Middle Georgia’s criminal courts span multiple judicial circuits — the Macon Judicial Circuit (Bibb County), the Houston Judicial Circuit (Houston County), the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit (Baldwin, Jones, Putnam, Twiggs, and Wilkinson counties), and others. Each circuit has its own prosecutors, judges, and court procedures. A criminal charge here can range from a misdemeanor shoplifting case in Bibb County Magistrate Court to a serious felony indictment in Houston County Superior Court. Georgia’s sentencing guidelines are among the toughest in the Southeast, with mandatory minimums for certain drug offenses and violent crimes. The five firms below focus on criminal defense across Middle Georgia.
1. Prine Law Group — Macon
Prine Law Group was founded in 2007 by Joseph R. Prine Jr. and has three attorneys with 38 combined years of practice. The firm has earned over 85 five-star reviews on Google and FindLaw. Joseph Prine serves as Solicitor for Twiggs County Probate Court, and Zane Hasty serves as Assistant Solicitor, giving the firm current insight into how prosecutors build and present cases. Michael Barber (Charleston School of Law, admitted 2011 in Georgia and South Carolina) rounds out the team. The firm’s geographic focus is limited to Middle Georgia — Bibb County, Houston County, Laurens County, and surrounding areas.
Practice areas: Criminal defense, DUI, drug charges, theft, assault, violent offenses, probation violations, felonies, misdemeanors, personal injury, workers’ compensation.
Address: Macon, GA
Phone: (478) 257-6333
Website: prinelaw.com/criminal-defense/
Hours: Mon-Fri, office hours; free consultations
2. Carter & Foster — Macon
Carter & Foster has been providing criminal defense representation in Middle Georgia since 2005. The firm focuses exclusively on criminal defense and has over 50 combined years of experience. They are in the courtroom several days every week. The firm handles white collar crimes, domestic violence, drug offenses, violent offenses, DUI/DWI, and parole and probation violations. Free initial consultations.
Practice areas: White collar crimes, drug offenses, violent crimes, domestic violence, DUI/DWI, parole violations, probation violations, federal criminal defense.
Address: Macon, GA
Phone: (478) 216-3074
Website: https://www.maconcriminaldefense.com
Hours: Mon-Fri, office hours; free consultations
3. Bushway Attorney at Law — Macon
Gregory Bushway opened his private practice in 2013 after a career as an Assistant District Attorney for the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit. He has over 30 years of legal experience and has tried cases ranging from death penalty to DUI. He has argued before the Georgia Supreme Court and litigated before the Georgia Court of Appeals.
Practice areas: Criminal defense, drug crimes, violent crimes, DUI, felonies, misdemeanors.
Address: Macon, GA
Phone: Contact via website
Website: https://bushwaylawfirm.com
Hours: Mon-Fri, office hours
4. Cooper, Barton & Cooper — Macon
Cooper, Barton & Cooper offers criminal defense with over 30 years of combined knowledge. Their team includes trial attorneys with experience working for judges and in District Attorney’s offices across multiple states. Free case evaluations.
Practice areas: Criminal defense, DUI, drug offenses, sex crime defense, violent crimes, felonies, misdemeanors, expungement.
Address: Macon, GA
Phone: (478) 202-7050
Website: https://www.cooperbarton.com
Hours: Mon-Fri, office hours
5. Larry Fouche, Attorney at Law — Macon
Larry Fouche is a former police officer turned criminal defense attorney with over 22 years of legal experience. His law enforcement background gives him a unique understanding of how investigations are conducted and prosecution cases are built. He serves clients throughout Middle and South Georgia.
Practice areas: Criminal defense, homicide, DUI, drug offenses, traffic violations, probation violations, post-conviction matters.
Address: Macon, GA
Phone: Contact via website
Website: https://larryfouche.com
Hours: Mon-Fri, office hours
FAQ
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Georgia?
In Georgia, misdemeanors carry a maximum sentence of 12 months in county jail and a $1,000 fine. Felonies carry sentences of one year or more in state prison, with some offenses carrying mandatory minimums of 5, 10, or 25 years. Certain offenses like DUI can be charged as either depending on the circumstances — a fourth DUI within 10 years becomes a felony. The classification determines which court handles the case: State Court or Municipal Court for misdemeanors, Superior Court for felonies.
Should I talk to the police before hiring a lawyer?
You have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment, and you should use it. Politely decline to answer questions beyond identifying yourself, and state clearly that you want to speak with an attorney. Anything you say can and will be used against you. This applies during traffic stops, arrests, and any questioning at a police station.
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost in Middle Georgia?
Costs vary widely based on the charge. A simple misdemeanor might cost $1,500 to $5,000 in flat fees. A DUI defense typically runs $3,000 to $10,000 depending on whether it goes to trial. Serious felony charges can cost $10,000 to $50,000 or more. Most firms offer payment plans. Some offer free initial consultations.