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Shawn Michael Merzlak
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About Shawn
Biography
WRONGFUL DEATH ATTORNEY
SERIOUS INJURY ATTORNEY
Experienced trial lawyer and former criminal investigator devoted to ensuring his clients in Augusta and across the C.S.R.A. receive justice in their time of need. Specializing in defending your rights and achieving the best result for you through exhaustive investigation, case preparation, pre-trial techniques, and trial advocacy with a primary focus in complex litigation.
Although born in Butte, MT, Shawn was raised in and spent his life in Augusta, GA.
Shawn graduated from Lakeside High School in Columbia County in 1998. He graduated from Augusta State University in both in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and in 2007 with a Master’s in Business Administration.
Shawn continued his love for education and graduated from the Georgia State University College of Law in 2013. Having prior extensive experience as a criminal investigator in his first career, Shawn is a purposeful and methodical Wrongful Death and Personal Injury trial lawyer.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Personal Injury
50%
11 years
Wrongful Death
30%
11 years
Criminal Defense
10%
11 years
DUI and DWI
10%
13 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2023 2022
...
+
3
Licenses
Licensed in Georgia for 12 years
State: Georgia
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Location
Hawk Law Group - Evans Office
(866) 295-0234
Fax
4384 River Watch Parkway, Evans, GA, 30809
hawklawgroup.comHawk Law Group - Augusta Office
(866) 295-0234
Fax
338 Telfair Street, Augusta, GA, 30901
hawklawgroup.comHawk Law Group - Waynesboro Office
(866) 295-0234
Fax
827 Liberty Street, Waynesboro, GA, 30830
hawklawgroup.comHawk Law Group - Thomson Office
(866) 295-0234
Fax
146 Railroad Street, Ste. A, Thomson, GA, 30824
hawklawgroup.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Shawn online.
Shawn Michael Merzlak's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 46 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | January 8, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Will always recommend Shawn Merzlak
Shawn was great through the entire process! He was always available to answer any and all of my questions. I couldn't have asked for anyone better to handle my case.
Posted by anonymous | September 9, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Review
Overall best possible outcome! Would recommend for anyone seeking help and resolution.
Posted by JONQUIL | July 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best Lawyer in town.
Shawn was hands down amazing. He kept me up to date step by step on my case. Never leaving me in the dark about what was happening.
Shawn Merzlak
Replied last August 6, 2025Thank you Jonquil! It was a pleasure to assist you throughout your legal matter.
Posted by Stephen | April 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The Hawk Law Group Experience
Shawn demonstrated professionalism, understanding and empathy through out this process. His guidance and experience proved to be essential in our ability to achieve the most favorable outcome. Andrew was very helpful as well and explained to me how we arrived at the outcome.
Posted by Cammie | April 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Smooth Legal
The Hawk Law Group walked me through the legal process I was going to experience. They made a difficult situation run smoothly. I would recommend this group with your legal issues.
Shawn Michael Merzlak's Lawyer Endorsements
"Shawn is a highly talented defense attorney that I've known for years. You can trust him to handle your case. With a law enforcement background he is hard working and knowledgeable. I fully endorse Shawn."
"Mr. Merzlak and I have had multiple trials and numerous sentencing hearings against each other. He was always well prepared and had extensive knowledge of whichever legal matters we were addressing. His experience in criminal law makes him a great criminal defense attorney."
"Shawn's experience as a former investigator and former prosecutor makes him a highly effective criminal defense attorney. His professionalism and attention to detail also make him an effective advocate for his clients. I fully endorse Shawn."
"Shawn Merzlak knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system. He fights hard for his clients, and works hard to get good results. He is a well respected attorney."
"Shawn has comprehensive knowledge of criminal law and has worked on both sides of the aisle and in the field. He is always willing to help a fellow lawyer and is quick to respond. He cares about his clients and works hard for them!"
"I've tried numerous cases with Shawn. He's a very skilled and knowledgeable lawyer, and he knows how to get the job done; that's a rare combination. I absolutely endorse Shawn."
Matt Andrews
Criminal defense lawyer
Arthur Snead
Workers compensation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2023
Readers' Choice, Augusta Chronicle
2023
Best Law Firm, Augusta Chronicle Cyber City's Best
2019
Top 40 Under 40 - Georgia Criminal Defense, National Trial Lawyers
2018
Top 40 Under 40 - Georgia Criminal Defense, National Trial Lawyers Association
2013
Public Interest Bar Scholarship, King & Spalding
2012
Leadership GSU Graduate, Georgia State University
2011
Public Interest Intership Scholarship, State Bar of Georgia, Young Lawyers Division
Work Experience
2022 - Present
Partner, Trial Attorney, Hawk Law Group
2015 - 2022
Trial Attorney, Hawk Law Group
2013 - 2015
Assistant District Attorney, Augusta Judicial Circuit (Ga) District Attorney's Office
2004 - 2010
Criminal Investigator, Columbia County (GA) Sheriff's Office
1998 - 2004
Deputy Sheriff, Columbia County (GA) Sheriff's Office
Associations
2019 - Present
Augusta Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationCharter Member, Board Member
2019 - Present
Georgia Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2016 - Present
District Court, Southern District of GeorgiaMember
2015 - Present
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2013 - Present
State Bar of GeorgiaMember
2013 - Present
Augusta Bar AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Georgia Court of AppealsMember
2013 - Present
Supreme Court of GeorgiaMember
Education
2013
Georgia State University
JD - Juris Doctor
2009
Augusta State Universtiy
MBA - Master of Business Administration
2003
Augusta State University
BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration
Speaking Engagements
2023
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Guilty Until Proven Innocent: Representing Law Enforcement Officers and Other CLients in an Uphill Battle for Justice
2017
Institute of Continuing Legal Education Update on Georgia Law
Update to Criminal Law
Publications
2019
Hawk Law Group
Understanding Georgia's First offender Act
2018
2017
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE Georgia)
Georgia Criminal Law Update: Selected Issues Common to Pratitioners
2017
2017
Hawk Law Group
Criminal Defense Investigation
2017
Hawk Law Group
The Officer Never Read Me My Rights
2017
Hawk Law Group
I Think I am Guilty. Do I Need a Lawyer
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What should i do to protect myself if we allow our son's girlfriend to move in and the relationship doesn't last?
02 Jan 2020
Q&A
My brother was charged with my gun I left in car how do I take the charge
03 Jan 2020
Q&A
What does it mean when your name is no longer on the court docket?
03 Jan 2020