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Sean Derek Gage
also known as S. Derek Gage, Derek Gage
About Sean
Biography
An Atlantan for more than fifteen years, I have been practicing law in Georgia for over a decade. I earned a Bachelors Degree at The University of Maryland, College Park and later attended law school at Emory University School of Law, where I graduated with a Juris Doctorate in 2003. After earning my law degree, I clerked for criminal defense attorney Brian Steel in a variety of high profile cases before continuing my practice of law as a trial litigator and estate planner; the last several years with The Gage Law Firm, specializing in criminal and probate cases involving mental illness.
In 2015, I was a panel speaker for the American Bar Association's national conference on Mental Illness and Crime, where attorneys from around the country participated in a discussion of where mental illness intersects an antiquated criminal justice system. I have been quoted by news organizations such as USA Today, WABE's Morning Edition, and 11Alive, Atlanta's NBC affiliate.
I have spent years defending clients against a variety of criminal charges, from hundreds of DUI and drug cases to major felonies, including rape, sex offenses, and cases involving the loss of life. My passion for defending those accused with crimes has been the backbone of my decade-plus career in law.
I have made it my life's work to help the mentally ill in circumstances where they have been swept into the criminal justice system, representing mentally ill defendants in more than 500 criminal cases over the span of my career. During my tenure in indigent defense, I helped create a special unit dedicated to advocacy for the mentally ill in the criminal courtroom and assisted the same clients in obtaining services in the community incident to the resolution of their cases. As a result, I have built a strong repertoire of resources for my clients in the community and have built lasting relationships with prosecutors who understand my aims. I feel strongly that labeling the mentally ill "criminals" is a grave injustice fueled by ignorance, and I work tirelessly to battle this stigma and give my clients the dignity of which they are often deprived as defendants in a criminal case.
I have also made exhaustive efforts to provide the most comprehensive estate planning services in our community. I've made special efforts to address the needs of Georgia's LGBT community both prior to, and in the wake of, the landmark United States Supreme Court decisions of Windsorand Obergefell.
I am a proud member of Georgia's Stonewall Bar Association, which is united in its advocacy for LGBT causes in Georgia. My philosophy has been, and always will be, to treat each and every client with respect and dignity regardless of their identity or ideology, answering questions and concerns whenever needed, and always providing the most comprehensive advice possible--never making a client feel pressured.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Georgia for 21 years
State: Georgia
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Location
The Gage Law Firm, LLC
160 Clairemont Avenue, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Decatur, GA, 30030
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Sean Derek Gage's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
12 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by SW | December 22, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
$7,500 waste of money
Mr. Gage was “hired anonymously” to represent me during my incarceration in 2014. During his first meeting with me in jail, I clearly expressed that I did not want his representation. I had already secured a public defender. Against my will, Mr. Gage filed paperwork with the court that he was to repr...
Sean Gage
Replied last December 22, 2018SW, while I only handled your harassment charges for a few weeks in 2014, I regret my best efforts weren’t able to get you to the place you wanted. Please know that I returned a large portion of my fee and encouraged your benefactor to use it toward your subsequent counsel, as I felt she was better suited to assist you than I was under your circumstances, and I’m glad she worked out for you as well as she did. I sincerely hope you’ve found great success since your release, as I remember you to be highly intelligent and motivated.
Posted by Sarah | August 07, 2015 | Criminal Defense
Best Lawyer for Mental Illness Legal Issues
Thanks to Derek Gage's eloquent advocacy for my son's mental illness, my son is now in rehab and not looking at 10 years in prison. Derek was meticulous in our case and he spoke with such conviction that the judge was even impressed. His delivery, dedication and true knowledge of over 600 cases serve...
Posted by John | November 11, 2013 | Wills & Living Wills
Wonderful expeience and covered all of our needs thoroughly
My partner and I wanted to finally cover ourselves with a will , medical power of attorney, and whatever we needed in case of a tragic emergency. Attorney Gage completely covered and protected us on every point. He was prompt to my questions and I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of the s...
Posted by Ann | August 23, 2013 | Criminal Defense
An advocate for the mentally ill
Derek Gage defended my son who has mental health issues. My son was facing prison because of probation violation due to misdemeanor offenses committed when he was off medication. Derek Gage understands mental illness and dealt extremely well with my son and with the convoluted legal system that has f...
Sean Derek Gage's Lawyer Endorsements
"I strongly endorse Derek Gage. He is, quite simply, a sincere and hard working attorney who works tirelessly to get results for his clients. I have a great deal of respect for Derek and would happily send him my own family member."
"Derek is knowledgeable of the law and is really good at communicating complex legal issues persuasively and clearly. He always looks out for the best interests of his clients. He is reliable and highly professional. Basically, if you are looking for an excellent lawyer who will get you great results, go with Derek Gage."
"Derek is a hardworking and dedicated attorney with a reputation for going the extra mile to see that each of his clients receives the best representation possible. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Gage is an excellent attorney who I had the pleasure of working with when I was a prosecutor. He's pragmatic, understanding, and dedicated. His reputation speaks for itself and his zealous representation of all of his clients, is the reason I whole-heartedly endorse him!"
"Derek is a dedicated attorney who brings great compassion to his work. He has helped many individuals who require special assistance navigating the justice system, and he does so with tremendous patience and skill. Derek is a true asset to the local bar, and I highly recommend his services."
"I endorse Sean. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I have had the pleasure of working with Sean Derek Gage and I give him my highest endorsement. Derek is an intelligent, compassionate, and dedicated attorney. His knowledge of criminal defense and of mental health law is second to none. In addition, Derek will take on civil cases when he feels that there has been an egregious violation of an individual's rights. A client could have no greater advocate than Sean Derek Gage."
"I formerly had the honor of working closely with Derek Gage for many years on diversion, mental health, and trial courtroom litigation matters. Derek is one of the most compassionate and dedicated attorneys I have had the pleasure of working along side. He is creative and willing to go the extra mile to research the intricacies of the law necessary to promote his client's best interest. Derek will not back down when faced with a difficult case or courtroom situation, always standing firm for his client's rights and liberty. I highly endorse Derek's work and do so having seen first hand his work ethic and diligence."
"Derek Gage is a hard-working, diligent attorney who is skilled at getting excellent resolutions to his clients' cases. He is a tenacious advocate for his clients. I worked with Derek for many years at the Public Defender's Office. While there, he developed an expertise in handling the cases with clients who had mental health issues affecting their criminal cases. Derek is definitely one of the "go-to" attorneys for mental health issues. I highly endorse Derek Gage."
"I formerly worked with Derek at the DeKalb County Public Defender's Office for several years. He is a dedicated and conscientious attorney, representing his clients to achieve a winning outcome. The last several years as co-workers at the Public Defender's office, Derek was one of two attorneys representing mentally ill clients charged with crimes. His compassion towards his clients and knowledge of the subject matter were admirable. I endorse this attorney."
"I endorse Derek Gage. Mr. Gage is one of the most committed and compassionate lawyers I know. He works hard for his clients and is especially skilled in navigating the complex issues surrounding Mental Health and the law."
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Experience
Honors
2017
2017 Advocacy Leadership Award, National Alliance on Mental Illness, DeKalb
2014
Top 100 Georgia Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Managing Partner, The Gage Law Firm, LLC
2004 - 2011
Trial Attorney, Dekalb County Public Defender's Office
2003 - 2004
Law Clerk, The Steel Law Firm, PC
Associations
2014 - Present
National Trial Lawyers Association
2012 - Present
Stonewall Bar Association
2012 - Present
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental IllnessAttorney Member
2004 - Present
State Bar of Georgia
Sample of Legal Cases
Aggravated Battery
Client released from jail
Education
2003
Emory University
JD - Juris Doctor
2000
University of Maryland, College Park
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
2017 NAMI Northside Atlanta Mental Health Fair
Expert Panel Discussion: What to Do, Who to Call in Time of Need
2016
NAMI Northside Atlanta Education Program
Mental Health and Criminal Defense
2016
Cobb County Neighborhood Safety Commission
Mental Health Panel Discussion
2015
American Bar Association Conference
Mental Illness and Crime: PTSD, Mass Murder and More
2014
American Cancer Society Development Conference
The Fall of DOMA and its Impact on LGBT Estate Planning and Gifting Opportunties
2011
GPDSC Annual Training Seminar
Defending the Mentally Ill
2007
Georgia Drug and DUI Court Conference
The Role of Defender in Drug Courts
2007
Defense of Drinking Drivers Institute
DUI Courts: Boon or Bane for Repeat Offenders
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers