Licensed for 29 years

State GA

Acquired 1994

Status
Active Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Patrick John McDonough

Personal injury Attorney at Duluth, GA

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Resume

By far the best criminal defense attorney in Gwinnett County

Highly Recommended Attorney

Earlier this year I was charged with a DUI. The situation was stressful as anyone could imagine. A serious charge on my record, jail time, and license suspension was at stake. With Mr. McDonough and his teams experience and expertise throughout the process, I was able to avoid it all. My charge was reduced, I kept my license, did not receive points on my license, and did not serve additional jail time. With his hard work and knowledge, he was able to negotiate with the prosecutor with the odds stacked against me. I would highly recommend him if you are in need of legal assistance.

About Patrick

Learn Patrick’s areas of practice.

Practice area

Personal injury

100%

Represent survivors of sex trafficking

5 years, 50 cases

AMONG THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA. CALL TODAY.

Patrick J. McDonough leads the sex trafficking division for Andersen, Tate and Carr. He has dedicated a large part of his life to giving back to the community, helping countless survivors with arrest records and improper charges.

Before joining Andersen, Tate & Carr, Pat was the youngest District Attorney in the state of Georgia – leading a multi-faceted team that created child advocacy centers to help victims of sexual abuse with a comprehensive approach that addressed both trauma recovery and legal representation.

An active volunteer in the community, Pat has helped to raise over a million dollars to help the homeless population – including victims of human trafficking. He has also received national attention from the news media and has been featured in leading publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Sports Illustrated, AJC and Forbes.

Sex Trafficking Litigation
Attorney Pat McDonough is prepared to help sex trafficking victims and their advocates seek justice to the fullest extent of the law. With his unique legal insight and decades of experience, Pat is dedicated to bringing relief to those affected by human trafficking in and out of the courtroom.

Pat has gathered a local and nationwide team of experts to handle these very sensitive cases from inception to final judgment. The team includes (but certainly isn’t limited to):

Female intake specialist to assist survivors as they make first contact
Therapists who are focused on clients’ emotional and mental well-being
Non-profits and survivors who help clients get to safety (when they’re ready)
Expert witnesses who have particular expertise with the defendants’ businesses
Attorneys (locally and nationwide) who are best-suited to create a legal strategy and represent clients in court
Criminal Defense
In addition to leading the sex trafficking division, Pat also takes on select cases and mentor’s other attorneys for the criminal defense division of Andersen, Tate & Carr. The Atlanta Business Chronicle dubbed Mr. McDonough a “legal legend in suburbia” after he successfully exonerated Atlanta Falcons player Jonathan Babineaux from felony animal cruelty charges.

Judges Honor Patrick McDonough as an Esteemed Attorney
The Gwinnett Daily Post recently featured Pat after Martindale-Hubbell recognized him with its AV Judicial Edition Preeminent Rating™. The AV® Judicial certification mark is a significant rating accomplishment and reflects the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and Judiciary.

Community Minded
Outside the courtroom, Pat uses his energy to advocate for the homeless population alongside the United Way of Greater Atlanta. After establishing the Gwinnett Reentry Intervention Program (GRIP), his efforts have helped to provide housing and case management services to homeless men and women who are victims of human trafficking or who have been recently released from jail. Through his dedication to the GRIP Program, Pat became the first recipient of the United Way of Greater Atlanta’s inaugural Corporate Community Champion Award. In addition, he chaired the United Way’s 4.6 million-dollar Gwinnett capital campaign, chaired their advisory board and currently serves as an emeritus board member. Pat founded and raised over a million dollars for HomeFirst Gwinnett a collaborative initiative with United Way, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, and the Primerica Foundation for a strategic, coordinated approach to addressing homelessness in Gwinnett County. He currently serves as the Vice Chairman of outreach for the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce.

Past Employment Positions
District Attorney-Cordele Judicial Circuit
Assistant District Attorney-Cordele Judicial Circuit
Special Assistant Attorney General
Faculty Member, Georgia Trial Skills Clinic, CLE, UGA, Athens
Honors
Named Georgia Super Lawyer by his Peers in Atlanta Magazine
AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell
AVVO Rated 10/10
Recipient of United Way of Greater Atlanta’s Corporate Community Champion Award
2018 AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell for Legal Ability and Ethical Standards

Awards

Client's Choice

2018 2017 2016

Photos and videos

Contact Patrick

Andersen, Tate & Carr, PC

(833) 493-1057 Office

1960 Satellite Blvd.

Suite 4000

Duluth, GA, 30097

inthelifelaw.com/about-the-attorneys/

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

49 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

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2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by anonymous | December 17, 2013

By far the best criminal defense attorney in Gwinnett County

Pat has been extremely helpful to us, both on minor issue like traffic court, and some very serious criminal defense matters. He was very responsive to our needs, and is very knowledgeable and guided us through the entire ordeal. We highly recommend him for any criminal defense needs, especially in Gwinnett County where he is very well connected.

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Posted by Ashlen | October 22, 2015

Highly Recommended Attorney

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Posted by Michael | July 16, 2019

Patrick McDonough- Five Stars

Hiring Pat was the best decision I could have made in my situation. I was charged with criminal trespassing/damage to property and obstruction. I was a first time offender and had made one big mistake in January of 2019. I hired Pat on the recommendation of a friend and Pat was extremely professional throughout the whole process. He always had an answer for my questions. His assistant, Teresa Scarberry, was also very helpful throughout the process. Pat was able to get me the best outcome in my case I could have hoped for with only community service and a fine. Pat is an incredible lawyer to have and I highly recommend him if you need a criminal defense lawyer. Thank you so much Pat and Teresa for all your efforts and help.

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Posted by anonymous | April 12, 2019

Daniel Salb

We had a horrible situation this past winter where our teenage son was falsely accused of a crime and arrested. To make matters worse, he was charged as an adult and with a felony. Pat was able to blow the case apart (which only occurred because of a dishonest policeman) and was able to make the DA's office see the injustice of the situation. Pat told us his successful dismissal of our son's case within just days of the arrest was a record for him. We could tell that Pat was very busy and in demand yet he placed his full attention on our son's case and quickly began working aggressively to resolve it. Had this case gotten back-burnered by an inattentive or unknowledgeable attorney, it could have remained stagnant, further harming our son. His fee was very fair for the work he did and we are very happy with the results. Pat also quickly got our son's record expunged. In the future, I will be glad to recommend this attorney to anyone who needs a great defense attorney.

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Posted by anonymous | November 18, 2018

Best in the state

Pat did everything in his power and more for me and i am extremely thankful for him. he is definitely one of the best.

Posted by Tasha | October 31, 2018

Thankful & Blessed

Pat McDonough and Teresa Scarberry have completely changed my life for the better. I thankfully have a second chance at life because of their hard work, consistency and caring souls! My record is expunged and I’m no longer in the system! I will no longer be treated like the criminal I’m not. Thank you so much Pat & Teresa you have no idea how important this whole thing is to me!

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Posted by Heather | October 24, 2018

Lawyer - Criminal Defense

If you ever need a Criminal Defense Lawyer, please call Patrick's office. You will be in excellent hands. He helped me through a very difficult legal issue. Every email (A LOT) were responded to by him or his staff. I felt that I was in the hands my horrible legal issue needed. You will not regret the choice! Thank you, Heather

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Posted by Bruce | September 12, 2018

Family Defense

Patrick handled our case in an outstanding manner. He gave sound advise, and through his efforts, the disposition of our case ended up being much better than expected. We were very pleased with how he represented us and his attentiveness to our case. Patrick fully explained the process and kept us informed. He always took time to respond and answer our questions in detail. I highly recommend Patrick.

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Posted by Craig | August 28, 2018

One heck of a lawyer you want on your side

Pat & Brittany are extremely knowledgeable and thorough attorneys. They go above and beyond and actually care about your case.....you are not just a source of income like so many attorneys out there. I have used 3 different attorneys prior to them and none came close to the professionalism of these 2 and you definitely want them in your corner!!!!

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Posted by anonymous | August 24, 2018

Grateful

I was accused of racing, aggresive driving, reckless driving, speeding, and too fast for conditions. The narrative the police were giving was far from the truth, and I honestly thought my life was ruined. Patrick was able to explain to the court that I was a victim of road rage, and had to plea guilty to the 'too fast for conditions' charge, carrying no points and saving my license. It's scary when someone almost takes your life on the highway, and your trying to escape in a mini van... All for the police to not pull over the aggressor, and to not run my tags correctly and accuse me of stealing a mini van. Be put face down in the concrete at gun point, and accused of terrible things. The police officer laughed at me several times, and told me he was going to charge me with anything he could. I was taken to jail, for what was a citational offense (didn't even get a mugshot), and purpousfly held in the squad car at the jail for over an hour while my officer was looking up definitions of charges on google. All because they wanted me to spend the night and not be bailed out because I wasn't proccessed in time. I cannot thank Mr. McDonough enough for what he did for me. I'm starting a great job with great pay and benefits, that requires me to drive a company truck, and that just simply wouldn't have been possible without his help.

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Posted by anonymous | April 13, 2018

Great experience

Working with Pat McDonough was a great experience, I had multiple traffic citations that were going to get my license suspended, and he was able to get the points cleared and made sure I did not get my license taken. I would definitely hire him again if I needed to. Very professional, and such an easy, stress-free experience.

Posted by anonymous | December 18, 2017

Amazing Experience - More than Worth the Money

Pat took a very difficult case for me (DUI) and got it reduced to reckless driving. His professionalism and expertise were amazing. I suffer from panic disorder, and that was absolutely evident during the three months it took to get this case handled. Through it all, Pat and his team (Rebecca and Teresa) were patient and willing to help at a moment's notice. I was proactive just a Pat had asked me to be. The penalties for the reduction are still pretty stiff, but Pat believes the outcome is amazing. I have and will continue to trust Pat and ATC with any legal issues in my life. I trust them explicitly. I couldn't ask for a better person to deal with. I just can't say enough. Finally at peace.

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Posted by anonymous | October 24, 2017

Incredible help

We were searching for legal help for my 19 year old son. Pat listened and provided instructions on what we needed to do. Pat's entire office was kind and regularly communicated with us as things progressed. Pat was able to work for us to achieve an incredible outcome we thought would not be possible. Ours was a complicated case he resolved with great speed and we were thrilled with the outcome. We could not be more pleased with the results, the professionalism and kindness we received. We highly recommend Pat and his team.

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Posted by Noor | October 17, 2017

Great guy to do business with!

Mr. McDonough was nothing short of amazing in his efforts to resolve a serious traffic violation. He is an all around great guy to do business with and I am beyond satisfied with the end result in my case. He was consistent in his communication with me and worked diligently to get the best possible outcome for my case. Definitely the best attorney I have ever worked with. I highly highly recommend him to all my family and friends.

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Posted by anonymous | October 5, 2017

Top Notch!

I had used Pat and Trinity in the past, and when my ex and i could not agree on a settlement matter, i knew i needed to hire them again. Pat made every effort to reach a settlement, but we were unable to get my ex to agree on anything, so this matter went in front of the judge. Trinity represented me in court. She was able to wade through a mountain of information I gave her, and narrow the case down to the core issue and argued it beautifully. I won my case handily thanks to her excellent vision and ability to cut to the heard of the matter and not get caught up in "red herring" arguments (What the judge said about the opposing lawyer.). I will definitely hire them again if the need arises.

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Posted by anonymous | September 29, 2017

Patrick John McDonough Critique

My dad hired this lawyer, and he was fantastic. With enough patience through the months he had figured out a plea deal which reduced my sentencing of 10 counts of misdemeanor to simply 2 counts. I have probation for a year and community service but it could have been worse. I thank him for his patience and strategy!

Posted by Bo Maxey | September 25, 2017

Pat is a true Pro

Pat is an expert when it comes to criminal law. Pat is very knowledgeable and informative, which gave me confidence going into court. Pat did a great job breaking it down so I could clearly understand my options and his experience was the key , he had the respect of the Judge and the court that is for sure. I came out of court knowing I could not have done any better Thanks Pat

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Posted by The Invisible Man | September 25, 2017

Pure Magic

Earlier this year, I was arrested for growing a single marijuana plant in my home. I also had a very small amount of low-grade THC extract in my home which didn't help matters at all. As a result, I was thrown into the slammer for six days, lost my job, the respect of my wonderful neighbors, and was pretty much forced to put my career of 25 years on hold. Although, the grow was for personal use only, there were three pending felonies attached to the occurrence. The phrase, "Intent to Distribute" was sandwiched in there somewhere and this bugged me tremendously as I was not in the business of selling or distributing in any fashion. I informed Mr. McDonough that if it were at all possible to get all three of the felonies AND the arrest record dropped, I'd do anything to make this happen. He worked some serious magic and was able to get me accepted into Drug Court where all charges and public arrest records will be dropped under successful completion of the program. I might add that those accused of distribution are not normally eligible for the program. As a result, I am now almost seven months sober, back on track with GOD, and strongly looking forward to getting back to my much-missed career very shortly. Patrick McDonough is the "David Copperfield" of attorneys and I now truly consider him a friend. Excellent work by an excellent man. KUDOS! Poof... I'm gone... Sincerely, The Invisible Man

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Posted by Justin | August 13, 2017

Great Help and Guidance

I was referred Mr. McDonough by a friend. Mr. McDonough was very understand of my case and was willing to help and guide me. Even though we were located hours apart he had no hesitation to visit with me and to speak with me whenever I had new information pertaining to my case. I would recommend Mr. McDonough to anyone, with his experience and knowledge.

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Posted by Mr Evans | May 31, 2017

Best Criminal Lawyer in the Business

Patrick McDonough was the best lawyer we could have representing us. Life was a mess and Mr. McDonough went to work. We were so lost but our lawyer communicated and gave honest feedback, my case is finally resolved. Thank you Pat. I feel like he is an attorney that has seen it all and knows what to do. I will recommend Mr McDonough to anyone dealing with a criminal case who wants justice and peace of mind.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Partner
Andersen, Tate & Carr, PC
2003 - Present

District Attorney
District Attorney Office-Cordele Judicial Circuit
1999 - 2001

Assistant District Attorney
District Attorney's Office-Cordele Judicial Circuit
1994 - 1998

Education

University of Alabama
JD - Juris Doctor
1994

Indiana University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1991

Legal Cases

Kevin Kenerly faces bribery charges
Pleaded no contest, no prison time

Vehicular Homicide
non reportable offense of driving too fast for conditions

Atlanta Falcons player Jonathan Babineaux charged with animal cruelty
Charges Dropped

View all legal cases

Associations

United Way of Gwinnett County
Chair
2017 - Present

1818 Club
President
2016 - Present

Old War Horse Lawyers Club
Member
2014 - Present

Gwinnett County Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Former Executive Committee Member
2013 - Present

1818 Club
Board Member
2012 - Present

Regional Commission on Homelessness
Board Member
2011 - Present

Chairman's Club
Board Member
2011 - Present

Partnership Gwinnett Implementation Committee
Board Member
2011 - Present

J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA
Former Board Member
2010 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Member
2004 - Present

Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Vice President
2004 - Present

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Former Vice President
2003 - Present

Gwinnett County Bar Association
Member
2003 - Present

Georgia Innocence Project
Former Board Member
2003 - Present

Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce
Board Member
2003 - Present

State Bar of Georgia
Member
1994 - Present

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Lawyer of Distinction
Lawyers of Distinction
2017

AV Judicial Edition Preeminent Rating
Martindale-Hubbell
2017

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2016

Top Lawyer in Georgia
The Legal Network
2016

Avvo Client Award
Avvo
2016

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2015

Preeminent 5.0 out of 5
Martindale-Hubbell
2014

Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2014

Leadership Character Award
Turnett Leadership Group
2013

Rising Star
Super Lawyers
2009

Graduate
Leadership Gwinnett
2008

View all awards

Publications

Andersen, Tate & Carr Blog
What You Need to Know About Your Georgia DUI
2014

Andersen, Tate & Carr Blog
What To Do If Your Teen's Caught Shoplifting
2014

Nancy Grace | HLNTV.com
Opinion: Does an unbiased Jodi Arias jury exist?
2014

Andersen, Tate & Carr Blog
Child Hot Car Death Case
2014

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

HLN
Brunswick Georgia Baby Death & Teacher Rape Case
2013

HLN
Should Taxpayers Pay Zimmermans Legal Fees
2013

Greater Atlanta United Way C3Conference
The Founding of Gwinnett Re-Entry Program
2013

Channel 2 Action News
Motion Filed to Dismiss Indictment
2013

Channel 2 Action News
Animal Cruelty Charges Dropped
2013

Gwinnett Criminal Defense Section
How to Defend Sex Cases
N/A

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (5)

Given (1)

Endorse Patrick

Stephanie Salb

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Pat as a member of our church as well as a fellow lawyer in the Atlanta area legal community. Pat has an outstanding reputation as a top notch attorney for both ability and character. I have had his firm as opposing counsel a few times on family law cases and on the times I interacted with Pat on them, he was very professional and amicable with a goal towards the resolution of the case for the clients. I have referred other people to Pat over the years who need aggressive and effective criminal defense representation and would not hesitate to hire him myself if the need were to arise."