Practice Areas
Focused, experienced representation across five core areas. Select a practice area below to learn more about how we can help.
Criminal Defense
At The LaScala Firm, we provide aggressive, strategic representation for individuals facing criminal charges throughout Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Our practice includes DUI defense, drug offenses, violent crimes, theft offenses, domestic violence cases, traffic-related offenses, and white-collar crimes, including fraud, forgery, and financial crimes.
As former prosecutors with more than 40 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys understand how cases are investigated, charged, and prosecuted. That insight allows us to anticipate the State’s strategy, identify weaknesses in the evidence, and build a proactive defense designed to achieve the best possible outcome.
Every case is thoroughly prepared using the resources necessary to protect our clients’ rights. When appropriate, we collaborate with experienced investigators, forensic specialists, toxicologists, medical professionals, and other respected professionals to develop the strongest defense available.
- Felony & misdemeanor charges
- Drug possession & distribution
- Domestic violence charges
- Theft & fraud offenses
- Violent crime allegations
- Probation violations
Strategic Defense Built Around Your Case
Every criminal case is different. We begin by thoroughly reviewing the evidence, identifying weaknesses in the State’s case, interviewing witnesses, examining police procedures, and developing a defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.
What Happens After an Arrest?
- Arrest
- Bond Hearing
- First Appearance
- Arraignment
- Discovery
- Negotiations
- Motions
- Trial
Possible Defenses
- Self defense or defense of others
- Lack of intent
- Mistaken identity
- Constitutional violations (illegal search or seizure)
- Insufficient evidence
- False accusations
Why Hire a Former Prosecutor?
As former prosecutors, our attorneys understand:
- How cases are charged
- How plea offers are made
- What evidence prosecutors rely on
- How to negotiate effectively
- How to prepare for trial
Penalties
Penalties for a criminal conviction vary widely depending on the specific charge, your prior record, and the court where the case is pending. Depending on the offense, potential consequences can include jail or prison time, probation, fines, firearm restrictions, immigration consequences, professional licensing issues, and employment consequences. We’ll walk through exactly what you’re facing — and what can realistically be done about it — during your consultation.
Juvenile
When a minor is facing charges, the entire family is affected. We approach juvenile cases with an emphasis on protecting the child’s future — working toward outcomes that minimize long-term consequences while holding the system accountable to fair process.
We keep parents and guardians informed and involved at every step, and we treat every young client with the respect and patience the situation calls for.
- Delinquency proceedings
- School-related incidents
- Status offenses
- Detention hearings
- Diversion & alternative programs
- Record sealing & expungement
Traffic / DUI
A DUI or serious traffic charge can threaten your license, your insurance, and in some cases your liberty. As former prosecutors, we know how these cases are built — and we scrutinize every detail of the stop, the field sobriety testing, and the chemical testing procedure to identify weaknesses in the State’s case.
We also help clients navigate administrative license suspension hearings and understand every consequence they may be facing — administrative and criminal alike.
- DUI (alcohol & drugs)
- License suspension hearings
- Reckless driving
- Driving without a license
- Hit and run
- Repeat offenses
Our Approach to DUI Defense
Many DUI cases turn on details most people never think to question: whether the stop itself was lawful, whether the field sobriety and chemical tests were administered correctly, and whether the testing equipment was properly calibrated and maintained. We examine each of these before recommending a path forward.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest?
- Arrest & Booking
- License Notice
- Bond Hearing
- Arraignment
- Discovery
- Negotiations
- Motions
- Trial
Georgia law gives you a very short window to request a hearing to challenge an administrative license suspension after a DUI arrest — don’t wait to speak with an attorney.
Possible Defenses
- Improper traffic stop
- Field sobriety test administration issues
- Breath or blood test errors or calibration problems
- Medical conditions affecting test results
- Rising blood alcohol defense
- Chain-of-custody issues with samples
Penalties
DUI penalties in Georgia can include license suspension, fines, mandatory education programs, ignition interlock requirements, increased insurance rates, and — particularly for repeat offenses — jail time. The specific exposure depends heavily on your prior record and the facts of the stop, which we’ll walk through in detail during your consultation.
Personal Injury
If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to carry the financial burden alone. We help clients pursue fair compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
We handle communication with insurance companies so you can focus on recovery, and we prepare every case as though it may go to trial.
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip and fall injuries
- Wrongful death
- Premises liability
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist claims
- Insurance disputes
Civil Litigation
Not every dispute belongs in a courtroom — but when it does, you need representation that is both practical and prepared to litigate. We work with clients to resolve disputes efficiently when possible, and to advocate forcefully when a resolution requires it.
We take the time to understand the business or personal context behind every dispute, not just the legal issue on paper.
- Contract disputes
- Business disputes
- Landlord-tenant matters
- Small claims
- Property disputes
- General civil litigation
Serving Clients Across Metro Atlanta & North Georgia
The LaScala Firm regularly handles cases in the following counties, as well as the municipal courts throughout the region.
Counties
- Fulton County
- DeKalb County
- Cobb County
- Gwinnett County
- Cherokee County
- Forsyth County
- Hall County
- Athens–Clarke County
Municipal Courts
Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creek, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville, Smyrna, Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth, Woodstock, Canton, Cumming, Decatur, Dunwoody, Norcross, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Buford, and Gainesville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I go to jail?
It depends on the charge, your prior record, and the specific facts of your case. Many cases resolve without any jail time, especially first offenses — but you should never assume that without speaking to an attorney about the specifics of your situation.
Can my charges be reduced or dismissed?
Often, yes — depending on the strength of the evidence, any procedural issues with how the case was investigated, and your criminal history. We review every case for weaknesses in the State’s evidence before recommending a strategy.
Do I need a lawyer if this is my first offense?
Yes. Even a first offense can carry serious, lasting consequences — a criminal record, license issues, immigration consequences, or professional licensing problems. Having an experienced attorney from the start protects your options.
Will this stay on my record?
It depends on the outcome of your case and the type of charge. Some resolutions allow for later record restriction or expungement; others do not. We can explain what’s realistically available in your situation.
How long does a criminal case take?
Timelines vary widely by county and by the complexity of the charge — anywhere from a few months to well over a year for serious felony cases headed to trial. We’ll keep you informed of where your case stands at every stage.
What should I do if I’ve been arrested or contacted by police?
Remain polite but exercise your right to remain silent, and request an attorney before answering questions or agreeing to a search. Contact our office as soon as possible so we can begin protecting your rights immediately.