PRO
Peter Mandeville Zeliff
About Peter
Biography
An accomplished attorney, Peter Zeliff has earned a reputation for transforming seemingly unwinnable criminal cases into victories. He is driven by the belief that every individual is entitled to vigorous defense and protection under their constitutional rights. Peter is committed to achieving optimal outcomes for his clients, whether this means securing dismissals, acquittals, or reasonable charge reductions. Graduating with honors from Georgia State University College of Law in 1998, he excelled in advocacy, a skill he refined at the DeKalb County Public Defender’s Office and Head, Thomas, Webb, and Willis. In 2011, he co-founded Zeliff | Watson with Evan Watson. Peter's unique legal skills, recognized by Super Lawyers and as a Rising Star, shine through in his many trial successes, particularly in DUI cases where difficult evidence is often present. His firm’s record includes numerous jury and bench trial wins, showcasing his relentless pursuit of justice. Client reviews on highlight his dedication, making him a trusted ally in navigating the legal system.
Peter Zeliff is a veteran North Georgia criminal defense attorney known for strategic case analysis, strong motion practice, and effective courtroom advocacy. He represents clients in DUI, felony, and high-stakes cases across Forsyth County and metro Atlanta.
Peter Zeliff is a seasoned criminal defense attorney known for challenging the State’s evidence, exposing investigative flaws, and securing strong results in serious felony and misdemeanor cases across Forsyth County and metro Atlanta.
Peter Zeliff is a leading North Georgia DUI defense lawyer with deep experience in field sobriety testing, chemical analysis, and suppression motions, consistently achieving reductions, dismissals, and trial wins for clients facing DUI charges.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
28 years | 6,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Georgia for 27 years
State: Georgia
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Zeliff & Watson, LLC
351 Dahlonega St, Suite A, Cumming, GA, 30040
zwdefense.com/attorney-peter-zeliff/Peter Mandeville Zeliff's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
35 Client Reviews
Showing 16 - 20 of 35 reviews
Posted by anonymous | September 28, 2012 | Criminal Defense
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 w...
Posted by Josh | March 19, 2012 | Criminal Defense
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 batt...
Posted by anonymous | December 04, 2011 | DUI & DWI
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 associ...
Posted by anonymous | September 19, 2011 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Great lawyer!!!
Peter got my case dropped to a reckless driving with minimal community service, fines, etc... He did a great job! I would refer him all day! He did a great job!
Posted by Brenda | April 04, 2011 | Criminal Defense
A public apology!
My name is Brenda and I posted a comment on Friday that I wish that I had not posted. I spoke before I knew all of the details! I should'nt listen to hear-say and very much apologize to Mr. Zeliff ! I would highly recommend him as an excellent criminal lawyer.
Peter Mandeville Zeliff's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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!"
"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."
"Peter comes fully prepared to the table, and is not intimidated by anyone. I whole-heartedly recommend him for DUI representation."
"Peter works hard for his clients and is an excellent attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Peter is an imaginative and hard working lawyer who gets great results for his clients. I recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Peter is a wealth of information and experience and he will fight for your rights."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Peter for years he's an outstanding lawyer who really fights for his clients!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Peter is a top notch advocate who gets great results for his clients. I highly endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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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Experience
Honors
2011
Rising Star, Super Lawyes
2010
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2009
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2007
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2002
Certificate of Completion, National College for DUI Defense
1997
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
Work Experience
2002 - 2009
Associate, Head Thomas Webb & Willis Llc
Associations
2012 - Present
Forsyth County Defense BarPresident
2009 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneysmember
2009 - Present
Forsyth County Bar Associationmember
2003 - Present
United States District Court for the Northern District of GeorgiaMember
2002 - Present
Defense of Drinking Drivers (DODD)member
1998 - Present
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1998 - Present
State Bar of GeorgiaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Affirmed
Affirmed
Education
1998
JD - Juris Doctor
1995
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Using the "New" Rules of Evidence in DUI Cases
2007
Choosing Between Bench Trial vs. Jury Trials and DUI Trial Preparation
2006
Ethics
2002
DUI Bootcamp
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides