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David Russell Willingham
also known as David R. Willingham, David Willingham
About David
Biography
Mr. Willingham received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Economics from Georgia State University. He received his Juris Doctor from Atlanta's John Marshall Law School, where the faculty conferred upon him the Harold R. Banke Advocacy Award, given every year to the graduate who best evidences the potential to develop into an accomplished litigator. He also served as captain of the Mock Trial team and has since returned to serve as an adjunct professor in trial advocacy.
As a trial lawyer, Mr. Willingham has enjoyed a very successful track record. He began his career with the renowned Marietta firm of Leonard, Rickman & Holloway, P.C., whose lead partner has since been appointed to the bench of Cobb County Superior Court. It was there that he learned the skills to be a successful criminal litigator, focusing primarily on DUI defense. At a young age, David successfully obtained several "not guilty" DUI verdicts in a row, drawing the attention of lawyers and judges in Cobb County. In 2011, Mr. Willingham was recruited by the Cobb County District Attorney's office to serve his community. David answered that call and gained invaluable experience prosecuting and trying before juries every type of felony offense in Cobb County, including murder, armed robbery and complex financial fraud cases.
Mr. Willingham is NHTSA trained in field sobriety evaluations. He is trained on the Intoxliyzer 5000 and strives to stay on the cutting edge of law and technology.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
80%
17 years
Criminal Defense
20%
17 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Georgia for 17 years
State: Georgia
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
Willingham Law Firm, P.C.
236 Washington Avenue, Marietta, GA, 30060-1937
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David Russell Willingham's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 47 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | November 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Review
If you are looking for someone to fight for you David is the best option. In 2024 I was charged with a felony and 6 misdemeanors looking at 1-10 years in prison. Doing what David told me to do preemptively he was able to drop 4 charges and reduce the felony resulting in only 15 days in county jail. H...
Posted by anonymous | September 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Got my case dismissed
Excellent lawyer for Cobb county area! Very professional and will go the extra mile to work on your case!!He got my two felonies dropped!! Very happy that I attained him to represent me!
Posted by AP | September 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Outstanding Defense and Honest Guidance
David did an excellent job defending me. He was honest about all possible outcomes, built a strong defense, and ultimately got my charges reduced. I highly recommend him to anyone needing a skilled and trustworthy attorney.
Posted by anonymous | August 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly Recommend
I had a super speeder ticket - from the very first interaction, David was personable, knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. He helped to ease my anxiety about the situation and went to bat for me in court. My ticket ended up being dropped down significantly and the penalty was much less than what it ...
Posted by anonymous | November 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
DUI case dismissed
David did a great job and ran laps around the County prosecutor. I was very impressed by his knowledge, experience, and professionalism.
David Russell Willingham's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. David is a skilled trial lawyer."
"David has a reputation that lawyers with a lot more grey hair would envy, and he earned it the right way, aggressively defending his clients, beating charges, and winning tough trials. I have referred a number of clients to him and will continue to do so. If I ever found myself on the wrong side of criminal charges, I would call on him myself without hesitation."
"David is an excellent attorney who I have no doubt in referring clients to for criminal matters in Cobb County and other places in metro-Atlanta. A former prosecutor, David knows the law and is able to zealously represent his clients from the early stages of their case all the way to trial. Upon leaving criminal practice, I referred my existing criminal cases to David because I knew he would do an excellent job representing their interests, and I know that all of them have been pleased with his services."
"Although I never handled a case with David when he was a prosecutor, he has a reputation as a top-notch trial attorney. His ability to think on his feet and connect with juries has led to him winning even the toughest of cases at trial. I endorse David."
"In addition to David's multiple not guilty verdicts, David brings great knowledge of the law and a motivation to achieve the best results for his clients that is unmatched by many other lawyers. I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly recommend Attorney David Willingham for anyone in need of criminal defense. As a former prosecutor in Cobb County, Attorney Willingham has the experience and knowledge to provide a great defense to anyone being prosecuted. Attorney Willingham is very comfortable and confident in any courtroom setting. Not only is David a great attorney, he is very personable and likeable. As a fellow attorney in the Atlanta area, I would gladly refer any client to Attorney Willingham for criminal defense."
"I have known David for several years. I have always found him to advocate zealously for his clients while still behaving professionally. This is important because this means he has respect in any courtroom he enters."
"David is a knowledgeable, honest, and dedicated attorney. I highly recommend David to represent you and protect your rights. I endorse this lawyer."
"David is a great attorney. I tried a felony case against him while he was with the District Attorney's Office and have seen him in action in other cases. He's diligent and will not back down. I certainly endorse David!"
"David is an excellent attorney with tremendous insight both into law and human nature. He can expertly manage complex cases with great presence in front of a jury. I would not hesitate to send a friend or family member to use his services."
"I highly recommend David Willingham."
"I endorse this lawyer. A fabulous member of the District Attorney's office and a fine defense lawyer."
"David is an outstanding lawyer who works relentlessly for his clients. He loves being in trial where his skills flourish, so he is always prepared to see his cases through to a “not guilty” verdict. In my opinion, David is one of the top DUI attorneys in the area. I would never hesitate to recommend David."
"I endorse this lawyer. David is one of the brightest lawyers in Cobb County. He has developed at reputation of being a fighter for his clients. David has been extremely successful in jury trials and criminal motions. He represents his clients with respect and dedication to get the job done right. Any client that has David as an attorney is in good hands."
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Experience
Honors
2010
Young Lawyers Leadership Academy, State Bar of Georgia
2008
Honorable Harold R. Banke Advocacy Award, Atlanta's John Marshall Law School
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Owner, Willingham Law Firm, P.C.
2011 - 2013
Assistant District Attorney, Cobb County District Attorney Office
2009 - 2011
Attorney, Leonard, Rickman & Holloway, P.C.
Associations
2014 - Present
Pi Kappa Alpha - Kennesaw State UniveristyRisk Awareness Chapter Advisor
2009 - Present
Cobb County Bar Association
2009 - Present
Cobb County Bar Association, Criminal Defense Section
2009 - Present
Cobb County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Georgia v. J.W.
Not Guilty of DUI
State of Georgia v. Philip Gibson
Not Guilty of DUI
State of Georgia v. Phillamone Scott
Not Guilty of DUI and DUI Serious Injury by Vehicle
State of Georgia v. Lindsey Vanoster
Not Guilty of DUI
Education
2008
John Marshall (Atlanta)
JD - Juris Doctor
2005
Georgia State University
BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration
Speaking Engagements
2014
Pi Kappa Alpha at Kennesaw State University
Risk Awareness
2014
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority at Kennesaw State University
Risk Awareness
2014
DUI Case Preparation and Courtroom Presentation
DUI Courtroom Testimony for Police Officers
Publications
2014
2014
Cobb County Bar Association - Bar News
You Need to Read the Case - Brown v. State
2012
Cobb County Bar Association - Bar News
Williams v. State - What You Need to Know
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can violent offenders with an armed robbery charge get a lesser charge, with a sentence modification? Or even get parole?
01 Feb 2015
Q&A
Statue of Limitations for Criminal Prosecution of Deposit Account Fraud
26 Jan 2015
Q&A
How sensitive is a court mandated drug test
21 Apr 2014