Saraliene Smith Durrett

Saraliene Smith Durrett

also known as Federal Criminal Defense

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 18 years

Federal crime Lawyer at Atlanta, GA
Practice Areas: Federal Crime, White Collar Crime, Violent Crime ... +3 more

1800 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA

About Saraliene

Biography

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 12 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 2013

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Nevada for 16 years

State: Nevada

Acquired: 2009

Inactive

No misconduct found

Licensed in Kansas for 18 years

State: Kansas

Acquired: 2007

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Saraliene Smith Durrett, LLC

1800 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA, 30309

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Saraliene Smith Durrett's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

39 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (39) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Karteau | September 28, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

Current and future client

Sarah is definitely a 5star attorney, I have a federal case out of the southern district of Georgia. She did my direct appeal and oral arguments. We did not win, she fought tooth and nail through the entire process. Her brief allowed me to have a great foundation for the Supreme Court (acquitted cond...uct), (trial punishment). Without her knowledge of the law and hard work I would never have been able to make it through this corruption of the government. Now congress, sentencing commission and Supreme Court are about to change law on the above issues. After completing my case Sarah continues to help me on any of my legal issues. She is always a email away

Posted by Carole | February 15, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Carole

Saraliene Durrett represented my son in a criminal case. I am a former Court Appointed Child Advocate. I know the difference in a good and a bad attorney. Saraliene went the extra mile to make sure my son had the best representation. We could not be more pleased. She kept us informed at each stage... and helped us understand the process.

Posted by Sandra | January 23, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Saraliene Smith durrett

Ms.smith-durrett defended my daughter in her federal case and she was stellar in all areas. Because of her brilliant presentation to the doubtful judge my daughter was allowed to go into long term rehab rather than a long prison sentence. We are forever grateful for her personalized attention.

Posted by Brenda | March 21, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Appeals

Saraliene Durrett as counsel

Saraliene did an amazing job on our appeal. We could not have asked for anyone to have been more professional or concerned for us as clients than Saraliene. I would recommend her to anyone in need of counsel

Posted by anonymous | September 09, 2013 | Criminal Defense

A fantasic lawyer!! A caring human being....

Saraliene worked for the top defense lawyer team in Las Vegas (Chesnoff & Schoenfeld) - She has excelled in in all area's of criminal defense - She has clerked for one of the top judges in the Nevada judicial system (Judge Mahan) - You will not find a more dedicated, conscientious, client focused att...orney...She never dropped the ball....and won our case

See All Client Reviews

Saraliene Smith Durrett's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Saraliene
Teri L. Thompson headshot
Teri Thompson

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Ms. Durrett and I have worked together on a number of criminal matters. She possesses a keen, analytical legal mind. I respect her work and I highly recommend her."

Brandon Alexander Thomas headshot
Brandon Thomas

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Saraliene is a fantastic criminal lawyer and has a wealth of knowledge about federal criminal practice. I have consulted with her on various issues, and have enjoyed brainstorming with her, which has also been a great benefit to my clients."

Randall Paul Sharp headshot
Randall Sharp

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. My first interaction with Ms. Durrett was watching her in court argue a self-defense hearing in front of a very pro-prosecution judge. Ms. Durrett presented her case concisely and with skill. At the end of the hearing, even the D.A.s were acknowledging the facts presented were the way that Ms. Durrett presented them. The DA however maintained the law was on their side. It was only later that I found out that the Judge agreed with not only facts that were presented during the self-defense hearing but also with the law that Ms. Durrett argued and that her client received a dismissal of the case."

Sarah M. Timmers headshot
Sarah Timmers

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Ms. Durrett assisted me with a federal sentencing which involved a complicated international legal matter. Her advise and experience provided the needed push to get the AUSA to agree to a particular sentence range. I endorse this lawyer."

Brian Chiles Tevis headshot
Brian Tevis

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I wholeheartedly endorse Saraliene for criminal defense work and appeals. She is patient, effective, and detail-oriented, but she's also ready to fight for her clients. She truly cares about her clients and how their cases effects their lives. Whether you need representation on a new case, or you want her to work the appeal on an older matter, she will provide excellent representation."

Jason Michael McLendon headshot
Jason McLendon

Unknown lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Saraline is a hard working lawyer who truly cares for her clients. Her clients are fortunate to be represented by an experienced and talented advocate."

Kevin Raymond Fisher headshot
Kevin Fisher

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Saraliene is intelligent, hard working and an overall great person and attorney. She is well liked in the Criminal Defense and Appellate Community and very well respected. I feel fortunate to call her a colleague and a friend."

Leigh Ann Webster headshot
Leigh Webster

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Saraliene is great! Our firm consults with Saraliene frequently about cases, and she is super smart and thoughtful. It's obvious she cares about her clients and works really hard for them."

Rachel Lynn Shelstad headshot
Rachel Shelstad

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I had the honor and privilege to work with Saraliene Smith Durrett for approximately four years at Chesnoff & Schonfeld. Saraliene is incredibly motivated, intelligent, hard-working, diligent, patient, and dependable. Saraliene exhibits an enthusiasm, commitment, and perseverance far superior to the average lawyer. Saraliene's writing abilities are nothing short of a scholar, and her winning arguments are a true testament to her devotion to her clients, and commitment as an officer of the Court. Saraliene strives to do the best in her endeavors, and she is diligent researcher. Saraliene demonstrates model integrity and manifests professionalism in all legal matters. I personally endorse Saraliene Smith Durrett as an advocate and counselor of law."

Elizabeth Vila Rogan headshot
Elizabeth Rogan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Saraliene Durrett is one of the most competent and effective lawyers In Atlanta. She is thorough, learned and sensitive to her clients, bringing a mixture of legal prowess and compassion to every case she handles. I recommend her most highly!"

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Durrett is one of the finest attorneys in her state. I highly recommend her legal services."

View All Endorsements
Leonard L. Franco headshot
Leonard Franco

Criminal defense lawyer

Emily Beth Strongwater headshot
Emily Strongwater

Criminal defense lawyer

Roger C. Wilson headshot
Roger Wilson

Criminal defense lawyer

Brandon Alexander Thomas headshot
Brandon Thomas

Criminal defense lawyer

Andre Jarviss Smith headshot
Andre Smith

Criminal defense lawyer

Randall Paul Sharp headshot
Randall Sharp

Criminal defense lawyer

Teri L. Thompson headshot
Teri Thompson

Criminal defense lawyer

Noah Howard Pines headshot
Noah Pines

Criminal defense lawyer

Lisa Marie Szyc headshot
Lisa Szyc

Criminal defense lawyer

Ryan Christopher Locke headshot
Ryan Locke

Criminal defense lawyer

Sarah M. Timmers headshot
Sarah Timmers

Criminal defense lawyer

Kevin Raymond Fisher headshot
Kevin Fisher

Criminal defense lawyer

Travis Matthew Glahn headshot
Travis Glahn

Criminal defense lawyer

Jason Michael McLendon headshot
Jason McLendon

Criminal defense lawyer

Leigh Ann Webster headshot
Leigh Webster

Appeals lawyer

Sydney Rene Strickland headshot
Sydney Strickland

Appeals lawyer

Rachel Lynn Shelstad headshot
Rachel Shelstad

Unknown lawyer

Elizabeth Vila Rogan headshot
Elizabeth Rogan

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2021

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2018

Jake Waldrop Crispin Star, Federal Defender Program

2007

Walter Hiersteiner Outstanding Service Award, University of Kansas School of Law

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Owner, Saraliene Smith Durrett, LLC

2009 - 2013

Criminal Defense Attorney, Chesnoff & Schonfeld

2008 - 2009

Law Clerk, United States Federal District Court - Nevada

2007 - 2008

Law Clerk, Kansas Court Of Appeals

Associations

2013 - Present

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2013 - Present

State Bar of Georgia - Criminal Law Section

Member

2009 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2009 - Present

Federal Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

United States v. Van Buren

conviction vacated

U.S.A. v. Shivers

All federal charges dismissed

State v. Covington

The court found the client acted in self-defense and dismissed the case.

Gates v. State

Pending opinion from the court

State v. Hodo

NOT GUILTY ON ALL EIGHT COUNTS

State v. Ramsey

Two consecutive life sentences reversed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2007

University of Kansas School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

Grinnell College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2019

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Winter Seminar Federal Motions Practice for State Practitioners

Publications

2007

Kansas Journal of Law and Public Policy It Can Happen in an Instant: Rethinking Pattern Instructions for Kansas on Premeditated Murder

2006

Kansas Bar Association Criminal Law Handbook Chapter Nine: Proceedings Before Trial

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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