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Joel Carlton Pugh
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About Joel
Biography
While I was in law school, I clerked for Superior Court Judge Jim Bodiford, then left his office and went to the solicitor's office. There, I worked under the Third-Year Practice Act, which means I was basically allowed to prosecute for free for the state. After I passed the Bar, I was hried as an assistant solicitor in Cobb County. A year later, the elected district attorney, Tom Charron, offered me a job, which I accepted and then began working as an assistant district attorney. I am honored to have been voted by my peers as Prosecutor of the Year at both of those positions.
I left the DA's office and entered into private practice about 13 years ago. I specialize in criminal defense. The vast majority of my work is in Cobb County. I serve as the environmental law judge in the City of Smyrna and am a past associate municipal court judge for the cities of Marietta and Woodstock. I am honored to have received the Ross Adams Younger Lawyer award, given annually by the Cobb County Bar Association.
I believe in treating people honestly and with integrity - the way you expect to be treated - and being upfront and forward with everyone. I try to treat my clients the way that I expect to be treated by professionals that I hire, whether that's my CPA or my doctor.
Focused, Aggressive, Committed Criminal Defense.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
45%
DUI and DWI
20%
Drug Crime
15%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2022 2017 2014
Licenses
Licensed in Georgia for 29 years
State: Georgia
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Online Presence
Other places you can find Joel online.
Joel Carlton Pugh's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 40 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | November 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Took care of my speeding ticket
High-quality Attorney’s office. Great front office staff and very good communication.
Posted by Latoya | May 8, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The Best Lawyer in Georgia
Greetings, my name is Latoya and I am a lifetime client of Mr. Joel Pugh. Although, I have only needed his assistance twice, he’s the only lawyer I will ever call if I have any legal problems. He’s very experienced in his field and believe me he doesn’t just know how to get the job done, he gets the ...
Posted by anonymous | February 27, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Joel can help you
Joel was very professional and helped make a difficult situation so much easier. I am so thankful for all of his help. If you need any kind of legal help, he is awesome!
Posted by Araceli | November 7, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Very Professional and Straightforward Attorney
Joel Pugh did an amazing job in winning my sons case. Throughout our time with working with him, he was very straightforward with my son in letting him know the options and changes that were going on in his case. He is very dedicated to the criminal defense and will definitely be recommended to peers...
Posted by Donald | April 17, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Joel Pugh
I have used Joel Pugh on several court cases. This attorney is very knowledgeable with the law and a great example of a professional lawyer! He is upfront and honest with you from the beginning. I would highly recommend Joel Pugh as a defense attorney.
Joel Carlton Pugh's Lawyer Endorsements
"Joel Pugh is one of the finest criminal defense attorneys in Cobb County and I would certainly recommend him to friends or family. As a former prosecutor and current judge, he knows the law inside and out."
"Joel is an extremely well respected lawyer in our legal community. He is very easy to work with and a genuinely nice person."
"I have worked with Joel as a prosecutor and seen his work as a fellow defense attorney for over 15 years. Joel is known as one of the finest lawyers in the metro Atlanta area. His vast experience and ability as a trial lawyer enable him to get great results for his clients. I highly recommend Joel Pugh!"
"Joel Pugh is an excellent criminal defense attorney. If you are in need of a lawyer for a criminal matter in the Atlanta area, you would be well served to hire him. I have known Mr. Pugh for decades, literally. If my friends or family had a serious criminal law matter, I would call him immediately."
"Joel Pugh is one of he finest attorneys in Cobb County. He is well respected by Judges and Prosecutors. I have worked with him on several cases both as a former prosecutors and as defense attorneys. I highly recommend him if you are in need of an experience criminal defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Joel for the last 10 years. I know Joel to be extremely well respected in the community, as well as at the Courthouse and have always admired the respect he receives from the Solicitors office, District Attorneys office, and local Judges. He is always prepared and will try those cases that need to be tried to reach justice and a fair result. I would recommend, and have recommended Joel to family and friends and have received nothing but excellent feedback after completion of those matter. It is an honor to work with Joel and consider him a friend."
John Morgan
Unknown lawyer
John Barrett
Unknown lawyer
Experience
Honors
2004
Ross Adams Younger Lawyer Award, Cobb County Bar Association
1999
Assistant District Attorney of the Year, Cobb County District Attorney's Office
1997
Prosecutor of the Year, Cobb County Solicitor's Office
Work Experience
1997 - 2001
Assistant District Attorney, Cobb County District Attorney Office
1996 - 1997
Assistant Solicitor, Cobb County Solictor's Office
1995 - 1996
Prosecuting Attorney, third year practice act, Cobb County Solictor's Office
1994 - 1995
Law Clark, Intern, Cobb County Superior Court
Associations
2003 - Present
Cobb Chamber of Commerce
2001 - Present
Cobb County Bar Association, Criminal Defense SectionMember
1997 - Present
Cobb County Bar AssociationBoard of Directors
1997 - Present
Cobb County Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
1996 - Present
State Bar of GeorgiaMember
2001 - 2012
Cobb County Bar Association, Young Lawyers SectionMember
Education
1996
John Marshall Law School, Atlanta
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Languages
English