Samuel Marcus Barth
About Samuel
Biography
I completed my undergraduate education at Augusta State University. During my time there, I was a member of the Augusta State University baseball team, where I was a three-time team captain, a two-time Male Student-Athlete of the Year award winner, and also set a NCAA record with a 47 game hitting streak. I was elected Student Body President and received the Senior Service Leadership Award, recognizing outstanding service to the university and the community. Following my time at Augusta State, I played professional baseball in Europe. I attended law school at Michigan State University and graduated in the top 10% of my class. I was also a member of the school’s arbitration and negotiation teams, and played on the school's club ice hockey team.
Upon graduating, I had the privilege to work as a law clerk for The Honorable John M. Ott, Chief Superior Court Judge for the Alcovy Judicial Circuit (Walton and Newton counties). While working for Judge Ott, I gained valuable experience handling domestic relations cases, which included divorce, child custody, child support, and adoptions. After my clerkship, I accepted a position as an Assistant District Attorney in the Alcovy Judicial Circuit. During my time with the Walton County District Attorney’s Office, I prosecuted over 600 felony and misdemeanor cases and had numerous jury trials, obtaining convictions including murder, child molestation, and aggravated assault.
In January 2015, I joined Foster, Hanks & Ballard as an associate practicing primarily in the areas of domestic relations and criminal defense.
In July 2016, I was appointed Associate Magistrate Judge of Oconee County and was one of the youngest serving Judges in the State of Georgia. Following the completion of my initial term in December 2016, I have been reappointed three times to serve the citizens of Oconee County, with each appointment consisting of an additional four-year term. Since taking the bench in Oconee County, I have had the honor of sitting as a Superior Court Judge by designation handling criminal jury trials and temporary protective orders. In September 2017, I was hired by the City of Walnut Grove in Walton County, Georgia to be its Chief Municipal Court Judge and also serve as the Associate Municipal Court Judge for the City of Social Circle (Walton County) and the City of Porterdale (Newton County).
I'm a member of the State Bar of Georgia and also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, United States District Court of the Northern District of Georgia, United States District Court of the Middle District of Georgia, Supreme Court of Georgia, and the Georgia Court of Appeals.
I was born in Marion, South Carolina and moved to Watkinsville, Georgia in 1997. I'm married with three children, two cats and one golden retriever. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, and cheering on the Michigan State Spartans, Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Braves, and Atlanta United.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Georgia for 15 years
State: Georgia
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Location
Hanks, Ballard & Barth, LLC
302 North Broad Street, Monroe, GA, 30655
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Samuel Marcus Barth's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 111 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | December 4, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Hire this guy. Stop thinking about it.
Sam is one of those guys who is going to surprise you with just how much he is able to pull off in the courtroom. I have used Sam on more than one occasion and watching how he navigates the legal process is truly amazing. He sets proper expectations, is real about your outcomes, but boy does th...
Posted by Chris | November 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Great attorney
Sam is an amazing attorney. He has gone far and beyond as an attorney . If you ever need a thorough lawyer I highly recommend him.
Posted by Chris | November 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Don't Barf, just use Barth.
Best lawyer I've ever used. His quick response time as well as his experience are what set him apart.
Posted by anonymous | October 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Best lawyer in Walton co..
My experience was great! Mr. Sam Barth was my lawyer.. he was able to get me a lessor charge and I appreciate that so much! He handled my case well! He’s very nice and professional! He explained everything to me and kept me informed with my case from beginning to end. So if you’re looking for a great...
Posted by anonymous | October 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend
I came in to see Sam during a really hard time in life. He took my case with confidence and literally changed the projectile of my life. I would highly recommend him to anyone and I feel so thankful that he was my attorney.
Samuel Marcus Barth's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Sam since the start of his legal career in Walton County. Having first met him during his service to our chief superior court judge, I have been able to watch his career develop from law clerk to a highly effective criminal prosecutor and then into private practice representing clients in both civil and criminal matters. Sam's experience as law clerk and criminal prosecutor gave him the opportunity to expertly hone his litigation skills both inside and outside of the courtroom. He is adept at identifying the legal challenges that lie ahead for his clients and preparing their cases for the best possible outcome. I have litigated cases against Sam during his years as a criminal prosecutor and with him since he moved into private practice and have always been impressed with his competence, dedication, and knowledge of the law."
"Sam Barth is a lawyer with the right kind of experience, temperament and background. His experience as a prosecutor and law clerk for a local Superior Court Judge allowed him to understand the legal system and how it works from the inside. Sam was selected and confirmed as one of the very youngest Judges in Georgia and serves on the Magistrate Court Bench with distinction. I am proud to endorse Sam Barth and to recommend him to you. I know I can send clients to him for help and that they will be in very good hands."
"Not only is Sam an excellent attorney, he's also just a great person in general. His unique background as a judicial clerk and a prosecutor is certainly a huge asset for his clients. I would recommend Sam to any of my friends or family members without hesitation."
"I have been opposing counsel in a number of cases with Mr. Barth. He is a professional and effective advocate for his clients. In my experience, Sam works hard to resolve cases amicably, and he is an aggressive litigator in those cases that cannot be settled. I highly recommend Sam to anyone who needs counsel in a family law matter."
"Sam Barth is a younger lawyer who has already distinguished himself among his peers. Sam excels at criminal defense and family law due to his strong work ethic and the experience he gained earlier in his career when he was a law clerk for a superior court judge. I am happy to endorse Sam Barth."
"I have had the opportunity to be opposing counsel against Sam on several occasions. I have found him to be extremely smart and competent. He worked hard for his client to insure a positive result without injecting additional conflict into an already stressful situation. I have no hesitation in recommending Sam to anyone looking for competent representation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Utmost professional, great skills in the courtroom. He will shoot straight with you, whether you want him to or not!"
"Sam is a great attorney, combining a personable demeanor with the legal pedigree and experience necessary to help his clients. I highly recommend him."
"He works very hard to obtain the best result possible for his clients."
"You are in good hands with Sam Barth. Top notch lawyer."
"Sam is an excellent attorney and I highly recommend him. He is professional, knowledgeable, and a "natural" in the courtroom. I would trust him with any of my own."
"I referred a client to Sam Barth for a probation violation matter in Walton County. Sam was able to achieve the best possible result and the client's objectives quickly and efficiently. Sam delivered great service and the client was grateful for the referral."
"I first met Mr. Barth when helping the judge I worked for interview to replace me as his law clerk. We interviewed twenty or more applicants, and we both agreed that Mr. Barth was the obvious choice. Mr. Barth served our judge well, and then went on to be a diligent, hard-working assistant district attorney for our circuit. Now that he is in private practice, he has become an indispensable member of our local community of attorneys. He has been a pleasure to work with as opposing counsel, and has always been willing and eager to assist me however he could when I needed a favor. Most of all, Mr. Barth is an outstanding human being, and a man that I consider to be a great friend. I would trust him with my own legal matters, and would refer my closest friends and family to him without hesitation."
"Sam is an exceptional litigator and is determined to get the best possible outcome for all of his clients. He is an incredible asset to our firm."
Divorce and separation lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Real estate lawyer
Real estate lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Honors
2021
Best Law Firm, Walton Tribune
2015
Best Law Firm, The Walton Tribune
2005
Senior Service Leadership Award, Augusta State University
Work Experience
2019 - Present
Partner, Hanks, Ballard & Barth
2017 - Present
Municipal Court Judge, City of Walnut Grove
2016 - Present
Associate Magistrate Judge, Oconee County Magistrate Court
2015 - 2016
Municipal Court Solicitor, City of Walnut Grove
2015 - 2017
Indigent Counsel, Walton County Magistrate Court
2014 - 2019
Associate, Foster, Hanks & Ballard, LLC
2012 - 2014
Assistant District Attorney, Walton County District Attorney's Office
2010 - 2012
Staff Attorney, The Honorable John M. Ott, Chief Superior Court Judge, Alcovy Judicial Circuit
2008 - 2009
Law Clerk, Foster & Harmon P.C. - East Lansing, Michigan
2004 - 2005
Law Clerk, Robert W. Hunter, III, Attorney At Law - Augusta, Georgia
Associations
2017 - Present
State Bar of Georgia, Unauthorized Practice of Law, District 10 CommitteeVice-Chairman
2016 - Present
Western Judicial Circuit Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2015 - Present
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2015 - Present
Ocmulgee Circuit Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Walton County Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Northeast Georgia Officials AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Guilty Verdict for Malice Murder - Conviction Upheld by Georgia Supreme Court
Guilty Verdict for Malice Murder - Conviction Upheld by Georgia Supreme Court
Education
2009
JD - Juris Doctor
2005
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
2014
Serving on a Jury: The Right and Duty of a Citizen
Publications
2014
2013
2005
2004
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers