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Sean Aaron Black

Criminal defense Attorney at Toccoa, GA

4.7   10 reviews

also known as Sean A. Black

Free consultation
Free consultation
  • Licensed for 31 years
    State GA
    Acquired 1992
    Status
    Active Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

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

About Sean

Learn Sean’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    35%
    We handle criminal offenses from the most serious to misdemeanors and city ordinance violations. We are prepared to argue against admissibility of evidence and go to trial if necessary to get you the best result. We also assist with sex offender and child abuse registry issues.

    31 years

  2. DUI and DWI
    25%
    We aggressively investigate and defend persons charged with DUI. Lots of experience and training on drug issues, drug and alcohol testing, field sobriety testing, DRE issues, and licensing issues, including impact of charges on professional licenses.

    31 years

  3. Speeding and traffic ticket
    20%
    We provide full service on traffic tickets, often being able to handle these matters without your appearance in court.

    31 years

  4. Violent crime
    10%

  5. Personal injury
    5%
    We undertake only a few cases a year involving serious, catastrophic injuries or death to give these cases the special attention that they deserve.

    31 years

  6. Sex crime
    5%

FACING ARREST? FACING CHARGES? SPEAK TO ME BEFORE YOU SPEAK TO THE POLICE 706 391-4557

Sean Black is an Emory Law School graduate.  He has been helping real people in Northeast Georgia with their real problems for over twenty years.  

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Top Contributor 2014,2012
Top Contributor
2014 2012

Photos and videos

Sean Black explains the penalties and consequences of a DUI conviction in Georgia.
Sean Black explains the Georgia Administrative License Suspension process

Contact Sean

Black Law Offices, LLC

Reviews

4.7 / 5.0
  10 customer reviews
5 Star
 
90%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
10%
1 Star
 
0%
Posted by Charlie | May 20, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
DUI defense
Sean and his staff were proactive with my case from day 1. I received copies of everything that was asked for and received pertaining to my situation. Emails were answered promptly and on the day of court he showed up early, met with and assured me and got me the best possible outcome. It was nice to know someone was listening to me and was on my side fighting for me. I would recommend Sean to anyone that needs an attorney.
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Posted by Noah | April 16, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent attorney
Sean handled my case exactly as he stated he would in our first interview. He included me in each step through mail or office visits and treated me with respect throughout. Because of his diligence, he was able to get a very desirable outcome for me. It is obvious that he is well liked and respected in the judicial areas where he works. I highly recommend him.
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Posted by Friend Indeed | March 11, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Defense Attorney
Sean Black is an excellent defense attorney that doesn't allow his ego to get involved when dealing with his clients. I was kept I formed of the status of my case each step of the way. Sean Black would explain the situation, then left the decision in my hands. Sean Black knows he way around the court room, and certainly is as knowledgable in his field as any other atty I am familiar with. He did his home work. We went to court and charges were dismissed. Atty Black was quick to get the officer to contradict themself further insuring a no- guilty verdict.
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Posted by Roshan | December 14, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Leia Gray, Legal Assistant is very helpful, communicative, professional, knowledgeable
It was a great service experience with Black Law Offices, LLC. Very detailed knowledge about traffic violations and court proceedings. Leia Gray, Legal Assistant is very helpful, communicative, professional, knowledgeable. I definitely recommend to my friends and colleagues.
Posted by Mark | December 5, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
I have used Sean on numerous occassions for different types of legal assistance and he has always conducted himself and his business in a professional manner and has provided exactly what was required for each situation. He is very thorough and explains every aspect of the legal case.
Posted by Barbara | December 2, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hire This Lawyer And Win!
Attorney Black and his assistant Leia Grey are outstanding!! Do not hesitate to hire them. They will fight for you and win.
Posted by anonymous | February 5, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Very informative
I really appreciate the response I got and the information I received. I have to save some money but I want to inquire about his Services later. This is giving me hope when I didn't have it
Posted by Charles M. | October 2, 2014
Sean is an attorney that is effective and has customer service skills
I called Sean on the same day of my court case. He accepted me as a client and appeared in court on my behalf that same morning. My case was handled with the best care that I could have asked for. I chose Sean with the hopes that his relationships in Habersham County court system would serve me well. I was correct and my case was resolved in the manner that I had hoped for (my best case scenario). Thank you Sean!!
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Posted by Art | June 4, 2014
DUI Case from SC client arrested in GA
Mr. Black represented me in an exceptional manner in all regards. I came across Black Law Offices from an internet search and chose his firm based on its credentials and Mr. Blacks 22 year experience. I was facing four charges for a DUI. (DUI per se', DUI less than safe, open container and failure to maintain lane). His staff was always very responsive to my questions and Mr. Black himself would typically respond to my non urgent e-mails in less than 48 hours. When I needed clarification due to my ignorance of the law, they were always patient with me and made sure I fully understood everything. I had to drive three hours from SC for my court appearance which he moved to superior court from probate court because he was not happy with the probate courts position on my case. I arrived for the hearing/arraignment there were an astonishing 254 cases to be heard that same day. I just new this was going to get dragged out. This was un-nerving because I had lost my job over the DUI and locked out of my industry for a year due to a non-compete. So time and money were was something I was short on thus staying in GA for an extended time or driving back and fourth six hours roundtrip was next to impossible. Just as court was settling into session Mr. Black was talking to the judge beside the judges bench along with the assistant DA. I could tell from a distance the judge knew of Mr. Black. A few minutes later I was astounded when motioned by Mr. Black to approach the bench. Really!?...the first in line of 254 cases? But yes, that is exactly what is was and court had really not even settled into session. Long story shorter, Mr. Black was able to have three of the four charges dismissed and I was only charged with DUI per se'. I served no jail time, no community service, had a fine which was far less than the maximum and one year unsupervised probation. I had done some things on my own prior to the case such as attend a several week in-patient treatment program which helped a good deal, but Mr. Black did all the rest. I am grateful to him, his staff and their professionalism and knowledge and highly recommend his services to anyone. By the way based on other quotes I had gotten from other attorneys his fees were very reasonable.
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Posted by anonymous | January 5, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Barely Adequate Representation
I had never been arrested in my life, nor have I had so much as a speeding ticket in the last 11 years. I was stopped on a rural road in Banks County, GA at a little past midnight on Jun 11, 2018 by Deputy Sheriff Joshua Robertson. I explained that I had 4 beers in the last 3-4 hours, and the last one was an hour ago. I also told him that I had just purchased my car a week ago, and had never driven on this particular stretch of road before and was afraid I was lost in the dark so I was looking at my GPS. He asked me if I would consent to a one-legged stand with my right foot extended 6 inches above the ground and count to 30. At this point I notified him that I have osteoarthritis in my knees, but agreed to try it. He demonstrated by lifting his foot about 18 inches off the ground and asked me if I understood. I'm a 63 yr old man and followed his example (later verified by another officer's body cam). I could not maintain my balance. I told him again about my bad knees. He then asked me to take an alcoholizer test and I refused knowing that those tests are not accurate and I'd already conceded to having some alcohol in my system. He then took me around to the side of his vehicle, read me his orange card, explained that if I refused a breathalizer my license would most likely be suspended. I agreed to go back to the station to take the test, but then realized he had already decided to book me when he called to have my car towed. This, despite the fact that in no way was I demonstrating any indication of being impaired, other than a test meant for a younger person that I couldn't perform if I was sober. I blew .06 on the breathalizer at the jail, which is .02 under the legal limit for DUI in "Per Se" in GA. I was booked for “DUI Unsafe”, reckless operation (land violation), and speeding (72/55) and was not able to bond out until the next morning. I had to find and pay for a bail bondsman, find my way to pick up my vehicle, and pay for the towing and storage. Within the next couple days I had contacted some attorneys in the area to explore my options and get an idea of the fees. I decided on Sean Black of Toccoa, GA because he was the only local attorney who claimed to handle DUI cases exclusively. His legal clerk told me “that all we do”. I went in for a free consultation, and decided to hire him. I paid half of the $3,500 fee right away, with a promise to pay the balance soon thereafter (I'm retired and on a pension, but managed to pay it off in 2 weeks). At first I was satisfied that the paperwork that was filed with the county and copied to me, was adequate and proper. I phoned a few times over the next couple weeks and my calls were not returned. I found out later from his legal clerk that he had traveled to TX due to a death in the family. I called a few more times and received cursory responses from his clerk. I began to get the distinct impression that they had my money and now I wasn't so important to them. I requested to see the video evidence including the body cam and dash cam because I was certain that the reckless op charge resulted from looking at the GPS on my phone which was mounted to my driver side air vent, which caused me to veer into the other lane. I am sure I was over the speed limit, but not by the amount stated by the Deputy. I was able to view the body cam video which substantiated my version of events. I asked my attorney again to request the dash cam video, and proof of speed. I met with Sean Black once before my court case to discuss my options, and asked again for the "missing" video. He indicated that it would be better to take a plea, and I told him I would only accept a plea if the fine was not excessive, no points on my license, and no probation. He indicated he would take it to the Banks County solicitor. I phoned twice but never heard from him again until my court date, at which time I again asked about the dash cam video. And I was told that he had given me everything he had.
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Response from Sean Black January 7, 2019
I am sorry that a successful outcome is not always to everyone's liking. A DUI case in Georgia can be prosecuted based on a alcohol level than 0.08 for adults over 21. Such a charge is based on an allegation of less safe driving. Even where video evidence is helpful to the client, the State can continue to prosecute a DUI charge. In a case like this one, the client will often be faced with a choice between a plea offer of a reduced charge, avoiding some of the negative consequences of the DUI charge, or a trial on the DUI charge. That decision is always for the client to make. When a client wants a trial after considering all of the alternatives, I am always ready and able to move forward to trial.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Contingency 34%-50%
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney at Law
  • Black Law Offices, LLC
  • 1996 - Present
  • Attorney at Law
  • Cornwell & Church
  • 1992 - 1996

Education

  • Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner Course (NHTSA/IACP)
  • Certificate of Completion
  • 2004
  • Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Instructor Course (NHTSA/IACP)
  • Certificate of Completion
  • 2004
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • Certificate of Completion
  • 2004
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • Certificate of Completion
  • 2003
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • Certificate of Completion
  • 2002
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • Certificate of Completion
  • 2000
  • Emory University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1992
  • Mercer University College
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1989
View all education

Legal Cases

  • Johnson v. State
  • Decision reversed on subsequent appeal.
  • In re A.J.I.
  • Children returned to mother
  • Crowell v. Williams
  • Client won return of down payment.
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Georgia Defenders of DUI Drivers
  • President
  • 2012 - Present
  • Federal Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • Georgia Defenders of DUI Drivers
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present
  • Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 1996 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 1996 - Present
  • State Bar of Georgia
  • Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 1992 - 2014
  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America
  • Member
  • 1992 - 2014
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Super Lawyer 2016
  • Super Lawyer
  • 2015
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Georgia Super Lawyer - Criminal Defense
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2013
  • Georgia Super Lawyer - Criminal Defense
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2012
  • Georgia SuperLawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2011
  • 2000 DUI Lawyer of the Year
  • Georgia Defenders of DUI Drivers
  • 2000
View all awards

Publications

  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE Georgia)
  • How Not to Be Sued or Face A Bar Complaint
  • 2015
  • Atlanta Magazine
  • Georgia SuperLawyers 2012
  • 2012
  • Atlanta Magazine
  • Georgia Super Lawyers 2011
  • 2011
  • ICLE Georgia CLE Manaual
  • Georgia's Checkerboard of SFST Cases
  • 2004
  • Georgia ICLE Manual
  • Five Essential Components of an Effective Opening Statement
  • 2001
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • DUI Defense Institute
  • How Not to be Sued or Face a Bar Complaint
  • 2015
  • Georgia ICLE
  • Georgia's Checkerboard of SFST Cases
  • 2004
  • Defense of Drinking Drivers Institute
  • Five Essential Components of an Effective Opening Statement
  • 2001

Attorney endorsements

Received (20)
Given (12)
Endorse Sean
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Sean has been workin in and around Toccoa and Rabun County for over 20 years and is a great attorney and fantastic public servant for the Probate Court. Professional, Knowledgeable and more importantly Approachable. Great Attorney!"
DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Sean Black is an excellent attorney and one to whom I turn when seeking effective legal representation for potential clients in Northeast Georgia. Sean has been ranked as a Georgia Super Lawyer by his peers for several years in a row, which reflects that he is within the top 5% of all Georgia attorneys statewide, and I recommend him without reservation to potential clients seeking assistance in any of his areas of practice."
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I can honestly say that Sean Black is one of the best attorneys in Toccoa. He is a very concerned and dedicated lawyer who keeps up with all the latest laws to help his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 16
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer for his great legal knowledge he possesses in his areas."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Sean Black. Sean is leading DUI attorney in the State of Georgia. He fights for his clients and leaves no rock unturned in defense of his clients."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Sean Black is a statewide leader of DUI defense attorneys. To give you and idea of his "standing" with fellow DUI practitioners across the state, once Bubba Head stepped down as the director of our Statewide association of DUI trial lawyers, Sean was ELECTED. Hire him with confidence."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Black is well respected in the DUI community and is, in fact, current president of our group of Georgia DUI lawyers. In the courtroom, Sean is exceptional and his knowledge of the law gives his clients a unique advantage. I would send friends and family with legal issues to Sean."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Sean is truly one of the inest in the business. He has a strong reputation for aggressively representing all his clients. If you need him, you will be in very good hands!"
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Black is an outstanding attorney and leader in the legal community. He has a vast knowledge of DUI and criminal law and uses this to help his clients get their cases reduced and dismissed. He is a fantastic trial attorney and gets great results."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Sean is recognized by top lawyers throughout the State as the “go to” attorney for DUI defense in North Georgia. He is an incredibly skilled trial attorney who ethically and zealously represents his clients. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking an attorney who is skilled, smart and willing to fight for you."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Sean Black is one of the smartest lawyers I have ever met. His keen mind and years of experience make him a great lawyer. He is always on the cutting edge of new ideas in legal defense. I strongly endorse Sean Black for any tough criminal case."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Sean is such great, warm attorney. He stands by his clients and knows the law cover to cover. He is willing to take on any case and will research the heck out of the law. Well prepared is an understatement. His clients are so fortunate to have him next to them."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 28
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Sean is an excellent lawyer. His ability to think outside the box is an asset to his many clients. He has earned a very good reputation among attorneys, prosecutors and judges alike for his work ethic and zealous defense."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Sean for years, and no attorney gets better results. Sean is at the forefront of every DUI and Criminal defense. Sean is a tireless researcher. His preparation for court is unmatched. Sean has the skill and disposition of a great trial attorney. Sean is unfazed by a difficult case. When I have a question, I call Sean. No endorsement could be higher."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Sean is the go to guy in the Toccoa area. I consider him to be one of the best DUI lawyers in the state."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Sean is one of the smartest and most hardworking lawyers I know. He does all types of criminal cases and some civil cases as well. He knows more about computers than I will ever learn. I highly recommend him for any type case. Joe"
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Sean is one of the most gifted lawyers that I know. I have seen some cases that he has handled and asked "How in the world did he do that?" He is tech savvy, and knows the law. His appellate work is beyond reproach. My kind of guy. Hard working and carinig to his clients. A good lawyer. Charlie Magarahan"
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 02
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Sean Black has been a member of my statewide group of DUI-DWI specialists for more that 10 years. He has helped many accused citizens in the NE Georgia area find outstanding solutions for their DUI arrests. He has developed a detailed knowledge of DUI law and practice and "knows the ropes" of this business. I can give him an unqualified "two thumbs up" rating."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 02
Relationship: Friend
"Sean is an excellent attorney. Sean does a GREAT job for his clients and is a lawyer that other lawyers turn to for advice and assistance. You can't go wrong hiring this guy."
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