Shawn Michael Merzlak

PRO

Shawn Michael Merzlak

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 12 years

Personal injury Lawyer at Evans, GA
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI

4384 River Watch Parkway, Evans, GA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Shawn

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Personal Injury 50%

11 years

50%
Wrongful Death 30%

11 years

30%
Criminal Defense 10%

11 years

10%
DUI and DWI 10%

13 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2023 2022
...
+ 3

Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 12 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 2013

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Hawk Law Group - Evans Office

4384 River Watch Parkway, Evans, GA, 30809

hawklawgroup.com

Hawk Law Group - Augusta Office

338 Telfair Street, Augusta, GA, 30901

hawklawgroup.com

Hawk Law Group

156 Laurens Street NW, Aiken, SC, 29801

hawklawgroup.com

Hawk Law Group - Waynesboro Office

827 Liberty Street, Waynesboro, GA, 30830

hawklawgroup.com

Hawk Law Group - Thomson Office

146 Railroad Street, Ste. A, Thomson, GA, 30824

hawklawgroup.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Shawn online.

Shawn Michael Merzlak's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

46 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (46) 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 | General Knowledge

Posted by Marcus | May 27, 2022 | Hired Attorney

Great lawyer

Multiply certified and capable in many areas of Law. Busy man you have to schedule to talk only because of the amount he puts in not only your case but everyone on the roster. I highly recommend but everyone has their choice, just make the right one. Choose hawk

Posted by Danny | February 14, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

A Great Lawyer to Hire

Shawn, was an Awesome Choice as a Lawyer for Us, we will continue to use Him as Our Trusted Choice. Shawn has a Great Attitude, and The Knowledge needed to handle the Case, Shawn is ready to fight for Justice.

Posted by anonymous | February 27, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Shawn Merzlack

We recently contacted and hired Shawn to represent my son. Shawn met with me right away, in Waynesboro, where we reside. He listened to our issues, quoted me a price, (reasonable), and explained the process we would have to take. He arranged for a court date, per our request, and represented my s...on's case very well. He was quick to answer any questions and return phone calls. He was very knowledgeable in the law with my son's issues. I would recommend Shawn highly, and would retain him again, although I hope I never have to.

Posted by Jesse | November 07, 2018 | Hired Attorney

A solid choice.

Shawn was the right choice for me in my greatest time of need. He was responsive, knowledgeable, and well respected in the legal community. Very personable and from our meetings and phone calls I can tell he is not only an honorable Lawyer but a good man. I am glad that I trusted him to do a good job..., which he delivered on.

Posted by anonymous | March 22, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Worth every penny

Before Mr Merzlak I had never hired a lawyer before and was somewhat skeptical but after our initial meeting I was convinced that if anyone would handle my case appropriately it would be him. He was professional and straightforward from beginning to end, shared the good and the bad about my case so... I wasn't in the dark about anything, told me in layman's terms what he'd be doing throughout the process, gave me advice on things to do in the meantime to help my case, and even went so far as to work with me on payment. In the end his advice and whatever other lawyer-y things he did paid off and my charges were dismissed. Also the peace of mind I had because of him while waiting for a court date (almost a year) is not something I could put a price on. I've been sure you keep a couple of his cards on me in case I ever run into someone who could use his help as well.

See All Client Reviews

Shawn Michael Merzlak's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Shawn
Matt Andrews headshot
Matt Andrews

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Olga Izmaylova headshot
Olga Izmaylova

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Laura Stewart Jordan headshot
Laura Jordan

Unknown lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Jared Tolton Williams headshot
Jared Williams

Unknown lawyer | Nov 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

David Ryan Brunk headshot
David Brunk

Unknown lawyer | Aug 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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!"

Arthur Erik Snead headshot
Arthur Snead

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

View All Endorsements
Matt Andrews headshot
Matt Andrews

Criminal defense lawyer

Arthur Erik Snead headshot
Arthur Snead

Workers compensation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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 Association

Charter Member, Board Member

2019 - Present

Georgia Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2016 - Present

District Court, Southern District of Georgia

Member

2015 - Present

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2013 - Present

State Bar of Georgia

Member

2013 - Present

Augusta Bar Association

Member

2013 - Present

Georgia Court of Appeals

Member

2013 - Present

Supreme Court of Georgia

Member

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

2017

Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE Georgia) Georgia Criminal Law Update: Selected Issues Common to Pratitioners

2017

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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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