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Charles T. Magarahan

DUI and DWI Attorney at Atlanta, GA

4.9   53 reviews
  • Licensed for 50 years
    State GA
    Acquired 1973
    Status
    Emeritus No misconduct found

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

About Charles

Learn Charles’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. DUI and DWI
    75%

    50 years, 3,000 cases

  2. Criminal defense
    20%

    50 years, 1,000 cases

  3. Lawsuits and disputes
    5%

    50 years, 100 cases

Contact Charles

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Charles T. Magarahan
Park Ridge 85
2900 Chamblee-Tucker Rd., Bldg. 1
Atlanta, GA, 30341

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  53 customer reviews
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Posted by Eryn | June 27, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Charlie has been my Lawyer & Friend, since the 90's!!
CHARLIE, First, is a NO Bulsh@! Lawyer. He Will NOT sugar coat anything. He's very straightforward, yet will take every case seriously, regardless of the magnitude of it. He has LITERALLY SAVED ME FROM PRISON FOR A 10YR SENTENCE! I did 90DAYS!! HE ALSO STOPPED ME FROM SCREWING MYSELF WITH 1st offender ( knowing the chances of me having ANY new run-ins with the law, he saw, as to great a risk. He was 100% CORRECT!) TO ME, CHARLIE IS NOT JUST THE BEST LAWYER IN GA, BUT A GOOD, GENUINE PERSON WHO TAKES EVERY CASE SERIOUSLY- TO THE CONCLUSION! THE BEST THERE IS, LOVE HIM!! ERYN...
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Posted by Anthony | May 11, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer Awesome outcome
I hired Charles Magarahan for a few tickets I received in my camaro. After talking to him I knew he was the Attorney I needed. It felt real good being in his hands during court. Everyone knows him and speaks highly of him. He fought my case and the outcome was outstanding! I did not even lose my license. I would recommend Charles for any DUI,speeding,reckless driving traffic tickets. What a great man!! 10 stars!
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Posted by anonymous | May 7, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Charlie T Magarahan, Attorney at Law
Recently I was in the process of going through the justice system for several serious infractions, DUI, Child Endangerment, and failure to obey “No Wake” sign For months it took it’s toll physically, mentally and extremely overwhelming. However, I hired a reputable and highly experienced attorney, Charlie T Magarahan, Attorney at Law. He responded quickly and informatively to all of my phone calls, texts, and emails. My husband and I were impressed by his confidence in the courtroom and his professionalism. ( In the courthouse, it was always, “Hey Charlie”. “How are you doing Charlie”.? We will get that to you as quickly as possible, Charlie”.) Charlie you’re the MAN! Thank you so much for all of your hard work and dedication. Highly recommended!
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Posted by Kyle | May 3, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Superb Job
Charles did an excellent job with my 2 DUIs. He is an extremely experienced, highly knowledgeable, personable lawyer. Having him on your side should give you the piece of mind that he is going to do everything possible to get you the best outcome. He knows all of the moves to make and the right times to make them. I would not be in the position I am today without his hard work combined with my positive life changes and I am forever grateful for Mr. Magarahan.
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Posted by Beth | July 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent attorney!
Charlie was wonderful. He really understood the law in my case. It is never fun to have legal trouble, but Charlie gave me advice that really helped me at sentencing time. I was so glad he was on my team! I highly recommend this lawyer.
Posted by Grace | September 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best in town!
Charlie is extremely knowledgeable, caring, compassionate and on top of the game. I highly recommend Charlie for any DUI case in Georgia. I am pleased with my results, thank you!
Posted by Michael | January 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best DUI Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia
If you are looking for the best DUI Attorney in Georgia, please contact Charlie Magarahan [censored] as soon as possible. I am a CEO with several State licenses. I was arrested in the City of Alpharetta (Fulton, County) for DUI. I had a blood alcohol reading for 0.165, twice the legal limit. At the recommendation from a friend, I met with Charlie and subsequently hired him for his services. He was expensive but I soon found out why. I was arraigned in the City of Alpharetta and Alpharetta prosecutor would not deal or negotiate my charges down to a lessor offense. Charlie proposed the option of taking the case to Fulton County, risking a jury trial but also having time to find a reason to get the case dismissed or reduced. He moved the case to Fulton County and after his own investigation, many legal motions, and rescheduling the case with Fulton County, I finally had my first appearance at a Motions hearing where Charlie got the case completely dismissed. That's right, no DUI, no time in jail, nothing on my record, and no lost professional licenses or embarrassment. If you are wise, interview your attorney before hiring them or take my advise and hire Charlie Magarahan, the best DUI Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Posted by Lydia | January 27, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding
Charlie is the best criminal attorney in the Southeast. He is both personable and professional. No matter how long it takes, he will fight for you. He becomes a magician at motions hearings. He knows just what to do and how to pounce, if needed. Charlie got another win with my case.
Posted by anonymous | September 3, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer!
Charlie is a fantastic hard working attorney. This was my 3rd DUI and he got it reduced to reckless driving and I didn't lose my drivers license. I highly recommend Charlie if you want to try and get your DUI dropped!
Posted by anonymous | March 3, 2015
Would definitely hire again.
Charlie was able to get my DUI reduced to a reckless driving charge, and also got a related speeding charge reduced so that it didn't stay on my record. This guy knows what he's doing. Expensive, but worth it.
Posted by Michael | December 15, 2014
The best, most dedicated and most knowledgable attorney I've ever talked to.
Charlie never stops fighting. He's a winner and takes every single case as if it's the most important thing in the world. I felt like I was in great hands with Charlie and am glad he was on my side. charlesmagarahan.com
Posted by Janis | November 7, 2014
Quintessential Lawyer
quin·tes·sen·tial~ representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class. That is the word that came to mind when I think of Charles Magarahan and how he handled my son's case. It was a pure stroke of luck or God's hand that led us to him in a Fulton County courtroom, waiting to be called up, our lawyer not present, had taken our money and disappeared. Mr. Magarahan accepted my son's case, and at the end of it all, my son's case was dismissed. He went above and beyond his duties and delivered the best possible outcome, not to mention restoring our faith in lawyers! Truly a gem, and we will be forever grateful.
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Posted by mary | October 28, 2014
Grateful!
Charlie saved my life! He had his work cut out for him and the outcome could not have been any better! Thank you so much for everything! Greatest lawyer in the world!
Posted by Kimberly | September 19, 2014
Not Guilty
I sought out Charles Magarahan after being referred to him by several people. After meeting him I could quickly understand why the referrals. He was very straight forward and professional. His knowledge of the law is impeccable. Pleading 'Not guilty,' and due to the factors in my DUI case, it was brought to Jury. I was pleased with the care and attention Charlie paid to the case. At the end of the day, all charges dropped and I was found not guilty. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is facing DUI/DWI charges.
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Posted by anonymous | September 18, 2014
Charles definetely knows what he is doing
I was facing DUI charges on two counts. DUI per say and DUI less safe. It seemed like I was going to have to live with these charges for the rest of my life. I won't go into detail about my arrest but due to Charlie's knowledge of the legalities with my situation he was able to get my charges dropped to a disorderly conduct charge. I had to pay a fine and my case was closed. I didn't not have to worry about a permanent record that would affect my career for the rest of my life. Charley was very honest with me from the first time we met. Sometimes brutally honest but the cold hard truth is the truth. I am truly grateful for everything that Charlie was able to do for me and would seriously recommend him to anyone facing legal trouble.
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Posted by Tonya | August 16, 2014
Charlie deserves a medal!
Charlie is one of the most respectable people I've met. Our first meeting was both scary and comforting, due to the tricky situation I had put myself in between two counties. Charlie is very clever and knowledgeable. He paid very close attention to each detail of my cases(s) and provided me various scenarios, tasks to complete to build my case and was in constant contact through the entire ordeal. He never made any promises and kept me on my toes. He helped me in many ways: keeping my sanity, learning a lesson and helping me get back to a normal life. Thanks Charlie, so many great things to say I hardly feel that my gratitude and respect for you were reflected in this review.
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Posted by anonymous | June 6, 2014
Charlie is the BEST.
If you need a criminal defense attorney, Charlie is the best. My situation was sensitive, and I walked away with the best possible outcome given the circumstances. Charlie's professionalism and expertise are priceless.
Posted by Chris | March 1, 2014
Charlie is the best!
I was referred to Mr. Magarahan by a friend after being arrested for my second DUI. During our first meeting, Charlie was very honest with me about my options given my situation, and I told him that my primary objective was to stay out of jail and keep my driver's license if at all possible. After agreeing to defend me, Charlie and his assistant were proactive in contacting me to give advance notice for any and all hearings and motions in my case. Charlie was also proactive in meeting with me to review the police report, dashcam video, and the rest of the state's case against me. Again, Charlie was honest with me and knowledgeable of the tendencies of the solicitor's office and he made sure to answer any and all questions and concerns. As the case progressed, Mr. Magarahan left no doubt in my mind that he was giving me the best defense possible. At all times, Charlie was prepared for court and professionally confident in his statements and interactions with the judge and prosecutor. After proceeding through a number of hearings and motions, the case moved forward to a jury trial. Mr. Magarahan made sure to meet with me before the trial to review my defense. During jury selection, Charlie was diligent and thorough and also made sure I was in agreement with his assessments. Mr. Magarahan was tremendous in his presentation to the jury and during his cross-examination of the arresting officer. I received a verdict of not guilty for DUI, and I cannot thank Charlie enough for all his good work.
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Posted by anonymous | December 21, 2013
Fantastic!!!
I cannot overstate how great my experience with Charlie was! He was extremely professional and his expertise helped me through a tough situation. He seriously knows his stuff! I highly recommend him if you are in need of a great attorney.
Posted by Mike | December 19, 2013
Charlie is the best!
Charlie handled our legal situation flawlessly. He proved we were wrongfully arrested and charged. His professionalism and expertise is second to none.
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Magarahan Villines & Honis
  • 1994 - Present
  • Associate
  • McReynolds and Michaud
  • 1979 - 1994
  • Sole Practitioner
  • Charles T. Magarahan, Attorney at Law
  • 1974 - 1979

Education

  • University of Georgia, Athens
  • Juris Doctor
  • 1973
  • Loyola University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1970

Legal Cases

  • State v. Dyer
  • Ga. Court of Appeals
  • State v. Underwood
  • Court of Appeals upheld our position
  • State v. Palmaka
  • I won first, State won second
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Chairman Judicial Recommendations Comm.
  • 2005 - Present
  • Forsyth County Bar Association
  • member
  • 1998 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • member
  • 1990 - Present
  • DeKalb Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1990 - Present
  • Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Life Member
  • 1990 - Present
  • State Bar of Georgia
  • Member
  • 1974 - Present
  • Atlanta Bar Association
  • Member Continuing Legal Education Bd. of Trustees
  • 2005 - 2007
  • Atlanta Bar Association
  • Chairman Criminal Law Section
  • 2002 - 2003
  • Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 1974 - 1989
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Georgia Defense of Drinking Drivers Group
  • 2010
  • Lawyer of the Year
  • Georgia Defense of Drinking Drivers Group
  • 2008
  • President's Award for Judicial Recommendations Committee
  • Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • 2008

Speaking Engagements

  • DUI Law Update
  • DUI defense
  • 2008

Attorney endorsements

Received (48)
Given (47)
Endorse Charles
DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Charlie is such a hardworking, results-driven attorney. He fights hard for his clients and there isn't a person in the legal community who can say a bad word about him! Just the other week he took a .265 breath test DUI case to trial...and WON! Charlie was the talk of the town after that case, and rightfully so!"
DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Charlie is one of the top DUI attorneys in Atlanta. I highly recommend Charlie to anyone charged with DUI."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Charlie for many years. "Matlock " is a Top Gun !"
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer, excellent DUI lawyer!"
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Charles. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 22
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"As a former prosecutor, I can honestly say that Charlie is one of the few DUI defense lawyers that I didn't look forward to facing off against in the courtroom. He is a relentless and fierce advocate for his clients and always goes the extra mile to defend his clients. Avoiding a DUI conviction is a tough thing to do these days - hiring Charlie is a definite step toward accomplishing a reduction or an acquittal on your case. I highly recommend him."
DUI and DWI Attorney | May 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Charlie is a lawyers lawyer. He fights for his clients without fail. I have seen Charlie achieve outcomes in his cases that I did not think was possible."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jul 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Charlie is at the top of his field as a Georgia DUI lawyer. He has vigorously defended clients for decades and has helped develop many of the defenses currenly used by across the state. His knowledge of field sobriety testing and police procedure often allow him to suppress the State's evidence, sometimes in seemingly hopeless cases. He also understands the inner workings of breath testing devices and can retain experts to discredit test results that may be subject to error. Charlie is also currently involved in suing the State in response to a new law that unfairly charges DUI suspects for requesting an administrative license suspension hearing. If you are looking for an attorney who will fight for your rights at every step of the way, Charlie is who you have been searching for."
DUI and DWI Attorney | May 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"When I was interning in the Gwinnett Solicitor’s Office under the third-year practice act in Judge Fuller's Court, Charlie Magarahan introduced me to DUI defense in a baptism by fire. He threw everything at me including the kitchen sink. That lesson has remained with me throughout the years and I am not above using that experience in defense of my own clients. I cannot recount how many times I have “borrowed” defenses first developed by Mr. Magarahan to successfully resolve my client’s cases. He is a living legend and every successful litigator in the field of DUI defense has, at one time or another, relied upon his ground breaking innovative practice to achieve the win they needed. He is a mentor to others, a consummate professional in the field and able to achieve results not believed possible."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Charlie Magarahan is one of the great warhorses of DUI and the criminal defense bar in general. Well repected by friend and foe alike, he is a near force of nature in the courtroom. A lawyer's lawyer!"
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Charlie has a gift. He is trusted by prosecutors and judges all over this state. He is preeminently qualified and has the highest ethics of any lawyer around. Charlie is one of the most well connected lawyers in Georgia. Because of his connections he can do things that other lawyers only hope one day to accomplish. He works nights and weekends to benefit his clients. A true champion in our field. He is constantly re-inventing his practice. He makes everyone around him a better person. He will be your best friend while being a great lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Charlie for several years and you will not find a more dedicated lawyer than him. He is the embodiment of a lawyer that zealously represents his client. He is a tempest in the courtroom, holds the prosecution's feet to the fire, and gets fantastic results. You can't go wrong with Charlie."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"If there is another attorney with the wit, courtroom presence, tenacity, policitcal contacts, and knowledge of the law that Charlie possesses I've yet to meet that attorney. Charlie has been getting clients acquited longer than I've been alive and is known and respected by Judges and Prosecutors throughout Georgia. You can't go wrong having Charlie as your attorney. Charles T. Magarahan has my highest possible endorsement."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Charlie is the type of Defense Attorney others want to be when they grow up. His knowledge, presence, and tenacity lead to solid results for his clients. Whether he is challenging the reason a car was even stopped, or fighting to uphold the Constitution- which I have watched him do- Charlie is a true defense attorney. I endorse Mr. Magarahan 100%."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Charlie is a triple threat: His wide network of contacts helps him get things done; his tenacity in the courtroom is unmatched; and his knowledge of the cutting edge issues in DUI defense sets him apart from other lawyers. I have referred clients to Charlie and will continue to do so."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"The first time I saw Charlie in action was when I was prosecuting criminal cases, and I still see him from time to time when we have cases in the same jurisdiction. I have always emulated his trial skills; the guy is simply awesome in the courtroom. I absolutley endorse his work."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Charlie is a master at getting people acquitted. He has argued seminal cases in front of the Supreme Court. He does not rest until his client is acquitted. As far as I am concerned, he is a top lawyer in the South East."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Charlie Magarahan is a legend among DUI lawyers. When Charlie walks into the courtroom, the judges stand up! His wit and humor are infectious, and it is obvious that his clients love him. I would definitely recommend "Charlie T".; he is the BEST!"
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"As his picture suggests, Charlie has the confidence and character that comes with years and years of solid hard work and success. He has the affection and esteem of his peers and lawyers listen when he speaks. Anyone would benefit from his friendship and representation."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Charlie Magarahan is one my oldest friends and colleagues, but my admiration for his legal ability is very objective - he is outstanding. I can't think of a lawyer who works harder for his cleints, and his results reflect his tenacity. Charlie is fearless in the courtroom."
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Atlanta DUI and DWI Lawyer Charles T. Magarahan
Charles T. Magarahan
DUI and DWI Attorney
Atlanta, GA
Licensed for 50 years