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 (www.biggivegolf.com).
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
Substantial Trial Practice Standardized Field Sobriety Trained Defended hundreds of DUI cases throughout North Georgia
16 years
Murder Assault Battery VGCSA (Drugs) Family Violence Traffic Offenses
16 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
GA | Active Member in Good Standing | 2005 | 04/17/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2018 |
House Resolution 1996 | Georgia House of Representatives | 2004 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Owner | Carter ♦ Pilgrim | 2013 - Present |
Partner | Carter ♦ Pilgrim ♦ Stroud | 2016 - 2019 |
Partner | The Law Offices of Epps and Pilgrim | 2007 - 2013 |
Assistant District Attorney | Forsyth County Solicitor General's Office | 2005 - 2007 |
DUI Court Representative | Forsyth County State Court | 2005 - 2007 |
Clerk | The Honorable Steve Jones, Western Judicial Circuit | 2002 - 2003 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
National College of DUI Defense | General Member | 2013 - Present |
Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce | Member | 2013 - Present |
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | 2007 - Present | |
State Bar of Georgia | Member | 2005 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Carter Pilgrim Blog | When Should I Hire a Lawyer | 2014 |
Carter Pilgrim Blog | What Happens to My Bond Money? | 2014 |
Carter Pilgrim Blog | Hiring Local Counsel | 2014 |
Carter Pilgrim Blog | Any Lawyer can do the Job, Right? | 2014 |
Carter Pilgrim Blog | Can my Conviction be Expunged? | 2014 |
Carter Pilgrim Blog | What if I am Stopped for a DUI? | 2013 |
Carter Pilgrim Blog | Charged with a Drug Offense? | 2013 |
Carter Pilgrim Bog | Can I Post Bond if I have been Arrested for New Charges While On Probation? | 2013 |
Carter Pilgrim Blog | What are Standardized Field Sobriety Tests? | 2013 |
Carter Pilgrim Blog | The HGN Evaluation | 2013 |
Carter Pilgrim Blog | The Walk and Turn and One Leg Stand Evaluation | 2013 |
Carter Pilgrim Blog | Non-Standardized Evaluations used by Standard Officers | 2013 |
Carter Pilgrim Blog | Should I submit to Field Sobriety Evaluations | 2013 |
Forsyth News | 2.5 Week Murder Trial | 2012 |
Cumming Patch | Forsyth Murder Case | 2011 |
Aspen News Paper | Murder Preliminary Hearing | 2011 |
Main Street News | Jackson Manslaughter Sentencing | 2010 |
Jackson Herald | Jackson County Manslaughter | 2008 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Georgia State University | JD - Juris Doctor | 2005 |
University of Georgia | BS - Bachelor of Science | 2002 |
University of Georgia | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2002 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
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 | 2007 |
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 | 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 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
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 |
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March 9, 2020
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October 19, 2018
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September 26, 2018
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October 16, 2017
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October 5, 2017
Heather Baker, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 8, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Gregory Willis, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 23, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
James Hardy, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 7, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Andrew Richman, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 7, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Evan Watson, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 6, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Daisy Weeks, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 5, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Shelly Hawkins, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 5, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Theodore Spaulding, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 24, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Lawrence Kohn, Criminal defense Attorney on May 13, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
David Savoy, Criminal defense Attorney on May 10, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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.
Norman Cuadra, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 20, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Robert Mcfarland, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 1, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Sean Park, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 22, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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.
Peter Zeliff, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 2, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
James Hamilton, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 15, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Robert Lenhardt, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 8, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Kyle Epps, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 15, 2011
Relationship: Co-worker
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.
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