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Rudjard Melvin Hayes

Criminal defense Attorney at Tyrone, GA

4.8   20 reviews
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GREAT EXPERIENCE!!
KJ
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Great Attorney
Natalie
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
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About Rudjard

Learn Rudjard’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas

Rudjard M. Hayes is a Partner at Sanchez Hayes & Associates, LLC, where he heads up the firm’s criminal section, civil litigation section and co-chairs the domestic section. Mr. Hayes previously worked as a Senior Assistant District Attorney (“ADA”) in the Griffin Judicial Circuit. He also formerly served as a Senior ADA in the Coweta Judicial Circuit. In 2007, Mr. Hayes became a partner at Sanchez Hayes & Associates, LLC located in Tyrone, Georgia. Mr. Hayes devotes a substantial portion of his practice to criminal defense where he represents those accused of committing one or more criminal offense in city, state, superior or federal court. Mr. Hayes also represents civil litigants in a variety of matters ranging from complex business transactions, family law issues, contract disputes, and various employment issues. Mr. Hayes represents both civil and criminal clients in municipal, state, superior and federal courts. Mr. Hayes has tried hundreds of criminal felony and misdemeanor jury trials and countless civil trials in all courts.

 

Mr. Hayes received his Juris Doctorate Degree from the College of Law at Georgia State University and was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in 1996.

 

Mr. Hayes is an active member of the community. In 2005, Mr. Hayes began a Mock Trial Team at his son’s high school. In 2006, he began working as an adjunct professor at Georgia State University (GSU), where he coached the Georgia State University Mock Trial Team until 2012. From September 2008 until April 2009 Mr. Hayes also taught as an adjunct professor at Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law in Macon, GA. He was responsible for developing and coaching Mercer’s Mock Trial Teams. One of Mercer’s teams, coached by Mr. Hayes, won a national championship at the ABA National Criminal Justice Trail Advocacy Competition in Chicago. Mr. Hayes’ commitment to the community and the legal profession was recognized when, in 2008, he was awarded the Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service. Mr. Hayes is a member of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Mr. Hayes has acted as a mentor to new attorneys in Georgia. Mr. Hayes has also acted as a judge for numerous national mock trial competitions.

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Photos and videos

Rudjard Hayes represented a woman who was run over by a golf cart in Peachtree City and settled her lawsuit against the driver for $400,000 after the Georgia Court of Appeals ruled that the driver's homeowner's insurance would cover the damage.
Defendants with defense attorney Rudjard Hayes react after learning the women will serve a brief stay in jail followed by community service and probation in the accidental death of a toddler left in a day care van.

Photos and videos

Rudjard Hayes represented a woman who was run over by a golf cart in Peachtree City and settled her lawsuit against the driver for $400,000 after the Georgia Court of Appeals ruled that the driver's homeowner's insurance would cover the damage.
Defendants with defense attorney Rudjard Hayes react after learning the women will serve a brief stay in jail followed by community service and probation in the accidental death of a toddler left in a day care van.
Licensed for 26 years
State GA
Status Active Member in Good Standing
Acquired 1996
Updated 05/03/2023

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

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Rudjard Melvin Hayes
Building 600, Suite 620
1015 Tyrone Road
Tyrone, GA, 30290
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Reviews

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4.8 / 5.0
  20 customer reviews
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Posted by KJ | October 14, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
GREAT EXPERIENCE!!
BEST ATTORNEY in the area! I hired Rudjard based off of a referral from a friend and after my experience, I would definitely recommend his services to my friends & family as well. Rudjard & his entire staff are very responsive, helpful and caring. Whenever I reached out with questions or concerns, someone always responded to me almost immediately. Rudjard is very knowledgeable and I will be forever grateful for his help....he was able to resolve my case better than I anticipated and was extremely communicative, honest and upfront with me on what to expect and informed me of my various options throughout the process. I am SO thankful for his legal assistance!
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Posted by Natalie | July 12, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Attorney
Mr. Hayes is a great attorney! He is very nice and was so helpful with my speeding ticket. He didn't make promises, but said he would do his very best to help me. And he did! I am so grateful. I took the driving classes that he recommended, and he was able to get my fine reduced. I am very thankfull and would highly recommend him.
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Posted by Bryan | May 19, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Business
My lawyer kept me assured that everything was gonna be okay which he made clear and that made me very comfortable. Mr.Hayes is a man who stands up to his word and is very serious when working with cases, he’s very thorough and I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a lawyer
Posted by Levi | April 30, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Attorney that CAN!
The Attorney that CAN! Can what???? Get Positive Results! My boys were in a super bad situation with the law. Mr. Hayes accepted the case and quickly investigated by developing a calculated strategic defense. Our boys were looking at serving potential time and it was their very first time ever in trouble. Mr. Hayes as a subject matter expert in criminal law was our best option. He is connected within both counties (Fayette/Coweta). Mr. Hayes has a very unique approach in defending his client in the courtroom. Mr. Hayes has brought reality to our hopes and we thank him for it. Mr. Hayes is nothing less than outstanding. Mr. Hayes helped keep my family together.
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Posted by Angela S. | August 1, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Forever Grateful Mother........
I can't begin to convey how grateful my family is to Mr. Rudjard M. Hayes....My daughter who had never been in trouble, was facing serious charges. And from day ONE Mr. Hayes assured us that he'd do all within his power to assist us... Not only did Mr. Hayes get the case DISMISSED IN ITS ENTIRETY; he was able to get the arrest REMOVED from her record!!! I get choked-up talking about it.... because not only did he go above and beyond to help her, he also worked with us financially..... I knew five minutes into our first meeting with Mr. Hayes that we wanted him to represent our daughter…..He is a special person with a talent to recognize the good in people and possess the ability to treat everyone as individuals. THANK YOU is an understatement....But, we thank him for listening and taking the time out to reassure us....We thank him for seeing our daughter for the great young lady she is, and not as the mistake she made.... And most of all thank we thank him for going to bat for her!! Likewise, his staff was great!! They were always pleasant anytime we called and quick to respond to any questions or concerns we had. It is with great enthusiasm and without reservation that we recommend Mr. Hayes and may God continue to bless him and those he serves.
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Posted by anonymous | May 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Felony
I was charged with a serious felony and Mr. Rudjard had my case DISMISSED. He is an awesome hard working attorney and most of all, a man off his word. He doesn't make any promises that he can't keep. I would recommend this attorney to any one, because my family and I are grateful that we chose him to represent us.
Posted by anonymous | May 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great attorney and a good person
My Hayes was recommended to me by another lawyer, as a criminal lawyer. He handled my son's case. He made us feel like he was really concerned with what we were going through. He understood my concerns as a mother that I was stressing. He answered every call and text promptly. This is a great attorney
Posted by anonymous | February 26, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Incredible attorney
I am so very grateful that we were fortunate enough to have Mr. Hayes as our attorney through a very difficult time in our lives. Mr. Hayes's approach was honest and up front from the beginning. His goal was not only to help us to get through our current legal situation, but to do it in a way that we would be able to move forward after our difficulties. He truly cared about our future. Mr. Hayes put in a lot of time and energy in our case and we were incredibly pleased with the outcome. Fast forward a few years..... there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Looking back I know that there is no way we could have made it through without such an incredible attorney! I would definitely recommend Mr. Hayes to anyone that is going through criminal charges. He's absolutely the BEST!
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Posted by Sue | February 12, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wise, caring attorney
My Hayes was recommended to me by another lawyer, as a criminal lawyer. He handled my case with great knowledge and treated me with dignity and respect. He cares about the case, but also cares for me as a person. He was there for me every step of the way and I feel he went above and beyond what he needed to do as an attorney, because he cared more about me than he did about raking in money. I recommend him to everyone who needs a lawyer.
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Posted by anonymous | April 14, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great attorney!
When my family faced some legal issues, Rudjard pulled through for us in a big way! While we were bracing ourselves for the worst case scenario, Rudjard delivered the best possible outcome! He was efficient and confident in his work. I'd hire him again and recommend him to anyone who needs a great attorney.
Posted by anonymous | March 27, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Rudjard Hayes Did a GREAT JOB!!
Rudjard Hayes did a great job in representing my son in some trouble he got in in PTC GA. While the crime was not life altering Rudjard to the time to talk to my son and explain in real terms that this behavior could not continue and that moving forward he needed a plan. Rudjard knows how to talk to kids, he hasn't forgotten he was once one and now he does it with credibility. Our result was very favorable, truthfully my son got what he deserved and didn't get an over the top punishment due to Rudjards work and knowledge. I would hire Rudjard again, however my prayer is our engagement is now via friendship only. PJ PTC GA
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Posted by Christine | October 4, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Lawyer
Mr. Hayes is an excellent lawyer. He has the perfect combination of caring and straight talk. He is able to have compassion for his client, but also is able to address the issues in such a way that the client is able to understand exactly what is going on. I find him to be a very strong and powerful litigator. He does not back down and he represents his client with passion and conviction. He is both articulate and very knowledgeable with many areas of the law. He is my go-to lawyer for all of my families' needs and I am grateful for his advice and representation.
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Posted by anonymous | July 28, 2015
HIs excellent reputation proceeds him
Mr. Hayes made a terrible situation that my son got into with marijuana into a life lesson for him and I will always be grateful. He talked and treated my son as a peer, did not talk down to him but communicated in a way that made sense to him. He was very direct, confident and has high expectations of his clients. This approach made my son respond to his words positively and got him on the right track. He didn't want to disappoint Mr. Hayes. Mr. Hayes has a very respected reputation among county officials and he knows the law, how proceedings and trials work and what the most likely outcome will be for your case. I was very glad I had him represent my son in this very unfortunate event and as bad as it was, he took care of it and I worried less knowing he was on my side. I think every parent and teen needs to hear what he shared with us -- His knowledge is invaluable.
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Posted by Josh | July 24, 2015
A Great lawyer to have on your side!
Hiring Mr. Hayes twice in the last month to resolve some old, yet potentially very damaging cases with distorted facts, was the best decision I could have made. He did an Excellent Job defending me. He is an Extremely competent lawyer with the Knowledge, Skills, and Demeanor to provide a Very Effective defense for those in need, and speaks plainly and straight forward in a manner you can appreciate. My family is already contacting him again to help us resolve a more civil matter. In short, Mr. Hayes was and is a Life Saver!
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Posted by Henry | March 14, 2015
A great Lawyer for strong-willed and mistake-prone youth
Mr. Hayes was recommended to us after taking on the case of a dear friend's son, whose partying ways finally caught up with him. Mr. Hayes was able to negotiate a very favorable outcome after the family was sure that their son's indiscretion would ruin his future. Just a month later, my own son finally had his "luck" run out, and was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice after getting caught up in a big party scene in a prominent college town nearby. He is a full-time student at a nearby University with very good grades, but is still after all a 20 year old college kid who has much maturing to do! After meeting with Mr. Hayes for the first time, he listened to my son's whole story and took the time to ask probing questions to find out just who he was as well as who he wanted to be. Using his skill, experience in dealing with these situations, and relationships built over the years with Solicitors and Judges alike, he was able to get my son into a pre-trial diversion program, which would drop all charges if he properly followed the Court's guidelines and rules for him over a year's time! Once out of the court building, Mr. Hayes spent over an hour with my son sharing his own experiences as a youth, and relayed the importance of every decision my son would make from that day forward as well as the consequences or rewards that would continue to follow him throughout his life. Much to my surprise and joy, I saw in my son's face that this lawyer had gotten through to him on a level that I would have never believed possible!! I was impressed with the fact that Mr. Hayes was truly listening to not only what my son was facing in the legal system, but what he was truly needing to mature into a more responsible adult. What made me decide that Rudjard Hayes would always be my lawyer from this day forward is the fact that with no financial incentive to do so, he has reached out to my son on numerous occasions since just to check on him and be a supportive influence. Rarely do I ever get surprised by anything, but this experience was definitely a first!!
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Posted by Jerry | January 30, 2015
IF YOU WANT THE BEST LEGAL REPRESENTATION, HIRE MR. HAYES!
I hired Sanchez Hayes & Associates last year for help in a complicated legal matter. I originally hired a different attorney but wish I had used Mr. Hayes from the beginning. From the time he took over my case, all my worries were put to rest. Mr. Hayes is the most knowledgeable, aggressive but fair and honest attorney I have ever known. He had my best interest in mind and it was refreshing to see him work diligently for me throughout the legal process. If you want the best legal representation, hire Mr. Hayes and no one else!
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Posted by Tom Smith | January 27, 2015
Great outcome!!
Mr. Hayes was very professional from the beginning when dealing with our case. He set the expectations from the beginning. In summary he under promised and over delivered on results. We are very happy with the firms services and will highly recommend Mr. Hayes to anyone in need of his services that comes our way.
Posted by Renee | April 25, 2014
Excellent Attorney!!!!
Excellent Attorney!! He definitely is worthy of a 5 star rating. Rudjard Hayes is an aggressive, honest and talented attorney. My experience with Rudjard Hayes was related to my husband's federal case. He was very professional and always kept me and my husband informed of the process related to his case and quickly responded to all our concerns.His obvious knowledge of the Federal judicial system was crucial in allaying our fears. I am very grateful and appreciative of all his hard work and diligence with seeking the best outcome for my husband. I would highly recommend Rudjard Hayes to anyone in need of a Top Quality Professional Attorney who is totally committed to his client's best interest.
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Posted by dr karen | February 1, 2012
rudjard hayes
mr hayes was a pleasure to work with. he kept me informed of my business opitons and worked thru them quickly and effeciently
Posted by anonymous | June 8, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Do not hire
I hired this attorney. He promised and told me things and did not follow through. I did the work. He lied and he was rude. He tried pushing a deal on us that had nothing to do with the case. Another attorney gave me his name and number, I let that attorney know, cause that made him look bad. When hiring an attorney make sure and do your homework especially when it's something serious or your not in the wrong, cause we paid alot of money for this attorney for nothing. You can never reach him and he doesn't call you back and he talks down to you. He also messed up one of the cases.
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AVVO RATING 9.1 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Sanchez Hayes & Associates, LLC
  • 2007 - Present
  • Adjunct Professor
  • Georgia State University School Of Law
  • 2009 - 2015
  • Assistant District Attorney
  • Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office
  • 2008 - 2009
  • Assistant District Attorney
  • Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office
  • 1996 - 2008
View all work experience

Education

  • Georgia State University College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1995
  • Auburn University
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1992

Associations

  • Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • 2007 - Present
  • Fayette County Bar Foundation
  • 2007 - Present
  • State Bar of Georgia
  • 1996 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • ABA National Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy
  • American Bar Association
  • 2009
  • Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service
  • State Bar of Georgia
  • 2008

Publications

  • Prosecuting Attorney's Council of Georgia Handbook
  • Search & Seizure
  • 1997

Speaking Engagements

  • Prosecutor Boot Camp
  • Search & Seizures
  • 2007

Attorney endorsements

Received (6)
Given (4)
Endorse Rudjard
Carol Ann Colliersmith headshot
Carol Colliersmith
Employment and labor Attorney | Jan 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have discussed various legal matters with Mr. Hayes and find him knowledgeable, effective and professional. I recommend him."
Michael Robert Granims headshot
Michael Granims
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Rudjard is an outstanding criminal defense attorney. He is well known in the community for both his skill as a criminal defense attorney and for the strong advocacy for his clients. I highly recommend Rudjard."
Anita Johnson Clark headshot
Anita Clark
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Co-worker
"Rudjard is a highly skilled trial attorney. He will fight hard to protect your rights. He maintains great relationships with courthouse personnel, prosecutors, and judges, so that he can represent his clients well. He stays educated on the recent changes in criminal laws and motion issues."
Travis Ashley Newton headshot
Travis Newton
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Donald James Kilfin headshot
Donald Kilfin
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I met Rudjard Hayes after relocating from Tampa to Peachtree City last year. Rudjard has a sterling reputation in the legal community as a highly skilled trial attorney. I have always been impressed with his courtroom demeanor and knowledge of Georgia Law. Mr. Hayes' clients are very fortunate to have him advocating on their behalf. I highly endorse this lawyer."
Stacey Flynn headshot
Stacey Flynn
General practice Attorney | Feb 19
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Mr. Hayes can sometimes come across as harsh or stubborn - but he knows the law backwards and forwards and he can try a jury trial with his eyes closed and still beat most other lawyers in Georgia. He will work hard on your case because he doesn't like to lose period. That's the quality I want in any lawyer I was going to hire."
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Christopher Michael Upshaw headshot
Christopher Upshaw
Criminal defense
Stacey Flynn headshot
Stacey Flynn
Criminal defense
Michael Robert Granims headshot
Michael Granims
Criminal defense
Anita Johnson Clark headshot
Anita Clark
Employment and labor

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Tyrone Criminal defense Lawyer Rudjard Melvin Hayes
Rudjard Melvin Hayes
Criminal defense Attorney
Tyrone, GA
Licensed for 26 years
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