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Evan A. Watson
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About Evan
Biography
Evan Watson is a respected criminal defense attorney known for achieving results in cases often deemed unwinnable. His ability to secure dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges has placed him in the media spotlight, with coverage from NBC, ABC, CBS, and notable publications like The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and USA Today.
Despite the attention, Evan remains committed to defending everyday citizens, handling cases involving DUI, serious felonies, and self-defense, among others. Each client benefits from his attention to detail and strategic thinking, often finding new hope through innovative legal strategies. Evan chose to enter criminal defense to address systemic injustices he observed, where aggressive prosecution often overshadowed inadequate defense.
In collaboration with Peter Zeliff, Evan co-founded their firm to fight vigorously for the wrongly accused. Evan's accolades include the Georgia Super Lawyer designation from 2019 to 2026, supported by a solid educational background from The Citadel and the Charleston School of Law. His leadership roles and active membership in the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers highlight his dedication to his field. Clients appreciate his relentless advocacy, as Evan ensures meticulous preparation and strategic legal defenses in every case he undertakes.
Relentless defense. Proven results. Local experience that matters. Evan is the Forsyth County and Metro Atlanta defense lawyer that gets things done.
Evan Watson provides experienced criminal defense across misdemeanors and felonies, using strategic investigation, motion practice, and trial advocacy to protect clients’ rights, records, and futures in courts throughout North Georgia.
Evan Watson brings 18 years of targeted DUI defense experience, challenging stops, field tests, and chemical evidence to secure dismissals, reductions, and trial wins for drivers and boaters across Forsyth County and North Georgia.
Evan Watson defends clients against domestic allegations, including those arising during divorce, through targeted investigation, strategic litigation, and focused advocacy to protect parental rights, reputation, and future.
Evan Watson defends individuals facing wrongful sexual allegations with strategic investigation, disciplined motion practice, and aggressive courtroom advocacy, protecting reputations, freedom, and future at every stage of the case.
Evan Watson represents injured drivers and passengers with precision and persistence, building strong claims, challenging insurers, and securing full compensation for people hurt in automobile crashes across Georgia.
Evan Watson defends clients in white-collar and financial crime investigations with meticulous analysis, strategic negotiation, and strong courtroom advocacy, protecting careers, assets, and reputations in high-stakes cases.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
20%
19 years
DUI and DWI
20%
19 years
Domestic Violence
20%
Sex Crime
20%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Georgia for 17 years
State: Georgia
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
Zeliff | Watson
(770) 887-3729
Fax
(866) 481-9176
Mobile
351-A Dahlonega St., Cumming, GA, 30040
zwdefense.com/evan-watson/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Evan online.
Evan A. Watson's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
195 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (195)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (111)
DUI & DWI (58)
Lawsuits & Disputes (31)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (30)
Drug Crime (5)
Car Accidents (4)
Expungement (4)
Juvenile (4)
Litigation (4)
Appeals (2)
Child Custody (2)
Administrative Law (1)
Bankruptcy & Debt (1)
Business (1)
Family (1)
Immigration (1)
Insurance (1)
Personal Injury (1)
Trucking Accident (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (150)
Advocacy (119)
Recommendation (99)
Professionalism (77)
Responsiveness (59)
Character & Conduct (54)
Communication Style (50)
Practice Area Knowledge (44)
Trustworthiness (33)
General Knowledge (30)
Compassion (29)
Cost of Services (29)
Staff & Support (11)
Punctuality (9)
Payment Plans (3)
Free Consultations (2)
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Punctuality
Posted by anonymous | February 24, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Evan did what he said he would, easy to work with
I had a minor traffic ticket that Evan defended me on in Sandy Springs, GA and he explained that I could probably deal with this myself and avoid attorneys fees, but I was going to be out of town and so I arranged for him to represent me. He did what he said, when he said and was easy to work with.
Posted by anonymous | September 15, 2015 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Evan Watson is the right choice - Highly Recommended
In April of 2015, I was involved in a DUI related incident and found myself in need of a lawyer. Not really having any personal contacts, I used AVVO to search for someone local to me. I contacted Evan on a Monday and he got back to me letting me know that I could meet with him the next day. I went f...
Posted by anonymous | September 19, 2014 | DUI & DWI
First DUI/First Time Arrested
There are no words to describe the guilt, anger, and extreme emotion I felt when I received my first DUI. I decided my life was ruined and lived in panic and despair for several days immediately following being stopped and arrested. I finally met with Evan four days after my DUI, and my only wish ...
Posted by Gary | November 13, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Strongly recommend Mr. Evan Watson
My experience with Mr. Waston has been excellent. I had no idea what to do except I really needed a lawyer. I called Mr. Watson's office, 1 hour later he returned my call. I told him of my arrest and the criminal charges that were against me. Mr. Watson asked me to meet with him at his office the s...
Posted by anonymous | June 06, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Evan Watson is a Superb Lawyer that Exceeded my expectations!!!!
Evan Watson always fights hard against your case, no matter how large or small you think it is. I will definitely make sure I always have Mr. Watson's contact information. (He's very promt and informative!) I am a very satisfied client!
Evan A. Watson's Lawyer Endorsements
"Evan worked for our firm for the first four years of his career. His background in a military training college (Citadel) helped prepare him for battle as a criminal defense attorney. A winning smile and a keen insight on people and personalities has help him succeed at getting excellent deals for most of his clients, since the prosecutors know that he is willing to fight when a reduction is not offered."
"Evan is an exceptional DUI lawyer, and I recommend him without hesitation. In order to consistently deliver great results in DUI cases, your lawyer must have an excellent knowledge of the facts of your case and understand the technical and scientific aspects of DUI cases. Evan has committed himself to obtain the advanced training required to defend DUI cases, and he works tirelessly to understand the intricate details of his cases. If you choose Evan to represent you in your DUI case, you be assured that he will do everything possible to obtain the very best result possible for you."
"Evan is an incredible attorney who fights at every turn, at every corner, for every client. Knowledgeable and caring, I cannot think of a better attorney in Forsyth county!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Evan is a fantastic lawyer. He really has a strong understanding of the law and he cares about his clients. I fully endorse this lawyer."
"Evan is an attorney who knows how to effectively negotiate with prosecutors and is more than capable of taking a case to trial if necessary. He has extensive experience in courts all over metro Atlanta, and well respected in the legal community among his peers. I endorse Evan Watson!"
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Evan and his office do tremendous work for clients. Always a strong advocate, Evan is knowledgeable, effective, and on point in all aspects of representation. I would not hesitate to recommend Evan."
"Evan Watson has incredible experience and that separates him form other "DUI/Criminal Lawyers." I send Evan referrals in the Forsyth/Bartow/Barrow County areas because I know he can get the best results. I endorse Evan!"
"Evan is a well respected lawyer in the community who gets results for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I strongly endorse Evan Watson. Evan is trustworthy, conscientious, hardworking and fundamentally dedicated to every client. Evan is an excellent defense attorney who is a huge asset to the community and the entire Defense Bar. Any person in need of a premier criminal defense lawyer will know immediately he or she is in capable hands. Since I have known Evan for a number of years, I am honored to endorse this superb lawyer."
"I endorse Evan. I have known Evan for several years. He is an extremely skilled litigator and excellent negotiator. He is well-respected in the legal community. If you are charged with a criminal offense or DUI, you will be well-served with Evan on your side."
"I knew Mr. Watson in law school, and he was the kind of person I would entrust with my legal matters."
"I first met Evan Watson many year ago when he interned in my office prior to attending law school. We have kept in touch over the years and Evan has become my "go to" criminal defense resource. I have referred several clients and personal friends to Evan and, without exception, I get highly positive feedback. I have also collaborated with Evan on several legal web site articles and it is clear to me that he understands both the substantive law, and he has the right interpersonal skills to represent his clients extremely well in court. If you are looking for a top flight criminal defense lawyer, you could do no better than choosing Evan Watson."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Evan has exceptional legal skills. He is very charismatic and able to obtain results for his clients few lawyers are capable of obtaining. Whenever I have a client with a problem in Forsyth County I refer then to Evan."
Michael Murphy
DUI and DWI lawyer
Kyle Jarzmik
Criminal defense lawyer
Latasha Barnes
Criminal defense lawyer
Erin Fowler
Criminal defense lawyer
Amna Shirazi
Immigration lawyer
Jodi Ginsberg
Workers compensation lawyer
Philip Pilgrim
DUI and DWI lawyer
James Paisley
Criminal defense lawyer
Daniel Waters
Tax lawyer
William Sherman
Criminal defense lawyer
Maurice Kenner
Criminal defense lawyer
Allen Trapp
DUI and DWI lawyer
Richard Ryczek
DUI and DWI lawyer
William Healan
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Waddington
Military law lawyer
Sean Black
DUI and DWI lawyer
William Maloof
Criminal defense lawyer
Gina Lindekugel
Business lawyer
Samuel Siemon
Divorce and separation lawyer
Benjamin Goldberg
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2011
Certificate of Completion- Spring Session, National College for DUI Defense
2009
Certificate of Completion- Summer Session, National College for DUI Defense
2008
Business Organizations, American Jurisprudence
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Partner, Zeliff | Watson
2013 - 2015
Panel Attorney, The City of Brookhaven
2012 - 2015
Panel Attorney, Forsyth County
2012 - 2015
Panel Attorney, The City Of Sandy Springs
2008 - 2011
Associate Attorney, Head Thomas Webb & Willis, LLC
2007 - 2008
Clerk, BLH Consultants
2007 - 2007
Law Clerk, The City of Sandy Springs
2004 - 2005
Intern, Motley Rice
2004 - 2006
Law Clerk, Ginsberg Law Offices
Associations
2023 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Forsyth County Criminal Defense BarMember
2008 - Present
Georgia Defense of Drinking DriversMember
2008 - Present
State Bar of GeorgiaMember
2007 - Present
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2015 - 2016
Forsyth County Criminal Defense BarPresident
2014 - 2015
Forsyth County Criminal Defense BarVice President
2013 - 2014
Georgia Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2008 - 2016
National College of DUI DefenseMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Forsyth DUI Less Safe Jury Trial Acquittal
NOT GUILTY.
Dekalb County Misdemeanor Traffic Jury Trial
NOT GUILTY.
Gwinnett County Felony Theft Trial
NOT GUILTY.
Forsyth County Daycare Battery Worker Jury Trial
NOT GUILTY.
Sandy Springs v Client
Not Guilty
State of Georgia v. Client
Not Guilty
Jury Trial w Trooper Cabe of GSP
Not Guilty of DUI
Army Veteran's DUI Dropped
DUI dropped
Cyclist's Case Dropped & Damages Recovered
Case Dropped, Damages Recovered
Army Specialists' DUI Dropped- Construction Accident
DUI dropped, reduced plea entered
Felony Heroin Possession- Charge Dropped
Felony Charges Dropped, Record Sealed
DUI, Electric Poll Accident Reduced to Reckless Driving
Reduced to Reckless Driving after Negotiations
Not Guilty DUI Jury Trial
Not Guilty verdict
Possession w/ Intent (Felony) dropped to Misd.
Felony charges dropped, misdemeanor o.k.
.16 Breath Test DUI reduced to Reckless Driving
.16 DUI reduced- minimum conditions
Aggravated Stalking (Felony) Charges Dropped
Aggravated Stalking Charges Dropped
Aggressive Driving Dropped after Gun Brandashing Altercation
Aggressive Driving Dismissed- No Jail
Hit & Run with Personal Injuries Dismissed
Hit & Run dismissed
Education
2025
The North Carolina Advocates For Justice
Criminal Masters in Advocacy 2022 The Rule Out Method
2025
GACDL
Civil Asset Forfeiture Protecting Your Clients Property
2025
Georgia ICLE
Secrets to a Successful Plaintiff s Personal Injury Practice
2025
Hon Marion T Pope Jr American Inn of Court
Professionalism
2024
GACDL
Strategies for Extraordinary Issues in Criminal Defense
2024
Georgia High School Mock Trial
Judge 2023-2024 Mock Trial Competition
2023
Georgia ICLE
Livestream - Plaintiff s Personal Injury
2022
Chief Justice s Commission on Professionalism
Pop-Up CLE Perspectives on Ethics and Professionalism
2022
Georgia ICLE
WRONGFUL DEATH LAW Livestream
2022
Georgia ICLE
Defense of Drinking Drivers Institute
2021
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Psychology of Persuasion Building a Case Start to Finish
2021
Chief Justice s Commission on Professionalism
Professionalism After the Statewide Judicial Emergency Order
2020
Georgia Justice Project
Changes to Georgias Criminal Record Clearing Laws
2020
Chief Justice s Commission on Professionalism
Professionalism and the Georgia Court Reopening Guide
2020
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Defending Sexual Assault Cases
2020
Georgia ICLE
Professionalism Ethics and Malpractice
2019
Georgia ICLE
Georgia Auto Insurance Claims Law
2019
NBI Inc Formerly National Business Institute
Personal Injury From A to Z
2019
NBI Inc Formerly National Business Institute
Voir Dire and Jury Selcection
2018
Georgia ICLE
Trial & Error
2017
Jeff Wolff Law Office
Boating Under the Influence
2017
Georgia ICLE
Secrets to a Successful Plaintiff s Personal Injury
2016
Georgia ICLE
Professionalism Perspectives From a Lifetime of Practicing Law
2015
Georgia ICLE
Professionalism When No One is Watching
2015
GACDL
Defense of the Child Molestation Case in Georgia
2014
Dr. John Vasiliades
Forensic Toxicology for Attorneys
2014
Forensic Alcohol Consulting
Advanced Intoxilyzer 9000 Seminar
2013
Defense of Drinking Drivers Inst.
CLE
2013
Forensic Alcohol Consulting
Intoxilyzer 9000 Training Course
2012
CLE
Carlson on Evidence
2010
Bill Daniels Trial Advocacy Program
CLE
2010
National College of DUI Defense
3-Day Infared Breath Testing Course
2009
NHTSA
32 hr. DUI Detection & FST Instructor Course
2009
NHTSA
24 hr. DUI Detection & FST Course
2008
The Charleston School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2005
The Citadel
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2025
Zoom
Heads or Tails- Defending DUIs in a TOUGH Jurisdiction
2022
Drinking Driving Institute
Boating Under the Influence
2017
BUI
BUI Training A-Z
2015
DUI/SFST Practitioner Course
Techniques for using FSTs in Trial
2015
DUI Update
DUI Q&A Panel
2014
DUI/SFST Practitioner Course
Trial Techniques
2014
DUI Training Super Symposium
Opening and Closing Statements
2014
Brookhaven Festival
DUI & Field Sobriety Tests
2013
Teen Law Clinic
Knowing the Law
2013
Defensive Driving
Defensive Driving
2012
SFST Practitioner Course
DUI Detection & Deterrence
2012
Lawyer In the Round
Lawyer In the Round
2010
Bill Daniels Trial Advocacy
Group Openings, Closings, Directs, Cross Exam.
2009
SFST Instructor Training
Presenting SFST (Instructor Course)
2008
Beginning Lawyers Program
Beginning Lawyers Program
Publications
2022
Georgia ICLE (seminar materials)
Boating Under the Influence
2014
DUI Training Super Symposium
Opening and Closing Statements
2013
Teen Law Clinic
Knowing the Law
2012
Forsyth Co. Criminal Defense Bar
2011-2012 Case Law Update
N/A
Articles and Insights on DUI and Criminal Defense
Forsyth County Criminal Defense Blog
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I Seal and expunge criminal record in state of Georgia if I got a felony drug trafficking charge?And when would I be qualify
19 Sep 2015
Q&A
If vehicle is inoperable can a person be charged with dui when cop pulls behind him to check on disabled car with flashers on
03 Sep 2015
Q&A
How long can it take to get a court date after being arrested for misdemeanor giving false information to a police officer?
03 Sep 2015
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Atlanta's Monday Morning DUI Court Dates
14 Oct 2014
Legal Guide
Georgia Ignition Interlock Hardship Waivers
18 Sep 2014
Legal Guide
NTSB Recommends .05 DUI Standard
14 May 2013