January 16, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Performance Review
Karen did a great job with my case and helped guide me every step of way during the process. She had great communication with me while my case was being resolved and she was able to get 3 or of my 4 charges dropped. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking legal help.
Posted by Paul Ortiz | January 16, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Kept me from going back to prison!!
Karen Shelley helped me out at the last minute and she was extremely capable of handling my situation! I love her compassion for her work and knowledge of the level of the legal system! I would definitely rehire and recommend her services!!!
Posted by Cathy | December 13, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Above and beyond the call of duty!
I hired Karen for a family member and I simply cant say enough good things about her. I honestly didn't know what I was going to do, the going rate to have legal representation for this case was in and of itself overwhelming. A friend of mine recommended Karen. I am so freaking thankful!! Seriously she immediately was in solution solving mode by the end of our first phone call. Alleviating that helpless feeling by letting me work out a payment plan, and going straight into action on our behalf. She is extremely detailed, very responsive & informative. She is exactly the very definition of who you want by your side in a courtroom. She doesn't back down from a challenge and her dedication will quickly put your mind at ease.
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Response from Karen Shelley December 21, 2021
I enjoyed working with you so much. The prosecutors tried their hardest to keep him in jail! It was disgusting. However, with your support and my experience we fought the good fight. It was an absolute pleasure to meet you.
Posted by Joseph | December 11, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
GOT ME BACK ON THE ROAD!!
Got in touch with DDS and got me my license back within a few weeks,very friendly and very professional,met me at DDS to ensure I got it figured out,thanks a million!!.
Response from Karen Shelley December 21, 2021
I truly enjoyed working with you! It made my day to see you so relieved and able to live your life without the State's undue burden. Thanks for selecting us!
Posted by Nick | December 10, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thorough, prompt, reachable, professional
Took a criminal defense case on Tuesday with trial Friday. It was a magistrate court situation, but she couldn't have known how frivolous the matter was at the time. We spoke for an hour on Tuesday to discuss facts, evidence, and strategy for moving forward. We later spoke Thursday after having reviewed the complaint (39 ridiculously ignorant ones at that, which is 38 more than average), and while they were ridiculous she didn't dismiss the severity of the matter, and was WELL prepared for the case. I am grateful for her to have sat next to me, because I am a huge nerd who was scared to death, and because she handled business.
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Response from Karen Shelley December 21, 2021
Thank you for trusting our firm with this matter. It had the potential to seriously disrupt your life. Thankfully, with your immaculate record keeping; I was able to prepare and get this case dismissed without any further harm. You also win the award for 2021's best dressed client!
Posted by Robert | October 18, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent reading for an excellent lawyer
Driving to Colorado for the holidays I never thought I would leave with a citation. I live in California and did not want to have to return for a court date, paying high airfare and especially during Covid. I had so much anxiety and Karen put my fears to rest. She handled everything while keeping me updated throughout the process. She also worked very well with the court officials in Colorado which helped to expedite the process and eventually lead to a dismissal of the charges leaving my record squeaky clean. Writing this review is the least I can do to express my gratitude.
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Response from Karen Shelley October 23, 2021
Thank you Robert! I had fun getting to know you and hearing about the vacation that went a little bit wrong. Glad we were able to help you - Karen.
Posted by ireland | October 18, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
review
she was very professional, kind, supportive and extremely intelligent. couldn’t have had a better lawyer!
Response from Karen Shelley October 23, 2021
Ireland, I am so happy I was able to be your attorney. I see great things for your future and wish you the best.
Posted by Jose M. | September 15, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Experience
I met Karen through Legal Shield. I was very grateful to have met her. Karen is very attentive, always available and fast to reply at any concerns you might have. Very simple to work with her, hassle free experience. She has a great since of humor, very easy to get along with. Would strongly suggest Karen as legal representation.
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Posted by Karen | September 9, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Georgia Criminal Defense
Attorney Shelley succeeded, where others had failed. She got my case dismissed although the Georgia Courts have essentially been nonfunctional since mid pandemic. Since I was not guilty of a crime I was unwilling to plead guilty. Attorney Shelley kept my case in front of the solicitor. She was assertive and consistent and my case was dismissed. I’ve enjoyed working with Attorney Shelley. She is knowledgeable, relatable and persistent. She kept me advised of everything she did and was available to me. I would use her again.
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Posted by Selena | July 24, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Family/criminal
Great attorney that I retained gets the job done in a professional manner. Ms Shelley stay on top of your case. Loyal honest very faithful to me as her client. I will recommend to anyone retain Ms.Karen Shelley
Response from Karen Shelley July 31, 2021
Thank you! We certainly worked hard together on your case & I enjoyed it. It was a pleasure to meet you & I enjoy your periodic updates on how things are going.
Posted by Ray | July 17, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
A Savior
I was taken by surprise when Karen Shelley decided to represent me Pro Bono in a traffic case I spent over three years trying to defend. After hearing that, the DA decided to dismiss the charges the next day. She was the catalyst that sped up the process. She made a HUGE difference in that courtroom. Indebted to her for her courage . A thousand thanks, Ms. Shelley.
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Response from Karen Shelley July 31, 2021
You are more than welcome. You needed to be heard and no one was listening. I am glad I was there that day!
Posted by Leslie | January 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
Ms. Shelley is all about helping the Defendant. She's done an AMAZING Job so far with my case and ALWAYS CONTACTS ME BACK. I could not be more Pleased with her services. THANK YOU MS. SHELLEY
Posted by anonymous | October 14, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wonderful!
Karen helped me with my custody case. With her help and confidence it was the simplest process for my son and I. We are forever grateful for her work!
Posted by Jerry | December 7, 2011
One of Atlanta's premier defense attorneys!
Recently I had a need for a top defense attorney to avoid receiving my 2nd DUI within 10 years. Karen worked diligently on my case, successfully motioned to suppress some of the state's key evidence, treated me with dignity and respect and put my mind at ease through the whole process. The outcome of the case was very satisfactory and she saved my career and reputation. I would recommend Karen to any of my family or friends or to anyone for that matter. Put your trust in one of the Southeast's premier defense attorneys and hire Karen Shelley as your counsel today!
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Posted by anonymous | August 19, 2011
Great attorney, very helpful.
Karen was a wonderful help and genuinely seemed to care about my circumstance. Definitely recommended!
Posted by anonymous | April 4, 2011
Affable and Professional!
Karen made me feel very comfortable with an uncomfortable matter. She was informative and thorough with what the situation was and how we would handle it. I felt confident that everything was in the right hands, I finally felt like resolution was near. I would recommend her counsel with no haste.
Posted by B | March 28, 2011
Reliability is key
I would absolutely recommend Ms. Shelley. She's so responsive, keeps me informed, is trustworthy, knows her stuff or can find out, and she actually cares.
Posted by ED | March 27, 2011
Great Lawyer!!!
Karen is very responsive, knowledgeable, trustworthy and thorough. It has been great working with her.
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Cost

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.4 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • The Shelley Law Firm
  • 2017 - Present
  • Assistant Public Defender
  • American Samoa Government
  • 2012 - 2016
  • Assistant Public Defender
  • Fulton County Public Defender's Office
  • 2009 - 2010

Education

  • Georgia State University
  • Juris Doctorate
  • 2008
  • University of Central Florida
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • 1999

Associations

  • Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • State Bar of Georgia
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Attorney of The Year
  • Imhoff & Associates
  • 2021

Attorney endorsements

Received (12)
Given (8)
Endorse Karen
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Karen is an excellent attorney. She is passionate about her work and works tirelessly for her clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Karen Shelley is a fierce advocate who cares a lot about her cases and clients. I would recommend her for any criminal defense matter, especially complex ones."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 03
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Shelley is one of the most dedicated and passionate attorneys I know. She is knowledgeable and cares deeply about her clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Karen is an amazing lawyer and advocate for her clients. She's smart, tough, and an expert in the field of criminal defense. I am always impressed by her work and happy to have her as a referral partner for my clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have come to know Karen through working with her on criminal matters and knowing her through mutual colleagues. She is very attentive, responsive and very professional. She knows the courts and the law and never settles for anything less than getting the best possible outcome for her clients. She truly cares about her clients and has compassion for what the client and the client's family is going through during the representation. I highly recommend her and am honored to endorse her."
Family Attorney | Oct 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ms. Shelley is an excellent lawyer to whom I would recommend anyone seeking legal services, particularly in the field of Family Law."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Karen is a force in the courtroom. She's smart, personable, and caring. I endorse her and think she's a great asset to the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Karen. She is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
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