Wayne Darrin Keaton

Wayne Darrin Keaton

also known as Darrin Keaton

3.0
Rating: 9.3

Licensed for 27 years

State, local, and municipal law Lawyer at Dallas, GA
Practice Areas: State, Local And Municipal Law

129 East Memorial Dr, Dallas, GA

This attorney is currently not accepting new clients.
Reason: Government Attorney

About Wayne

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

State, Local, and Municipal Law 100%

City Attorney for the City of Dallas, GA

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 27 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 1998

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

City of Dallas

129 East Memorial Dr, Dallas, GA, 30132

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Wayne Darrin Keaton's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.0 /5.0

2 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (2) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Star rating
5 stars 1
4 stars 0
3 stars 0
2 stars 0
1 star 1
Practice Areas

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Lawsuits & Disputes

Posted by anonymous | November 28, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Zero stars should be allowed

I hired him to get a default judgement thrown out because I wasn't notified, the day after receiving the default in the mail. He said he had 2 weeks to file and I trusted that he would work diligently, after all he had boasted that he was the 5th best custody atty in the state. A month later when ...nothing had been stopped and my wages started being withheld, I called him upset that he had not done what we hired him to do and fearing losing my home in the injustice. He gave an attitude like how dare I, and suggested I might want another lawyer, but when I cooled off I made sure he got my apology and was assured by office staff and Alan Turner that Darren was used to high emotion in his field and my case would continue to be taken care of. It wasn't. He filed 6 months later and had me sign a verification without looking directly at the document, as I had met that day with his female paralegal britany who assured me that she would personally return my calls from now on, but in my tears discussing my case, she had earned my trust enough that I took her oral summary as fact of what I was signing for and off it went. He then filed a LOA and postponed the hearing inevitably, as the staff kept claiming his LOA was extended paternity leave for a sick infant, even getting upset with me for my sense of urgency, due to my attorney's "sick" infant. When my kids, my home, and my freedom were at stake. He waited a full year and had Alan call me in to dump me, but as a courtesy he had made the resceduled hearing date, and had Brittany jot it on a postit for us. I went to court for show cause and found out there was indeed no court date, the LOA filed was one week, and every attempt I made to get back in court ended tumultuously with him withdrawing another year later the day of court and I lost of course. But when he finally released my case to me I saw the motion he originally filed and realized I had not seen it. It's main purpose was not about helping me or my kids, but was to cover for his lack of due diligence, claiming I couldn't afford an atty and had to wait until I could! He then said I hired him and he filed as soon as he could. He did not work for me. His work was solely against me. My own attorney that I paid 2500 retainer to accomplish a simple filing to set asside a default. 5 best for who?

Posted by anonymous | September 15, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Moseley

Friendly, courteous staff, always quick to handle any upcoming issues. Mr. Keaton is very knowledgable with current law, any new laws that may have changed. He kept us very informed on what to anticipate, and kept our minds at ease through the whole judicial process. Great guy indeed.

See All Client Reviews

Wayne Darrin Keaton's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Wayne
Jana L Evans headshot
Jana Evans

Unknown lawyer | Apr 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Darrin professionally for many years, and he is a pleasure to work with. He is extremely knowledgeable and works hard for his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend his services."

Natalie Green Hosea headshot
Natalie Hosea

Juvenile law lawyer | Nov 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I work with Darrin on a regular basis. He is a pleasure to work with, both as opposing counsel and as counsel for parents in juvenile and family law matters. I often go to Darrin to brainstorm the most reasonable and effective way to help parents remain involved in their children's lives. Highly recommend."

Angela Woodall headshot
Angela Woodall

Family lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Frank Schnatmeier Jr. headshot
Robert Schnatmeier

Family lawyer | Nov 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Darrin is an excellent family law attorney who has an excellent reputation in the Cobb and Paulding legal communities. I highly recommend Darrin."

Andrew Woodruff Jones headshot
Andrew Jones

Family lawyer | Oct 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Darrin and I have known each other for many years. We have worked together on various personal injury claims and I feel comfortable referring family, juvenile, and criminal cases to him. He will work hard on your claim and treats each client with respect."

Caitlin Elizabeth Herndon headshot
Caitlin Herndon

Family lawyer | Oct 03

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. I had the privilege learning by observing Darrin when I first entered The Manely Firm, P.C. Darrin is exceptionally smart and has a great deal of experience. Unlike many attorneys who become jaded after years of practice, Darrin's compassion for clients and passion for law is obvious."

Wesley Wade Wilson headshot
Wesley Wilson

Family lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Co-worker

"Darrin is a terrific Family law attorney. Even more important than his knowledge of Family law is his passion for helping families. Darrin has a gentle style when dealing with clients and is incredible in court. Frankly, Family lawyers do not come any better than Darrin Keaton."

Cherese Chantell Clark headshot
Cherese Clark

Family lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Co-worker

"Darrin is AMAZING! The depth of his knowledge of family law is apparent inside and outside the courtroom. He exudes confidence in his craft because is truly an advocate and comes equipped with the weapon that conquers all- knowledge. It is a pleasure building bridges to justice with Darrin."

Lindsey Rae Harrison headshot
Lindsey Harrison

Family lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Co-worker

"Darrin is a great guy. He is laid back and easy to work with, but will turn around and surprise you with his stellar performance in court. His strategy in cases is both well thought out and executed. I wholeheartedly recommend him."

David Benton Purvis headshot
David Purvis

Family lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Co-worker

"Darrin is one of the most experienced attorneys in our Firm and is the go-to attorney when I need advice or insight on a case. Darrin's no-nonsense approach to family law coupled with his talent in the courtroom gives our clients exceptional representation. He is also incredibly hard working - he is typically one of the first in the office each day and one of the last to leave."

Jack Ira Klein headshot
Jack Klein

Child custody lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Darrin Keaton is a very competent and qualified Attorney. He advocates zealously for his clients and I would not hesitate to recommend him for any juvenile or custody matter."

Shawn Clayton Bugbee headshot
Shawn Bugbee

Family lawyer | May 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Darrin in a professional capacity for several years. He is one of the most diligent and knowledgeable attorneys I have had the pleasure of working both with and against. I highly recommend his services to anyone seeking representation."

Jason W. Swindle headshot
Jason Swindle

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I fully endorse Darrin Keaton. Darrin is a personal friend and an excellent civil and criminal attorney."

Robert Keith Prater headshot
Robert Prater

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Darrin as a professional colleague for a number of years and know both his work and reputation; both of which are superb. I refer all calls that need representation, not only criminal, but family and personal injury as well, in his 'neck of the woods' to him."

View All Endorsements
Jeffrey Allen Turner headshot
Jeffrey Turner

Divorce and separation lawyer

Robert Frank Schnatmeier Jr. headshot
Robert Schnatmeier

Criminal defense lawyer

Wesley Wade Wilson headshot
Wesley Wilson

Family lawyer

Cherese Chantell Clark headshot
Cherese Clark

Family lawyer

Lindsey Rae Harrison headshot
Lindsey Harrison

Family lawyer

Michael Eric Manely headshot
Michael Manely

International law lawyer

Caitlin Elizabeth Herndon headshot
Caitlin Herndon

Estate planning lawyer

Shawn Clayton Bugbee headshot
Shawn Bugbee

Family lawyer

Nathan Eric Jackson headshot
Nathan Jackson

Family lawyer

Jack Ira Klein headshot
Jack Klein

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Jason W. Swindle headshot
Jason Swindle

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert Keith Prater headshot
Robert Prater

Family lawyer

Andrew Woodruff Jones headshot
Andrew Jones

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.3 (Superb)

Honors

2009

Pro Bono Project, State Bar of Georgia

2008

Pro Bono Project, State Bar of Georgia

2007

Pro Bono Project, State Bar of Georgia

2006

Pro Bono Project, State Bar of Georgia

2005

Pro Bono Project, State Bar of Georgia

2004

Pro Bono Project, State Bar of Georgia

Work Experience

2023 - Present

City Attorney, City Of Dallas, City Attorney's Office

2021 - 2023

Municipal Judge, City Of Dallas, Georgia

2014 - 2023

Managing Attorney, Allen Turner Law

2012 - 2013

Prosecuting Attorney, City Of Hiram, Georgia

2009 - 2013

Public Defender, City of Dallas, Georgia

2007 - 2012

Public Defender, City of Hiram, Georgia

2006 - 2013

Indigent Parent Counsel, Paulding County Juvenile Court

1998 - 2023

Owner, Law Offices of Darrin Keaton

Associations

2007 - Present

National Association of Drug Court Professionals

Member

2004 - Present

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2004 - Present

State Bar of Georgia, Family Law Section

Member

2003 - Present

Paulding County Bar Association

Member

1999 - Present

Association of Trial Lawyers of America

Member

1998 - Present

State Bar of Georgia

Member

1998 - Present

Cobb County Bar Association

Member

1998 - 2001

American Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

MORGAN v. MORGAN - Supreme Court of Georgia

Reversed and remanded

In re: KLH, 281 Ga. App.394

Judgment affirmed.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1997

University of Southern California Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1994

Kennesaw State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

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