David Shepherd West

PRO

David Shepherd West

4.5
Rating: 9.3

Licensed for 31 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Marietta, GA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Appeals

123 Church Street, Suite 220, Charmichael Building at Marietta Station, Marietta, GA

Free Consultation

About David

Biography

Seen on CNN, Fox, and many more, David S. West is regarded as one of Georgia's top defense lawyers!

David S. West handles appeals, habeas corpus, expungements and parole! Free consultations!!

High-profile defense lawyer David S, West - as seen on CNN, Fox, and more. Free Consultations!

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 90%

High profile criminal defense attorney who practices throughout the state of Georgia handling all types of criminal cases from major felonies to misdemeanors and juvenile cases.

33 years

90%
Appeals 10%

33 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2017

Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 31 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 1994

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

David West & Associates

123 Church Street, Suite 220, Charmichael Building at Marietta Station, Marietta, GA, 30060-1948

westdefense.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find David online.

David Shepherd West's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.5 /5.0

24 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (24) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Cost of Services

Posted by Tyler | April 24, 2013 | Drug Crime

Very down to Earth

I was charged with possession of a controlled substance on federal property. The outcome was far better than I could have expected. My biggest concerns were losing my driver's license, ending up with a criminal record, and being put on probation (none of which happened). Thanks to Mr. West, I can p...ut everything that happened behind me and get on with my life. After a few unsatisfactory consultations with other law firms, I knew right away David West was the right choice. He didn't use any scare tactics, OR make any empty promises in an attempt to get my business like others have done. He and his associates were understanding and very personable. Mr. West has more experience with federal court than anyone else I found, which definitely shouldn't be underestimated. I feel very strongly that the outcome of my case had a lot to do with the rapport he's built over years of dealing with the prosecution we encountered. Someone was always available to talk to about any questions or concerns I had. Throughout the whole process I felt like I was in good hands. I slept like a log the night before court. To top it all off, his fee was substantially more reasonable than I expected, which was a pleasant surprise. All in all, I was completely satisfied. I absolutely recommend Mr. West's services to anyone looking for the best defense they can get.

Posted by Carlos | December 28, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

HES A BIGG LIER,PLEASE DO NOT HIRE!!!

Hello my name is Carlos Singletary and I was told about Mr.West from a friend of mines I was incarcerated with.I had my wife to contact Mr.West but only reached his paralegal who informed my wife that it will cost 4 thousand dollars for Mr.West to take my case.I only needed him to be my parole lawyer....So we finally contacted and talked to Mr.West who insured me it wasn't a problem for him to take the case,he even sent me papers from the parole board stating I would get out around July or August 2022..I paid him around November 2021 and after receiving the promises I wasn't able to get in contact with him anymore at all..And I never got released on the promise date...My advice to Anyone,if you want to be free,DO NOT,I REPEAT,DO NOT give this man your money cause you WILL NOT EVER hear from him anymore..He's a lier ,he ripped me off for 4 thousand dollars and I haven't got a penny back..He is NOT a man of his word..I would appreciate it if you are reading this to share this information before he strike again...

Posted by anonymous | December 01, 2022 | Criminal Defense

Overal very poor treatment of client.

I was arrested for possession of marijuana in GA. The police mislead me into believing that if I were to cooperate with their anti-drug evaluation class (for new officers) that they would simply let me go free. I cooperated and went to jail anyway. I explained all circumstances to Mr. West. He rea...ssured me that we could go to court and fight the charges because of my special circumstances and the misleading behavior of the police. He said that I would likely be looking at a small amount of community service, at worst, and at best, no repercussions at all. His ability to spout rhetoric convinced me that he would be the perfect lawyer for my case. After the first court date, I was given the option to plead guilty and receive 40 hours of community service, mandatory drug screens (that were to be paid by me), a drug/alcohol evaluation (another $300 charge), and over $300 in fines directly to the court. Mr. West strongly advised me to take the deal, adding that the judge would only get more strict as I turned down these plea offers. At the time I was semi-ignorant of the way the entire system worked and I stupidly took his advice. He told me what I wanted to hear in the beginning and then (after receiving payment) he pressured me to plea, presumably, because he he had "more important" cases to deal with.

David West

Replied last July 29, 2010

This client confessed to police and cooperated prior to being represented by me. I made no assurances that he would have his charges dismissed and the State was unwilling to dismiss the charges under the circumstances of the case. The sentence the client received was minimal for the offense, including the reduced fine which he received. My area of specialization is marijuana cases and I have had hundreds of such cases dismissed for my clients - usually where the client doesn't admit wrongdoing and doesn't cooperate with police. I never strongly push a client to take a deal and would have taken this client to trial if he had requested we go to trial. He chose to take an offer rather than risk a guilty verdict. Most interestingly, the client made no verbal complaint to me following conclusion of this case and it has been many months since his case was completed so I was unaware he was dissatisfied and surprised he waited until now to lodge a complaint. I am one of only nine lawyers in the State of Georgia recommended by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws for the handling of these kinds of cases and I am a life member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. NO case in this office is less important to me because it is a misdemeanor or because of the facts of a case. I work to help my clients but make no guarantees of results in any individual case - I simply work hard to try to win and if we cannot win, I let my client know and let them make a decision. This client did that and apparently it is my fault. I hope that those of you considering my practice will look at other reviews, use google to search for cases in the news I have handled and do more research before relyin gon one dissatisfied person to make their decision. As other reviews are added, I also hope you will read those and consider the experiences of other clients who have been very happy with my work and the work of my staff.

See All Client Reviews

David Shepherd West's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
Lawrence Mark Korn headshot
Lawrence Korn

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David West is one of those dedicated, hard-working talented lawyers that comes along once in a great while. If I were in trouble, he's the guy I'd call."

Kimberly Keheley Frye headshot
Kimberly Frye

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney David West works tirelessly on behalf of his clients to get the best result possible. He will travel across the state or country to assist a client. His dedication and use of inventive legal arguments bring great outcomes for his clients in all jurisdictions. David West is a true trial lawyer who fights for his clients and their rights. You are in very good hands when you hire David for your case."

Bernard Brody headshot
Bernard Brody

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David is an outstanding lawyer. He is recognized in the legal community as one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Georgia. He is always well prepared in court and gets great results for his clients."

Benjamin Von Schuch headshot
Benjamin Von Schuch

Criminal defense lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"What makes David one the best criminal defense lawyers in the country? His intelligence, charisma, and drive to succeed. He truly is a rare talent. When others would give up hope in a case, David just finds another way. He turns lemons into lemonade. If I needed a lawyer, David is the first person I would call."

Jill Elaine Stahlman headshot
Jill Stahlman

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Parag Yogesh Shah headshot
Parag Shah

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David West is a high-powered, creative, and zealous attorney. He gets results for his clients and will never back down from a fight. I highly endorse this lawyer."

Lawrence Jason Zimmerman headshot
Lawrence Zimmerman

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David is well known in the community for fighting drug cases and successfully arguing legal issues. He is a hardworking lawyer who is good at what he does, and he represents his clients very well. He is also a nice guy as well. I endorse him."

Herman Maddox Kilgore headshot
Herman Kilgore

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David has a great reputation and experience in both state and federal criminal matters, including higher profile cases. In matters of Fourth Amendment search and seizure issues David has always been on the front lines of knowledge and imagination."

Jack Ira Klein headshot
Jack Klein

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David West is an experienced and highly skilled trial lawyer who is well regarded in the defense bar. I would not hesitate to endorse Mr. West for any criminal defense matter."

View All Endorsements
Ashley L. Schiavone headshot
Ashley Schiavone

Criminal defense lawyer

Benjamin Von Schuch headshot
Benjamin Von Schuch

Criminal defense lawyer

Ingrid D. Skidmore headshot
Ingrid Skidmore

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffrey Paul Manciagli headshot
Jeffrey Manciagli

Criminal defense lawyer

Andrew Brian Margolis headshot
Andrew Margolis

Criminal defense lawyer

Bernard Brody headshot
Bernard Brody

Criminal defense lawyer

Larry David Wolfe headshot
Larry Wolfe

Criminal defense lawyer

Brenda Joy Bernstein headshot
Brenda Bernstein

Criminal defense lawyer

Parag Yogesh Shah headshot
Parag Shah

Personal injury lawyer

Michael M. Hawkins headshot
Michael Hawkins

DUI and DWI lawyer

Dawn Renee Levine headshot
Dawn Levine

Estate planning lawyer

Scott Patrick Semrau headshot
Scott Semrau

Criminal defense lawyer

Herman Maddox Kilgore headshot
Herman Kilgore

Criminal defense lawyer

Lawrence Jason Zimmerman headshot
Lawrence Zimmerman

Criminal defense lawyer

Jack Ira Klein headshot
Jack Klein

Criminal defense lawyer

Lawrence Mark Korn headshot
Lawrence Korn

Criminal defense lawyer

Kimberly Keheley Frye headshot
Kimberly Frye

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.3 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2005

Businessman of the Year Award, N.R.C.C

Work Experience

2004 - Present

Managing Partner, David West & Associates

2014 - 2014

Volunteer, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Clemency Project

2003 - 2004

Senior Attorney, Plichta & Associates

1994 - 2003

Associate, Law Offices Of Bruce S. Harvey

1994 - 1994

Associate, 1000 Lawyers for Justice

Associations

2015 - Present

Georgia C.A.R.E. Project

Board of Advisors

2009 - Present

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws

Lifetime Member

2006 - Present

National Association For The Reform of Marijuana Laws

Committee Member

2005 - Present

Cobb County Bar Association

Member

2005 - Present

Marietta Business Association

Member

1995 - Present

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Contributing Member

1995 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Lifetime Member

1994 - Present

State Bar of Georgia

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v Nicky Proctor

Charges Dismissed

Sheldon Mitchell v. State

Conviction reversed

State v. Raymundo Stone

Probation and removal from sex offender registry

State v. Mario Griffin

Not Guilty Verdict following jury trial

State v. Denzel Dudley

Not Guilty Verdict following jury trial

State v. Erin Hansen

Case Dismissed

Murphy v. State

Reversed conviction

See More Legal Cases

Education

1994

Georgia State University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1991

Berry College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2013

Ties and Tie Dyes Atlanta

Marijuana Legalization

2011

Boy Scouts of America Troop 540

Criminal Justice

N/A

Model United Nations National Conference

World Issues

Publications

2009

Atlanta Journal Constitution Lawyer Wants Troopers Treated Like Dogs

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution