Melanie McCorkle Ellwanger

PRO

Melanie McCorkle Ellwanger

also known as Melanie Ellwanger

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 18 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Roswell, GA
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Drug Crime, Speeding & Traffic Ticket

205 Norcross St., Roswell, GA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Melanie

Biography

Super Lawyers Rising Star 2013-2022. Former DUI Court Prosecutor & Judicial Candidate.

Prosecution trained me in all aspects of criminal law. I now defend, using all of those techniques.

Call 404-803-3105 (24/7) to talk with Melanie Ellwanger, Former Prosecutor - DUI Defense Attorney.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 80%

I began my legal career prosecuting DUIs. Learning this business as a prosecutor, I had to go before many juries and hone my skills. Those court skills and that trial experience was the perfect background for me to move to criminal defense.

80%
Criminal Defense 10%

prosecuted cases involving over 50 different kinds of criminal offenses. Because I had to PROVE these cases, I learned criminal law, inside and out.

10%
Drug Crime 5%

I handle misdemeanor and felony drug cases throughout the State.

5%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 5%

Traffic citations can affect your insurance and even your privilege to drive. There are extra penalties for drivers under 21 years of age.

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 5

Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 18 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 2007

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Melanie M. Ellwanger, Attorney at Law

205 Norcross St., Roswell, GA, 30075

hiremelaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Melanie online.

Melanie McCorkle Ellwanger's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

83 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (83) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | Character & Conduct

Posted by anonymous | March 31, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Hire Melanie Ellwanger

Melanie Ellwanger is the best lawyer I have been around. She is straightforward, kind, and honest. She keeps you in the loop with every step along the way. She will not push you in any direction. She is the best legal advisor money can buy. My favorite quote from her to me,” what are you talking abou...t; we are in this together…”

Posted by anonymous | January 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

3rd arrest for DUI

I could not have found a better attorney. I was stopped on my 3rd DUI charge and the tape didn’t look too good. I’d chosen attorneys with my prior charges and even though I’d paid 7,000 and 9,000 dollar, outside of the first verdict which was dismissed, I felt like I got no more than what I would h...ad I just represented myself. This 3rd arrest I knew that I needed a good attorney to, a. help me not lose my license because I did not submit to any sobriety testing and b. help me walk away without having a second DUI charge on my record. I interviewed a lot of attorney at the low 2,500 to the 15,000 price point and in the end I decided on Melanie based on her experience and feeling that she would actually do her job and not just take my money and look for a plea deal. I knew I’d picked the right attorney when we got to the driver’s license hearing and she ran legal circles around the arresting officers, to the point they couldn’t tell the judge who actually arrested me and for what. This is when I knew I’d found the right attorney to represent me. She was just as fantastic in getting my charges reduced to reckless driving, a fine and some community service. I owe her more than the fee she charged. She knows the law, how to win, is responsive and knows a lot of the judges, District Attorney’s and officers which are all key when so much is on the line.

Posted by anonymous | May 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Unbelievable!!!!!

I have NEVER been charged or arrested for anything ever. Unfortunately I was at the wrong place at the wrong time and was charged with DUI. I had absolutely no clue on what to do, so the first thing I did was google attorneys in Atlanta and read tons of reviews and ratings across the board. I came... across Melanie's information and decided to give her a call. After a brief and pretty intense conversation on my part because I was freaking out, she calmed me down and let me know what options I had. I felt good about her response and decided to hire her. Throughout the whole process Melanie was incredibly available and responded to every call and every text I sent to answer the questions I had. To make a long story short, she got my whole DUI dropped/dismissed and I was able to avoid losing my job, car, career etc... I'm very grateful that she worked so hard for us and I absolutely recommend her to anyone that is looking for a truly strong, professional and passionate lawyer. Melanie you are the BEST!!!! Thank you with all my heart. I learned my lesson and I'm glad we worked with you!

Posted by anonymous | November 23, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

DUI reduced to Reckless

I was charged for DUI, alcohol related - this was my first ever major brush with the law (had a couple of prior minor traffic citations). I panicked just like most of us would, but still had the sanity to first find a good DUI defense lawyer. My search pulled Melanie and reading through her profile... and some testimonials, I was convinced that she would be the best bet for my case. I called her immediately and she picked up the phone. I was greatly surprised since most other attorneys or firms make you go through a voice mail or a front desk person. She heard my case, calmed me down and immediately got down to business. She educated me on the legal process and took care of preventing my license suspension. I did not want to have a DUI conviction on my record for sure and she worked hard at it. She worked with the Officer and prosecutor diligently and got my charges reduced to Reckless Driving with lower fines and penalty. I also got my license back without much hassle. Throughout my case, she was very easily accessible over text, email and phone and always willing to answer my questions - no matter how big or small. My whole case experience was like precision work and the credit goes to Melanie!! I would recommend Melanie anyday and am very impressed with her professionalism, diligence and accessibility. Thanks Melanie!

Posted by anonymous | October 09, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

DUI in Atlanta reduced!!

I hired Melanie back in 2014 for a refusal DUI. She was able to successfully negotiate with the prosecutor and got it reduced to a reckless driving conviction. Through the past 2 years of waiting for this case to come up in the system, Melanie always kept me up to date with what was going on in my ...case. She has the recognition of being a Georgia Super Lawyer for many reasons and I could definitely see this in her handling of my case. She was always very responsive & professional in her email, text, or speaking with her in person at her office and over the phone. I never felt like I couldn't get a response from her if I had a question or concern about my case. She is very accessible. You will have confidence that your case is in the right hands with Melanie. If you want a lawyer that is going to fight for you, and get you your desired result, then hire Melanie.

See All Client Reviews

Melanie McCorkle Ellwanger's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Melanie
Gregory A. Willis headshot
Gregory Willis

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have personal experience watching Melanie get extraordinary results for her clients. She knows the DUI law and has the experience to win cases with that knowledge. Melanie is well respected by judges, prosecutors, and fellow defense lawyers. I highly recommend her for DUI defense."

Rebecca Torres Kozycki headshot
Rebecca Kozycki

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Ellwanger is well known throughout the DUI community for her great results. She is tough, knowledgeable and always professional. I endorse this lawyer."

Maurice H. Hilliard Jr. headshot
Maurice Hilliard

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 31

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Her work ethic, and moral character are above reproach. She is very smart, and a formidable adversary in the Courtroom with a very bright future. She is truly "a Rising Star""

Benjamin S Kuipers headshot
Benjamin Kuipers

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Melanie's reputation and answers to difficult questions proceed her. I endorse this lawyer for DUI defense without hesitation."

Laura Katherine Wester headshot
Laura Wester

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Melanie is the best kind of attorney. She gets great results, but is always humble and gracious. She has a lot of experience and you will be glad you hired her!"

Erin H. Gerstenzang headshot
Erin Gerstenzang

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Melanie is an exceptional trial attorney. She is respected across Georgia for her hard work and dedication to her clients."

Evan Matthew Oshan headshot
Evan Oshan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Matisyahu Wolfberg headshot
Matisyahu Wolfberg

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Philip Andrew Holloway headshot
Philip Holloway

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Melanie is a true rising star in the criminal defense bar. She has a reputation for vigorous advocacy for all her clients. If you need her, you will be in great hands."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Melanie. She is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Gus McDonald Jr. headshot
Gus McDonald

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Melanie is a member of one of the finest law firms in the southeastern United States who dedicate their practice to the defense of DUI charges. Melanie is willing to take cases to trial that no other lawyer would ever consider. She is truly a trial lawyer who is not afraid of the courtroom. In a day and time where most lawyers will take your money and plead you guilty, Melanie is a welcome change. If you want a jury trial she is the one to see. gus"

Lawrence Abram Kohn headshot
Lawrence Kohn

Criminal defense lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. I had a number of cases with Melanie when she prosecuted in Forsyth County. She was always well prepared and had command of the courtroom. Our firm was very fortunate to convince her to work with us. She has a great deal of compassion for her clients and is a persuasive advocate. She does a great job and gets fantastic results."

Jerry Lee Webb Jr. headshot
Jerry Webb

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 14

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Melanie is a really fine attorney. Her experience as a solicitor has sharpened her trial and negotiating skills."

Ashley L. Schiavone headshot
Ashley Schiavone

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 02

Relationship: Co-worker

"Melanie is a rising star in the legal community. Her past experience as a Forsyth County Solicitor gives her a unique insight and understanding into DUI law and criminal defense. She cares about her clients and gives special attention to each of her cases. I'm honored to work with her and excited to see what her future holds."

David Ray Savoy headshot
David Savoy

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Melanie was the prosecutor on many of my DUI cases while she was with the Forsyth County Solicitor's office. The fact that she now practices with one of the preeminent DUI firms in the country is a testament to her tenacity, intelligence and ethics. She was an approachable, hard working, and reasonable prosecutor and I can only imagine that these traits have carried over to her practice as a criminal defense lawyer."

Cory Earl Yager headshot
Cory Yager

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"Melanie joined our law firm after working for 2.5 years as a Forsyth County Prosecutor. During her time in Forsyth County, Melanie had the opportunity to litigate many cases as a Prosecutor. Melanie brings her trial experience as a prosecutor to court in defense of her clients. She is a great advocate for those she represents and is effective in negotiating in pre-trial situations with officers and prosecuting attorneys. The other side understands that Ms. Ellwanger has been in their shoes and that she is a zealous advocate in a trial setting. These litigation skills coupled with Melanie's networking abilities and knowledge in the area of DUI law make her a formidable opponent to deal with. I strongly endorse this lawyers work."

Evan A. Watson headshot
Evan Watson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Having worked both with and on the opposing side of the table to Melanie, I can confidentially say that she is an outstanding trial attorney. Melanie can access all aspects of a case, and seems to always formulate a winning solution. I am privileged (and somewhat relieved) to now be working side by side with her on numerous complex and high-stakes defense cases. EW"

Frank Thomas Gomez headshot
Frank Gomez

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 01

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Melanie earned the reputation as a skilled trial prosecutor with the Forsyth County Solicitor General office. She is well liked and respected by both prosecutors and defense attorneys. Additionally, she has a demeanor that translates weill with both judges and juries. Melanie is a great addition to the law offices of Head, Thomas, Webb and Willis and she will be soon making a name for herself in the area of DUI defense."

William C. Head headshot
William Head

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Co-worker

"When I first Melanie, she just started law practice as a DUI prosecutor in Forsyth County. She was working in one of Georgia's busiest criminal trial courts, and carrying half of a massive calendar of cases. She also was the DUI Court prosecutor, so she handled the toughest calendar of all --- repeat offenders. Some months later, she and I discussed the possiblity of her joining our firm once she had been to trial on lots of contested DUI cases. Over the next 18 months, she tried some very difficult cases against some of Georgia's best criminal defense attorneys. Many of these lawyers had been practicing before Melanie was born! Yet, she won every case! So, I hired her. Melanie brought her excellent courtroom skills and her extensive connections to our office. She continues to announce "ready for trial", but now she is doing it for our clients. She is the full package, and is a prosecutor's worst nightmare,"

View All Endorsements
Leslie Morris Donaho headshot
Leslie Donaho

Criminal defense lawyer

David Andrew Olson headshot
David Olson

Unknown lawyer

Rebecca Torres Kozycki headshot
Rebecca Kozycki

Unknown lawyer

Erin H. Gerstenzang headshot
Erin Gerstenzang

Unknown lawyer

Laura Katherine Wester headshot
Laura Wester

Unknown lawyer

Matisyahu Wolfberg headshot
Matisyahu Wolfberg

Unknown lawyer

Evan Matthew Oshan headshot
Evan Oshan

Unknown lawyer

Philip Andrew Holloway headshot
Philip Holloway

Criminal defense lawyer

Gus McDonald Jr. headshot
Gus McDonald

Unknown lawyer

Gregory A. Willis headshot
Gregory Willis

Unknown lawyer

Thomas James Thomas headshot
Thomas Thomas

Unknown lawyer

Lawrence Abram Kohn headshot
Lawrence Kohn

Unknown lawyer

Jerry Lee Webb Jr. headshot
Jerry Webb

Unknown lawyer

William C. Head headshot
William Head

Unknown lawyer

Ashley L. Schiavone headshot
Ashley Schiavone

Unknown lawyer

David Ray Savoy headshot
David Savoy

Unknown lawyer

Evan A. Watson headshot
Evan Watson

Unknown lawyer

Cory Earl Yager headshot
Cory Yager

Unknown lawyer

Frank Thomas Gomez headshot
Frank Gomez

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2026

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2021

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2020

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2019

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, Atlanta Magazine

2016

Rising Star Award, Super Lawyers

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Rising Star Award, Super Lawyers

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Certificate of Completion, DUI Super Symposium

2014

Rising Star, Atlanta Magazine

2014

Rising Star Award, Super Lawyers

2013

Rising Star Award, Super Lawyers

2013

Rising Star, Atlanta Magazine

2010

Certificate of Completion, Multi-Device Breath Testing Training Certificate

2009

Standardized Field Testing Practitioner Certificate, Forsyth County Sheriff's Department

2007

Dean's List, University of Arkansas School of Law

2004

Leadership Award, Brenau University

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Owner, Melanie M. Ellwanger, Attorney at Law, LLC

2010 - 2014

Senior Associate, Head Thomas Webb & Willis, LLC

2007 - 2010

Assistant Solicitor ( like assistant district attorney), Forsyth County Solicitor-General's Office

2007 - 2007

Law Clerk/Investigative Assistant, Hall County Public Defender's Office

2006 - 2006

Summer Associate, Whelchel & Dunlap

2005 - 2005

Law Clerk, Andrew, Merritt, Reilly & Smith

Associations

2010 - Present

Cobb County Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2010 - Present

Appeals Court of Georgia

Member

2007 - Present

State Bar of Georgia

Member

2007 - 2010

Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Underage Client - Minor in Possession of Alcohol

Client allowed to take diversion, not convicted

DUI Reduced to Reckless Driving-DeKalb

Reduction to Reckless Driving

DUI Drugs Reduced to Red Light Violation

Reduced to Traffic Violation

Gwinnett County DUI-Not Guilty

Not Guilty Verdict.

.10 Breath Case Reduced - Gwinnett

DUI reduced to Reckless Driving

DUI reduced, child endangerment dropped

2 DUIs reduced to traffic charge

Underage DUI and Hit and Run reduced to Traffic Violation

DUI reduced to Minor Traffic Violation.

Breath Test Case Reduced-Barrow Co.

DUI reduced to Reckless Driving

.10 Underage DUI Reduced

DUI reduced to Reckless Driving

2nd DUI dropped in Fulton

DUI reduced

5th lifetime DUI wreck reduced at trial

DUI dropped to Reckless Driving

Forsyth Co. DUI reduced

DUI dropped to Reckless Driving

See More Legal Cases

Education

2007

University of Arkansas - Fayetteville

JD - Juris Doctor

2004

Brenau University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2015

Law Day

Magna Carta

2014

Law Day

Every Vote Counts

2010

Georgia DUI Update

Ethics: DUI Trials, Pleas and Sentencing

Publications

2015

2014

2014

Atlanta Magazine Rising Star

2013

Super Lawyers - Rising Stars Atlanta Magazine

2013

Super Lawyers - (Thomson-Reuters) Super Lawyers Rising Stars

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