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Peter Mandeville Zeliff

Criminal defense Attorney at Cumming, GA

4.9   35 reviews
  • Licensed for 24 years
    State GA
    Acquired 1998
    Status
    Active Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

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

About Peter

Learn Peter’s areas of practice.

1
Practice area
  1. Criminal defense
    100%
    My entire career I have been dedicated to Criminal Defense work. I have handled thousands of criminal cases ranging from serious felony cases to every kind of traffic related criminal defense matters. At Zeliff & Watson, we have assembled a team that is focused on providing our clients with the highest level of service. We are available to those in need of a dedicated, passionate DUI lawyer.

    25 years, 5,000 cases

OUR FIRM HAS 3 DUI LAWYERS HERE IN FORSYTH. LOCAL. EXPERIENCED AND PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS.

At Zeliff Watson, LLC, we are dedicated to Criminal Defense.  Both Mr. Watson and myself focus on providing the best defense for our clients who find themselves facing criminal charges.  Our passion and dedication is to protect and defend individuals facing arrest or who already been arrested.  For these reasons, I do not handle civil lawsuits, auto injury claims or family law/divorce matters.  As a lifetime Georgian, raised in the Atlanta area, I am happy to serve those in need in Forsyth County and surrounding areas.

Awards

Client's Choice 2018,2012,2011,2010
Client's Choice
2018 2012 2011 + 1 ...

Contact Peter

Peter M. Zeliff, LLC
Corporate Square
351-A Dahlonega Street
Cumming, GA, 30040

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  35 customer reviews
5 Star
 
97%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
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1 Star
 
3%
Client's Choice 2018
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by William | September 8, 2009
Excellent Lawyer !
I can never thank Peter Zeliff enough for his hard work and dedication and without him I am sure I would be in prison today. When I was unjustly accused of a probation violation, Peter worked tirelessly on my behalf to make sure that I was released and all charges dropped. He treated me with respect and even visited me in jail on a Saturday and Sunday. Peter kept in touch with my family to make sure they were up to date on every aspect of my case. After spending a lot of money for attorneys who were more interested in what I paid, it was nothing short of a miracle for me to find an honest, trustworthy attorney who is on my side and believes that I deserve justice.
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Posted by anonymous | August 13, 2009
Highly Recommend Peter Zeliff
Peter was an excellent lawyer. He was very professional and handled the case very well. He brought my family and I justice. We are very appreciative of the amount of effort and the professionalism that he exhibited during my case. I would highly recommend Peter Zeliff to anyone I know.
Posted by R. | March 1, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional Attorney
Personable and professional, Mr. Zeliff will defend your interests well. I'd highly recommend securing his services.
Posted by Rama Mohan rao | September 16, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Personified Honesty.
I had the privilege to hire Mr. peter Zeliff. I went to a couple lawyers when I got to attend court for driving on my foreign driving licence and was quite disappointed and worried at their attitude. I searched and located Mr Zeliff on web and approached him. It was enough to look at him to know that you met a man with honesty and competency personified. I had no second thoughts and was rewarded for hiring him. All my relations felt that they found an Attorney safe for their future litigation if any. I recommend him with my whole heart and with great responsibility.
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Posted by anonymous | October 30, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Spectacular
I just want to say that Mrs. Peter was incredible. As soon as I contacted him they responded. He never made me feel like a bad person because I personally felt that way. He gave me my options and their was never any negative comments from him. He gave me my life back. That is the best way I can put it. Thank you Mrs. Peter for everything!!!!!
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Posted by anonymous | October 28, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
All charges dismissed
Peter is kind, knowledgeable, and highly professional, yet was tough as nails and assertive in dealing with a case with trumped-up charges. I would highly recommend Peter to anyone who needs aggressive, knowledgeable representation for your rights.
Posted by Michael | May 7, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Honest and informed attorney
Peter is a very honest attorney and was more than familiar with the issues at play in my case. His rates are reasonable. He is responsive and an excellent attorney. I would recommend him to anyone who needed a criminal defense attorney.
Posted by Zach | March 28, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Peter Zeliff showed me the light at the end of the tunnel
I made the right decision in choosing Peter to represent me. I knew from the moment that I sat down in his office that he would work tirelessly to produce the best outcome possible for my case. Traits that I look for in an attorney are honesty, responsiveness, expertise, dedication, and professionalism; this is exactly what you will find at this law firm. Robin, the paralegal, is also very pleasant and she communicated with me regarding all the small details along the way. I was provided with an extraordinary experience from start to finish. If I ever again find myself in need of an exceptional attorney that is eager and willing to go the extra mile, I know exactly who to call.
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Posted by MAK | March 26, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dream Team of 1=charges DISMISSED.
ANY legal trouble in Forsyth Co.---- ONLY hire a lawyer who works and lives in the Forsyth Co. Peter Zeliff was highly recommended by a very prominent Atlanta criminal/DUI attorney. My result--- all 3 charges DISMISSED. Legal misadventure happens and l felt like the world is ending. However, once I spoke to Peter Zeliff at the office, I knew that everything was going to be A OK. Mr. Zeliff’s demeanor- always cool, calm and collected. Prior to leaving his office, he already had THE plan and a plan B of how to approach the case. This took a lot of stress off the shoulders. He was always available to answer any questions I had, and explained the legal processes in a manner that was easy to understand. He has been practicing law in Forsyth co for many years and is very respected by his peers, even the officers and legal opponents. He is considered to be one of the most aggressive lawyers and the one who doesn’t like to lose. The ingredients of a Winning Team- knowledge, drive to Win, patience, Mr. Zeliff has it all. The office staff is very friendly and his assistant Robin made sure I was updated with new information. She always called with court date reminders and if there have been any changes with the case. The fee was VERY reasonable and definitely worth every penny. Going back to my case, most other lawyers will just get you to plead to a deal. Well, all 3 charges in my case were dismissed. The dismissal was so unique that the court clerk did not know how to write up the paperwork, the officers, who have worked in the FOCO, have never heard of the dismissal ending like that either. The results speak for themselves!
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Posted by Debbie | August 11, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome Lawyer
Peter recently defended our daughter against a DUI charge in a jury trial in Cobb County. Peter's preparation, professionalism, and knowledge of DUI law and associated processes was extraordinary. He was always available when we called him and he gave honest, solid, advice. It was truly amazing to watch him poke holes in the State's case during his cross-examination of State witnesses. Our daughter is a single mother of 3 small children and had been wrongly accused. Having her going to jail would have been devastating on her and the children. We thank God every day for Peter for successfully defending our daughter and would highly recommend this awesome legal expert and consummate professional to anyone needing an attorney who will go the extra mile. Thanks, Peter.
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Posted by Robert | February 10, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Got my DUI Dropped and Protected my Freedom!
I ran into some Legal Issues late 2014, and found myself in desperate need of a strong Defense. I eventually came in contact with Peter Zeliff, and right out the gate could tell he was an experienced professional. He carefully analyzed my 2 cases, and responded personally to all of my concerns. Zeliff stands firm in the court room, and I believe truly cared about my well-being as his client. My DUI charges were completely dropped, and he also landed me an excellent deal in a separate case. I owe my freedom to his knowledge and abilities, and would recommend his service to my friends and family.
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Posted by anonymous | April 11, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Attorney
I had seen his reviews and hired him for my DUI case. He did a great job and brought it down to reckless. I couldn't have asked for more. He is real support one would need.
Posted by Geoff | August 15, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
DUI
I would highly recommend Peter Zeliff. I've never been in trouble before in my life and I was very nervous. Peter helped me stay calm and never over promised anything he couldn't do. He was very honest and caring. I thought my life was over with by having a DUI at the age 22 on my record. Peter went to work and had it dropped to a reckless driving. I can now have a fresh start and move on with my life and continue my career without any issues. Once again Peter I can't thank you enough I'll def keep In touch this whole thing means a lot thank you so much for your time and effort in my case.
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Posted by andrew | May 10, 2015
probation violation
Peter did a great job representing me on a probation violation. Although i still did a few days in jail peter worked out a deal with my probation officer before i turned myself in to keep my jail time to 2 -6 days. Way better than the 30 days standard This deal also gave me time to take vacation from work before my arrest thus allowing me to keep my job. While i was in jail he visited me and even personally went to see the judge to get my deal signed quiclky. I highly reccomend him.
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Posted by anonymous | December 11, 2013
Excellent lawyer!
Peter is a wonderful lawyer. He knows the system and was extremely patient in working on my behalf. He is a very generous, smart, knowledgable and experienced lawyer. He is always available to answer all your questions and make time for you. I hired Peter for both DUI and speeding ticket and I was very satisfied with him. He resolved both of my cases. My DUI was reduced to reckless driving. He handled my speeding ticket successfully. I highly recommend him to anyone.
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Posted by Dan | June 4, 2013
He stuck by me
I can't thank Peter enough for what he did for me. He knows the system and was extremely patient in working on my behalf. My case was in the system for over five years and he was able to get a dismissal for me when the circumstances were just right. He truly is a top notch lawyer and I am so pleased that he was able to end my long ordeal with an excellent outcome. Thanks again Peter!
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Posted by April | December 5, 2012
DUI Charge
Peter Zeliff is an amazing attorney! While I blew a .113 in the Intoxalizer 5000, the video of my stop and field sobriety tests showed that I was in complete control of my mind and body. Peter asked the jury to consider the evidence, which is the video, and not what the prosecutor and officer said and would want them to believe. I was charged with DUI Per Se, DUI Less Safe, and three moving violations. Things seemed very bleak at times but yesterday a jury of six found me not guilty on all five charges! I am still in shock and am beyond happy to have this 10 month nightmare over! Peter was extremely confident however and whenever I was feeling discouraged he put me at ease. I HIGHLY recommend Peter to anyone in the metro-Atlanta area who is arrested for DUI. Thank you Peter for the amazing job you did with my case!!! I cannot thank you enough!!!! :-)
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Posted by anonymous | September 28, 2012
Great Lawyer and Friend
I was arrested in July, 2012 for "obstruction of law enforcement." While I admit what I did was not wise considering it landed me in jail and I won't do it again, I still felt that my arrest was completely unjustified. I was arrested for not identifying myself to a patrolling officer while I was at work. I knew I needed representation because there was no way I could have handled this myself. I had called around the Forsyth County area talking to attorneys about my case and asking how much they charged. I was quite dismayed because they all seemed like they were much more concerned for me as a paying client than as a person. I even talked to friends of the family who were lawyers. While they were nice, to them I was just business. The ones that I could afford told me that they would try to get the fines reduced or lessen the amount of community service. I was almost ready to decide who would represent me before I decided to make one final phone call. My decision was easy once I talked to Peter. From the moment that I first called and spoke to him on the phone, I couldn't believe how much he actually cared about my case. It was as if it was personal to him. I admit I thought he was too good to be true at first and kept asking myself what the catch was. But there was no catch. When I met with him in person, I found him to be a really kind, warm-hearted and generous man with a keen sense of justice. And when he sees that someone else is wronged by the state, he will fight for you as if it were himself that he was defending. He was as upset at my circumstances as I was, maybe even moreso. I'm writing this now after I just returned from the courthouse, and Peter was able to get the charges dismissed! I was expecting a fine or maybe some community service, but he got the case completely dismissed. I could hardly believe it. I don't know of any other lawyer in Forsyth County that could have done what he did. I am so glad I didn't go with anyone else. Peter has been a real friend. Thanks again, Peter!
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Posted by Josh | March 19, 2012
Handled every detail and very professional
Peter understands the weight criminal charges can have on a person, especially for those, like myself, who have never had more than a traffic ticket. He wasn't too busy to answer all my questions and give me an honest assessment of how my case might be viewed within the legal system. The "simple battery" charge brought against me came at a time when I was offered a very attractive job position, and Peter moved quickly to write a letter on my behalf. He was willing to work on my timeline - I had delayed getting a lawyer and was anxious about the whole process. When I was offered the job, I knew a background check may jeopardize the offer. His willingness to give my employer a letter during the background check most likely secured the job for me. This is something I can never fully repay. Subsequently, Peter has kept in touch regularly, easing the burden of court hearings and making sure I know everything he does related to the case. He is a professional in all his actions and shares his knowledge freely. I could not have asked for a better lawyer in helping me through this difficult time. I highly recommend Peter for these reasons and also for his fairness in the costs of services rendered.
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Posted by anonymous | December 2, 2011
Outstanding DUI Attorney
Peter is one of if not the best DUI attorney in Forsyth County. He knowledge of the law, law enforcement procedures, and influence in the legal community are second to none. He and his staff took an "all hands on deck" attifude with my case. Within minutes of our first meeting he and one of associates set up a face-to-face meeting with the lead prosecutor in the case starting us down the path to a plea agreement - something up until that point she and the officer were adamantly against.
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Cost

Rates
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Associate
  • Head Thomas Webb & Willis Llc
  • 2002 - 2009

Education

  • Georgia State University College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1998
  • University of Georgia, Athens
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1995

Legal Cases

  • Wax vs. The State
  • Affirmed
  • Rhodes vs. The State, 276 Ga. App. 692 (2005)
  • Affirmed

Associations

  • Forsyth County Defense Bar
  • President
  • 2012 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
  • member
  • 2009 - Present
  • Forsyth County Bar Association
  • member
  • 2009 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Defense of Drinking Drivers (DODD)
  • member
  • 2002 - Present
  • Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present
  • State Bar of Georgia
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyes
  • 2011
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2010
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2009
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2007
  • Certificate of Completion
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • 2002
  • Best Overall Advocate
  • Georgia State University College of Law Moot Court Board
  • 1997
  • Best Oralist
  • Georgia State University College of Law Moot Court Board
  • 1997
  • Best Oralist
  • Thomas Tang Moot Court Southern Regional
  • 1997
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Georgia Defense of Drinking Drivers
  • Using the "New" Rules of Evidence in DUI Cases
  • 2016
  • DUI Boot Camp
  • Choosing Between Bench Trial vs. Jury Trials and DUI Trial Preparation
  • 2007
  • GACDL Spring Seminar
  • Ethics
  • 2006
  • Georgia Indigent Defense Council's
  • DUI Bootcamp
  • 2002
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (38)
Given (47)
Endorse Peter
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 23
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I worked with Peter Zeliff for several years when I was at Head, Thomas, Webb and Willis. Peter is an excellent trial attorney. I've seen him handle difficult cases and obtain great results for his clients. He is confident in the courtroom and in front of a jury. I would recommend him to anyone seeking a criminal defense attorney in Georgia."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jul 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Peter is a excellent DUI Lawyer. I have observed him in the courtroom and he is knowledgeable, highly qualified and has nerves of steel. There are alot of lawyers who call themselves "DUI Lawyers, " only a handful of lawyers have the metal to take cases to jury trial. Peter actually takes cases to the jury. Always cool under fire, he is no pretender. Peter gets the Real Deal George Creal seal of approval."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I strongly endorse this attorney! I have seen him in action in the courtroom, and he fights hard for his clients. He's reliable, intelligent, and definitely someone you want in your corner."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 03
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"When I was a prosecutor, Peter and I had numerous cases together. I was always impressed with how hard he fought for his client's rights and especially with his abilities in the courtroom. Highly recommended!"
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"If you are looking for an attorney, you won't find better than Peter Zeliff. Peter is a great guy, and he truly is a superb lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 03
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Peter comes fully prepared to the table, and is not intimidated by anyone. I whole-heartedly recommend him for DUI representation."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 17
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Peter works hard for his clients and is an excellent attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Peter is an imaginative and hard working lawyer who gets great results for his clients. I recommend him."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 09
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Peter is a wealth of information and experience and he will fight for your rights."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 26
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Peter for ten years and have referred many criminal clients to his practice. Peter is an outstanding litigator who works very hard to gain the best possible result for his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Peter for years he's an outstanding lawyer who really fights for his clients!"
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 28
Relationship: Friend
"Peter is one of the most trustworthy people I know. He has exceptional legal skills, but is even more of an exceptional person. I ask for his advice whenever I need help on cases in Forsyth County. He helped me tremendously when I was first starting out. I have referred clients to him and have received nothing but thanks."
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"My Firm refers cases to Peter on a regular basis because we know he is very good at what he does, I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jul 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Peter is an excellent DUI lawyer. I refer nearly all of the DUI cases that come to my office to him. DUI work is very specialized and Peter has the experience and dedication to handle a DUI case in the strongest manner possible."
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Peter is a top notch advocate who gets great results for his clients. I highly endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Peter is a brilliant attorney. He is excellence presence in the courtroom and makes only the best arguments getting great results for his clients. He has an amazing breadth of legal knowledge. Peter is understanding of his clients' needs and never stops fighting. Persistent, dedicated and driven to succeed for his clients."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Peter is one of Georgia’s leading DUI defense attorneys. He is an incredibly skilled trial attorney who ethically and zealously represents his clients. He is nationally recognized for his expertise in DUI defense and the amazing results he obtains for his clients. I highly recommend him."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 21
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Peter is the consummate professional and a warrior in the courtroom. He and I had the opportunity to try two jury trials against each other in the span of a week and while he zealously fought for his clients, he was a pleasure to work with and was able to maintain the ethics and professionalism that is often so lacking in our profession these days. I've worked with him on a number of different cases and he always strives for the best possible result for his clients. I highly recommend him."
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