Joel Carlton Pugh

PRO

Joel Carlton Pugh

4.8
Rating: 9.7

Licensed for 29 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Marietta, GA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Drug Crime ... +2 more

288 Lawrence Street Northeast, Marietta, GA

Free Consultation

About Joel

Biography

Focused, Aggressive, Committed Criminal Defense.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 45%

45%
DUI and DWI 20%

20%
Drug Crime 15%

15%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 10%

10%
Violent Crime 10%

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2022 2017 2014

Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 29 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 1996

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Joel C. Pugh & Associates

288 Lawrence Street Northeast, Marietta, GA, 30060

joelpughlaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Joel online.

Joel Carlton Pugh's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

40 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Latoya | May 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

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 ...job done. He’s upfront and will let you know what he can and can’t do and I haven’t had a problem that he couldn’t do. He’s definitely the best. I have referred him to family and friends that needed legal help and we all said the same thing “he don’t play”. His prices are very reasonable and he definitely gets the job done as soon as possible. My first experience, honestly I don’t even remember having to step in the courtroom. If you have any legal problems in your life I highly suggest and recommend that you contact Mr. Joel Pugh and see what he can do for you.

Posted by Jon Stanley | July 04, 2017 | Hired Attorney

Worth the money

Joel was straight forward and very helpful in my complicated case. He responded to texts and call me when I needed him to. Bottom line, he delivered.

Posted by Michelle | February 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney

The best around!

Joel has been my attorney for 10 years and he is always honest with you on what you should expect with your case. He has a great staff who are always available to assist and provide information when needed. He is the best attorney in Cobb.

Posted by anonymous | November 06, 2014 | Criminal Defense

DUI Lawyer at its finest

Joel Pugh did an amazing job with my case. He is very affordable and exceed my expectations. Constantly kept in contact with me letting me know what was going on with my case. He has always been quick to respond and very polite. He went above and beyond with getting my case lowered and fines lowered ...as well. I couldn't ask for anything more from an attorney. I recommend him over any other lawyer in Atlanta. His staff is very courteous and will exceed your expectations.

Posted by Elizabeth | March 08, 2021 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Unfortunate to report.

Unfortunately I am unable to write a positive review about Joel Pugh's office; who was originally suggested to me for a family member and seemingly had great legal resolve. My case (for a complicated DUI) was not handled as smoothly. After being financially taken advantage of and legally neglected by... Scott Smith's office (Peachstate Laywer) I referred my case to Joel Pugh, who personally guaranteed me of a better outcome and a delicate handling of my case file, as well as assistance in settling the malpractice of Scott Smith's office. (Loss of paperwork, failure to file paperwork, failure to communicate, failure to appear after being told my presence was not required, resulting in hard suspension of my license.) I regret to say that not only was my case neglected for a second time with Joel Pugh's office but in multiple attempts to contact and be proactive as a client, I was not only ignored in all forms of communication (email, voice call, text and physical appearance) but my money and trust was once again quickly accepted and purloined. Joel personally advised me that his office would not take my case if reinstating my license (in 90 days tops) was not possible. The end result being a suspended license for 1 year and an offensive amount of legal fees for which I was advised would be a simple case. This experience proving that Joel's office was most interested in doing what was best for them and not best for me as a paying client.

See All Client Reviews

Joel Carlton Pugh's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Joel
C. Ross Durrence headshot
C. Durrence

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"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."

Ryan Young headshot
Ryan Young

Unknown lawyer | Jul 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Joel is an extremely well respected lawyer in our legal community. He is very easy to work with and a genuinely nice person."

Robert Frank Schnatmeier Jr. headshot
Robert Schnatmeier

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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!"

John Charles Barrett headshot
John Barrett

Criminal defense lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

John Story Morgan headshot
John Morgan

Criminal defense lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

John Andrew Leslie headshot
John Leslie

Criminal defense lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Co-worker

"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."

View All Endorsements
John Story Morgan headshot
John Morgan

Unknown lawyer

John Charles Barrett headshot
John Barrett

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.7 (Superb)

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 Section

Member

1997 - Present

Cobb County Bar Association

Board of Directors

1997 - Present

Cobb County Trial Lawyers Association

Member

1996 - Present

State Bar of Georgia

Member

2001 - 2012

Cobb County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section

Member

Education

1996

John Marshall Law School, Atlanta

JD - Juris Doctor

1992

University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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