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Philip Paul Pilgrim Jr.
also known as Phil Pilgrim
About Philip
Biography
I come from a working class family and the first adult male not to swing a hammer to make money. My job is easy compared to what my father, uncles and grandparents do for a living. Knowing that, I have a tremendous amout of respect for what they do and take great pride that I am in a privileged position to help people through this line of work.
I am a devoted husband and father. When not working, I spend all my free time with my family and friends. I am a member of The Vine United Methodist Church where I volunteer every Sunday. My Faith, Family and Friendships are the most important things in my life. I am confident that fervor for those three components in my life further my abilities in representing my clients.
I am militant about my fitness. I work out 6-7 days a week and participate regularly in 5k's, 10k's, and half marathons. Having played baseball for 14 years, I love all outdoor sports and, when I get the time, love being on the golf course.
I am very active in pro bono projects to help the homless and needy and work hard to promote my own charity established along with 5 other church friends called The Big Give Golf Tournament ().
Everything I do in life, I do with 100% commitment. There is no reason to do it if you are not going to do it well. I live by that mantra.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
70%
20 years
Criminal Defense
30%
20 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Georgia for 20 years
State: Georgia
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
Banks, Stubbs & McFarland
309 Pirkle Ferry Road, Building F, Cumming, GA, 30040
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Philip Paul Pilgrim Jr.'s Reviews
Avvo Review Score
45 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 45 reviews
Posted by anonymous | March 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Fail
I terminated the Client/Attorney relationship because he was not aggressive enough for me. I was innocent and had evidence proving it. Phil seemed not to be in a rush to get charges dismissed. I did not want a trial. I wanted the Solicitor office to dismiss case. My replacement Attorney using m...
Posted by Jason B | June 15, 2023 | Hired Attorney
If you want a lawyer that you can trust look no further
From the first phone conversation I knew Mr Pilgrim was the right attorney for my case. He is brutally honest and will stand up for what is right now matter what. If Mr. Pilgrim says he will handle it, rest assured he will. Finding a lawyer that looks at every aspect of your case and doesn't concentr...
Posted by anonymous | March 09, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Got a Ticket? Don't look any further, Phil is YOUR guy!!!
Got a traffic violation in Foresyth county on GA 400. Contacted Phil for legal advice and hired his services to represent me in court. Phil was extremely professional, efficient and successful in reaching a very reasonable outcome for me.
Posted by Brian | March 05, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Excellent
I filled out some information on their website. Was responded to very quickly. Took care of my case with very short notice. Very helpful and informative.
Posted by Danielle Urquhart | January 29, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
God sent
Phil was able to get 4 count of DUI against me Dismiss. I'm very happy with the outcome. I was able to go back to work to support my family. Fee was reasonable. Thanks Phil.. May you continue to be blessed...
Philip Paul Pilgrim Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Phil is a wealth of information and talent. He is always willing to help someone in need in any way he can."
"I endorse this lawyer. Phil is a fighter with experience prosecuting and defending DUI cases. His experience translates into an excellent DUI defense for his clients. I recommend Phil for DUI defense and any other criminal case."
"I endorse this lawyer. Phil Pilgrim is a gentleman, a professional, a warrior and a winner. He was a great prosecutor and is now an even better defense attorney. He is always prepared and his knowledge of evidence and the criminal code is excellent. As for the courtroom, Phil has the "X" factor. You can't teach it -- although you may be able to refine it. Phil knows how to pick and engage a jury -- they love him at trial. His courtroom techniques and professionalism mix nicely with the "nasty dog" attitude you have to muster up from time to time to be a warrior for your client. Phil is a master in all areas of criminal law, especially DUI defense. Phil has had several very nice strings of "Not Guilty" jury verdicts since he became a defense attorney. In conclusion, Phil Pilgrim is the kind of attorney you want defending your criminal case."
"I endorse this lawyer 100%. Phil has professionalism, knowledge, and the right amount of aggressiveness in the courtroom to provide his clients with the very best legal representation. I highly recommend Phil and his firm with any legal issue you may have."
"I endorse this lawyer. Phil is one of North Atlanta/Forsyth's top lawyers in the courtroom. He diligently prepares his cases, negotiates hard for clients, and goes to trial when necessary- with great success. I would not hesitate to refer a friend or family member to Phil."
"Phil is an excellent criminal defense attorney. His prior experience as a prosecutor allows him to know exactly how to structure the proper defense. He always comes to court prepared and is not shy about taking a case to trial."
"I have known Phil for many years and he is an awesome attorney. Phil is dedicated and hardworking. Phil truly cares about his clients and their cases. I would highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Phil since he prosecuted cases in Forsyth County. He is very tied into the Cumming Community and serves his clients well. He is a terrific advocate who fights hards for his clients. In certain cases, I will refer clients to Phil since I am confident that he will do a great job."
"I have tried cases with Phil and have always found him knowledgeabIe and professional. Phil knows the law and would be a great addition to your legal team. I endorse this lawyer."
"I met Phil when he was working for the Forsyth County Solicitor's Office. He is an excellent attorney and will fight for his client. He goes above and beyond to help his client and will get results. I endorse Phil Pilgrim, Jr. as a competent and professional attorney."
"I first knew Phil when he was prosecuting in the Forsyth County Solicitor's Office. Now that he is in private practice, Phil takes this valuable trial experience with him. Phil just tried a 2+ week murder trial and was extremely well-prepared and organized, and hired a very effective expert witness to aid in the defense of his client. His work ethic is above reproach and I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking an experienced attorney to fight their case in court."
"As a former Forsyth County prosecutor, I have had the opportunity to be on the opposite side of Phil in the courtroom on many occasions. We even had a week where he and I tried two jury trials against each other. Phil has a genuine and personable demeanor in the courtroom that he wields effectively alongside his passionate and zealous advocacy for his clients. He has a great rapport with opposing counsel, police officers and the judges and is a well respected lawyer. I am privileged to consider him a colleague and a worthy adversary. I highly recommend him."
"I have known Phil for several years and I have tremendous respect for his legal skill and ability. While he can be tenacious in court, he balances this strength with just the right amount of diplomacy. This is a fine line that Phil manages very well. This combination allows him to be a powerful advocate for his clients. I am not alone in my high opinion of his professionalism and strong work ethic."
"I have known Phil for many years, and he has always presented himself as a professional and extremely well prepared lawyer. Phil is knowledgeable, and well respected. I would not hesitate to recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Phil is an intelligent, hard working, and innovative attorney. His experience as a former prosecutor gives him an advantage that ultimately benefits his clients. If you need a criminal lawyer in Forsyth county, you can not ask for a better advocate than Philip Pilgrim."
"Phil is one of the few people I would call if I got into trouble. He is also someone who a admire for the way he tries his cases. the professionalism and civility with which he conducts himself sets a high standard. You can never go wrong hiring Phil."
James Hardy
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Kenneth Stroud
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Experience
Honors
2018
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2004
House Resolution 1996, Georgia House of Representatives
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Owner, Carter ♦ Pilgrim
2016 - 2019
Partner, Carter ♦ Pilgrim ♦ Stroud
2007 - 2013
Partner, The Law Offices of Epps and Pilgrim
2005 - 2007
Assistant District Attorney, Forsyth County Solicitor General's Office
2005 - 2007
DUI Court Representative, Forsyth County State Court
2002 - 2003
Clerk, The Honorable Steve Jones, Western Judicial Circuit
Associations
2013 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseGeneral Member
2013 - Present
Forsyth County Chamber of CommerceMember
2007 - Present
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2005 - Present
State Bar of GeorgiaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. KG
Client was found not guilty of all 9 counts.
State v. DJB
Case dismissed for legal grounds by judge prior to trial
State v. CD
Found not guilty of all counts by jury.
State v. MD
Found not guilty of the DUI and guilty of the Headlight Violation. Paid a $75 fine.
State v. JF
Not guilty on both counts
State v. AW
Just before motions and trial, DUI was dismissed outright and client paid fine on the failure to maintain lane.
State v. TAB
Not Guilty on all counts.
State v. LM
Following a motions hearing, the State agreed to dismiss the DUI.
Education
2005
Georgia State University
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
University of Georgia
BS - Bachelor of Science
2002
University of Georgia
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2007
Training
DUI Detection and Enforcement Case Law Update
2007
Compliance With Truancy Laws
Truancy in Forsyth County School District
2007
Compliance With Truancy Laws
Truancy in Forsyth County School District
2007
Compliance With Truancy Laws
Truancy in Forsyth County School District
2006
Training
Courtroom Testimony and Demeanor
2006
Report Writing and Courtroom Testimony
Effective Trial Preparation for Law Enforcement
2006
Compliance With Truancy Laws
Truancy in Forsyth County School District
2006
Compliance With Truancy Laws
Truancy in Forsyth County School District
2006
Compliance With Truancy Laws
Truancy in Forsyth County School District
2005
Compliance With Truancy Laws
Truancy in Forsyth County School District
2005
Compliance With Truancy Laws
Truancy in Forsyth County School District
2005
Compliance With Truancy Laws
Truancy in Forsyth County School District
Publications
2014
Carter Pilgrim Blog
Can my Conviction be Expunged?
2014
Carter Pilgrim Blog
Any Lawyer can do the Job, Right?
2014
Carter Pilgrim Blog
Hiring Local Counsel
2014
Carter Pilgrim Blog
What Happens to My Bond Money?
2014
Carter Pilgrim Blog
When Should I Hire a Lawyer
2013
Carter Pilgrim Blog
The HGN Evaluation
2013
Carter Pilgrim Blog
Should I submit to Field Sobriety Evaluations
2013
Carter Pilgrim Blog
Non-Standardized Evaluations used by Standard Officers
2013
Carter Pilgrim Blog
The Walk and Turn and One Leg Stand Evaluation
2013
Carter Pilgrim Blog
What are Standardized Field Sobriety Tests?
2013
Carter Pilgrim Bog
Can I Post Bond if I have been Arrested for New Charges While On Probation?
2013
Carter Pilgrim Blog
Charged with a Drug Offense?
2013
Carter Pilgrim Blog
What if I am Stopped for a DUI?
2012
Forsyth News
2.5 Week Murder Trial
2011
Aspen News Paper
Murder Preliminary Hearing
2011
Cumming Patch
Forsyth Murder Case
2010
Main Street News
Jackson Manslaughter Sentencing
2008
Jackson Herald
Jackson County Manslaughter
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
My boyfriend did a yr for dui and driving under suspension license. he got another dui driving under suspension .
11 Feb 2014
Q&A
How long does it take to get to superior court?
11 Apr 2012
Q&A
Does Cobb County use the ETG test to screen for alcohol while on probation?
19 Mar 2012