$ 250-350 per hour
About Stephen
Biography
I served in the U.S. Armed Forces in a myriad of capacities for over 30 years. I retired as a Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel and JAG Officer in 2017. As a former Company Commander, Military Prosecutor, Senior Defense Counsel, and Staff Judge Advocate, I know Military Justice, and I know what it means to serve. My record is replete with significant outcomes for my clients, including high-profile cases. Above all, I understand and appreciate the daily sacrifices of all Service Members and their family members, and I passionately seek to insure their legal rights are protected when facing legal action.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
25%
20 years | 500 cases
Military Law
25%
31 years | 500 cases
Criminal Defense
20%
27 years | 500 cases
DUI and DWI
20%
27 years | 250 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Contingency
25%-50%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Georgia for 26 years
State: Georgia
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Scot Sikes
5 Bradley Park Court, Suite 101, Columbus, GA, 31904
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Stephen Scot Sikes's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
48 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (48)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | 1 star
Posted by anonymous | November 11, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Review
This is the worst appearance ever, no updates gives you quick answers to camouflage,their non effort for their clients. Scot never returns calls is always supposedly in court. I was better off prior to court working my own situation , he didn't even no what was in my file. The other lawyer had no co...
Stephen Sikes
Replied last November 11, 2014Noncompliant former client who posted this immediately following our notice of withdrawal. Despite our efforts in both his local criminal case (simple battery allegation) and his local divorce case, this fellow proved unwilling (or unable) to play nicely with others -- including those of us trying to help him. In sum, a miserable soul who now wishes he had listened to his lawyer and followed my advice.
Posted by anonymous | February 06, 2013 | Divorce & Separation
Poor Firm
I hired this attorney because he and his office seemed like they would work hard. Everytime I called to get an update, I would be treated as a bother by either Jenny his wife/secretary or Randi his paralegal. They would play good cop bad cop when the wanted something from me. Also, I would be ...
Stephen Sikes
Replied last February 07, 2013Sadly, this young Service Member (we know who he is) suffers with mental/emotional issues which were made manifest by his routine email and telephone rants regarding his wife. We protected him throughout our representation, including a period in which we invoked the Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act (SCRA) on his behalf. When we reached a point where he failed to timely communicate with us, we had no choice but to exercise our right to withdraw pursuant to the applicable Rules. We recognize this is an Information Age, and even those suffering with mental health issues are apt to post things on-line, etc. But, it is our sincere hope that others recognize that a robust family law practice like ours is bound to occasionally encounter unsubstantiated claims like this.
Posted by anonymous | January 22, 2013 | DUI & DWI
DUI Nightmare
Please seek assistance elsewhere. This was my first offense ever, I never had any problems with the law. I've never had a seat belt ticket or speeding ticket. I was told that everything would boil down to a hefty fine. If he could not manage that he told me we would have some bargaining room since...
Stephen Sikes
Replied last January 23, 2013The irony of this "anonymous" client's comments is that he had an in-office sit down meeting with me and was presented with the option of going to trial. He consciously chose to enter a plea of guilty to DUI (Less Safe) when informed by me that the prosecutor determined that his case (because it involved an actual accident) could not be reduced to reckless driving. The State did, however, agree to reduce the charge to DUI (Less Safe) and spare this gentleman the mandatory 24 hours in jail for DUI(.105). Under circumstances not involving a wreck, yes, I am often able to negotiate a reduction of the charge to reckless driving in a first offense situation. I urge anyone reading this person's comments to closley consider the plethora of 5-star comments tied to my case outcomes and consider that this former client is simply disgruntled that his overall facts and circumstances supported the DUI charge. His loose assertions about an inability to reach me are equally disheartening when the record simply doesn't bear it out.
Posted by anonymous | July 20, 2011
WORST LEGAL EXPERIENCE EVER
IF YOU NEED ANY SORT OF LEGAL ADVICE, HE WILL PAWN YOU OFF ON PARALEGAL WHO ARE ALL RUDE. OFFICE NEVER UPDATED ME ON ANY PROCEEDINGS AND WHEN I CALLED TO INQUIRE ABOUT AN UPDATE, I WAS MADE TO FEEL AS THOUGH I WAS BOTHER/CUMBERSOME. WORST LEGAL EXPERIENCE EVER AND WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS OFFICE TO A...
Stephen Sikes
Replied last July 24, 2011The irony of this client's review is that she posted this baseless comment the same day she endeavored to demand that my paralegal sign a false document to enable the client to apply for financial aid. Both my paralegal and my wife (who is my office manager) refused to give this person what she wanted, so she has resorted to this form of retribution. As my other reviews clearly reflect (both former clients and my colleague attorneys, I pursue ethical excellence in every matter I assume. I was out of town in a trial when this client called and made her demands, or I would have been able to deal with her directly. I only ask that others see her commentary for what it is --- an attempt to inflict harm on our impeccable reputation because my staff would not relent and support this person's unsupportable demands.
Stephen Scot Sikes's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have worked with Mr. Sikes on several high profile and serious criminal cases since 2004. Mr. Sikes is highly competent, aggressive, and professional. I highly recommend Mr. Sikes as a criminal defense, family law, and military lawyer."
"I endorse Scot. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Scot is one of the premier military trial lawyers in the business. He fights for his clients and isn't afraid to take even the toughest cases to trial and win."
"I endorse and would recommend Mr. Sikes to everyone and anyone. I have been practicing for 24 years. I was the youngest judge in Colorado history, a magistrate, a prosecutor in three districts, a law professor, and have worked in private practice for years. I still learn from his Avvo answers each and every day. He is a huge credit to the legal system. Hire him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Mr. Sikes, and against him when he was a prosecutor. He is dedicated, ethical and hard working. One of the best military and criminal defense lawyers I know."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Sikes is an experienced trial attorney, who aggressively advocates for his clients. He is detailed-oriented, and has a wide breadth of knowledge and experience in various criminal defense and personal injury matters. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse Scot. He is a renowned lawyer and advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer. Stephen is an outstanding lawyer, and gets great results for his clients!"
"I endorse this lawyer. He aggressively works to file every pre trial motion possible to advantage his clients for the best resolution at trial. He knows the law and takes advantage of it to help his clients."
"I have known Scot for many years. Scot was an Active Duty Army Judge Advocate who uses his experience in military court-martial work to his client's advantage. Scot has defended countless servicemembers in military criminal proceedings, federal criminal proceedings, and state level criminal proceedings. Scot is effective in his arguments, always prepared for presenting his client's case, brilliant in matters of the law, and his record of cases proves that he shares company with the very best and brightest of lawyers in the State of Georgia in all of his areas of practice. I have seen Scot make argument in Court and present cases on behalf of his clients, and I have learned quite a bit from watching Scot practice."
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Experience
Honors
2006
Meritorious Service Medal, U.S. Army
2006
Army Commendation Medal, U.S. Army
2004
Army Achievement Medal, U.S. Army
2002
Global War on Terrorism Medal, U.S. Army
2001
U.S. Army Claims Service Coin of Excellence, U.S. Army
1996
Army Service Ribbon, U.S. Army
1993
Distinguished Honor Graduate, MP Officer Basic Course, U.S. Army
1990
General Douglas MacArthur Award, North Georgia College
1989
Parachutist Badge, U.S. Army
Work Experience
2006 - Present
Managing Partner, Law Offices of Scot Sikes
2000 - 2013
Lawyer, Army Judge Advocate General Corps
1996 - 1996
Company Commander, U.S. Army
Associations
2014 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2013 - Present
Columbus Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - Present
Midtown ColumbusAffiliate Member
2010 - Present
National Association of Court Martial LawyersExecutive Committee
2007 - Present
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense LawyersAttorney Member
2007 - Present
Reserve Officers AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Georgia Trial Lawyers AssociationAttorney Member
2006 - Present
National Association of Military Defense LawyersFormer President
2005 - Present
Association of the United States ArmyMember
1999 - Present
State Bar of GeorgiaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
U.S. v. SPC TR - Fort Benning, GA
Sentenced to No Punishment
U.S. v. SSG JL
Administrative discharge in lieu of court-martial
U.S. v. MAJ - Fort Stewart, GA
Case dismissed after the Article 32 Investigation
U.S. v. CH (CPT) James J. Yee
Charges Withdrawn
Education
2008
US Army JAG School Basic Course
LL.M - Master of Laws
2002
US Army JAG School Criminal Law Advocacy Course
2000
US Army JAG School
Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course
1999
Mercer University - Walter F. George School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1991
North Georgia College
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2005
U.S. Army Trial Defense Service Region II Conference
Effective Use of the Article 32 Investigation
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Should I have more than one attorney? I am undecided if I should hire more than one lawyer for a court martial or Article 15.
08 May 2016
Q&A
If someone lies about prior drug use to enlist into the military, how can they find out?
28 Feb 2010
Q&A
What does dead docket mean, and can a case be dismissed from dead docket, and how long of a wait, before it can be dismissed?
06 Aug 2009