Aggressive Criminal Defense

Our firm only handles criminal cases and therefore gives your matter 100% of the attention it deserves.

Hire a lawyer who takes your case as seriously as you do.

Saraliene’s clients and colleagues consistently compliment her zealous advocacy. Saraliene’s clients know that each time they walk into court, Saraliene will be there to stand up for their rights.

As a former law clerk for both a federal district court judge and a state appellate court judge, Saraliene brings a unique perspective to her criminal defense practice. Having viewed trials and appeals from the court's perspective, Saraliene understands what it takes to make effective arguments at every stage of a case.

As part of an aggressive, trial-oriented criminal defense practice in Las Vegas, Nevada, Saraliene spent her early career working on all types of cases including murder appeals, sexual assault trials, federal bribery trials, and the defense of a ninety-million-dollar fraud case.

In 2013, Saraliene founded her own firm in Atlanta, where she regularly assists clients with detention/bail hearings, plea negotiations, trials, sentencing hearings, and appeals at the state and federal level. Saraliene is also among a select group of private attorneys appointed by the federal court to represent clients that cannot afford representation.

Since beginning her private practice, Saraliene has had dozens of charges dismissed and rulings reversed for her clients in the US Supreme Court, 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, Georgia Supreme Court, and a number of metro Atlanta courts.

How We’re Different

100% Criminal Cases

While many attorneys divide time between multiple practice areas, Saraliene devotes all her resources to criminal defense.

15+ Years of Experience

Saraliene clerked for a federal district court judge, practiced in a nationally-known trial-oriented defense firm, and founded her own practice.

Winning Court Record

Client charges dismissed and rulings reversed in the US Supreme Court, 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, Georgia Supreme Court, and multiple metro Atlanta courts.

Top 100 Trial Lawyer

Member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, which is extended only to the most qualified attorneys from each state who demonstrate superior qualifications.

Knowledgeable

Licensed in three states, the United States Supreme Court, multiple appellate and trial courts, and chosen by federal courts to represent indigent clients.

Compassionate

Saraliene understands the court process can be terrifying and will take extra time to ensure you understand the status of your case.

CONTACT US

Successful Case Results

Saraliene exclusively focuses on criminal defense trials and appeals. She regularly assists clients with detention/bail hearings, plea negotiations, trials, sentencing hearings, and appeals at the state and federal level. She has worked on all types of cases including murder, sexual assault, drug crimes, gang cases, arson, firearms charges, aggravated assault, bank robbery, aggravated identity theft, obstruction of justice, cyber crimes, and multi-million-dollar fraud cases.

Computer Fraud and Abuse Act Conviction Vacated

United States Supreme Court
Honest Services Fraud Conviction Vacated

11th Circuit Court of Appeals
Federal Drug and Firearms Charges Dismissed

Northern District of Georgia
Federal Attempted Murder Charges Dismissed

Northern District of Georgia
Felony Drug Charges Reduced to Misdemeanor

Cobb County
Agg. Assault Dismissed After Self-Defense Hearing

Clayton County
Aggravated Battery Reduced to Disorderly Conduct

Fulton County
Felony Theft Reduced to Misdemeanor

Cobb County
Aggravated Assault Charges Dismissed

Douglas County
Distribution of Child Pornography Conviction Vacated

11th Circuit Court of Appeals
Two Consecutive Life Sentences Vacated

Fulton County

Client Reviews

Saraliene is a phenomenal attorney. She knows the law and federal law guidelines as if she wrote them herself. Her attention to detail, along with her amazing way of assuring all of her clients they will be taken care of was essential. Her ability to argue a case against the United States Attorney of the State of Nevada and win an un winnable case. God sent, are the only words that can describe my feelings for her. There is no one better in representing clients who need a tough, knowledgeable, honest and most of all caring attorney than Saraliene. It is my hope no one will need to be defended criminally however, should you find yourself in this situation, please make Saraliene Smith-Durrett your first and only call.

— A criminal defense client
As the mother of a 47 yr old who is a felon with dual diagnoses of addiction and a severe psychiatric disorder, we are well acquainted with defense attorneys. When Saraliene took our case, she gave us hope because she listened, ferreted out the truth, and presented our case in a way that the judge listened to her plea. My daughter was not returned to jail for more punishment. She was entered into a Cobb County Mental Health program where she is schooled for 8 hrs per day. She attends court one day a week and is randomly tested for drugs. Kudos to this brilliant woman who has always believed in justice. She fought hard for my daughter, the overlooked "underdog.

— Mary, mother of client
Saraliene was hired by a friend of mine who was in real trouble, partially due to a different, very incompetent lawyer, that had been retained but wasn’t doing his job. When she heard the story and was retained, she very quickly started to turn things in the right direction and was VERY attentive to the case. She was professional and caring toward all parties involved and did a wonderful job of keeping all of us informed. The outcome of the case was as good as it could have possibly been and that the credit definitely goes to Saraliene. My friend is so grateful to have found her when he did and can’t stop talking about how amazing she is, as a person, and as an attorney.

— Gina, friend of former client
Saraliene saved my life! If it had not been for her, I’m not sure what the outcome would’ve been. She is truly heaven sent. From day one, Saraliene was on it. She kept me informed throughout the entire process and handled my case with extreme care. My case was Dismissed! Wow, I’m so thankful for her. I can’t say what your outcome will be, but Saraliene will work hard for you and you will not have to think twice because she truly does care about you. Please hire her!! She’s absolutely amazing!

— Michelle, Dekalb County client
Saraliene worked for the top defense lawyer team in Las Vegas (Chesnoff & Schonfeld) - She has excelled in in all areas of criminal defense - She has clerked for one of the top judges in the Nevada judicial system (Judge Mahan) - You will not find a more dedicated, conscientious, client focused attorney...She never dropped the ball....and won our case.

— Family member of a criminal defense client
I would recommend Saraliene to any and every one and I will forever keep her contact information on hand for if I come across someone in need. I was being charged in a case that did not involve me. . . .Saraliene was patient, non-judgemental, very competent, and willing to take me through every step of the process to successfully handle my case. She advocated for me non-stop and ensured that my truth was told and heard. With her help, my case was successfully dismissed. I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through this situation without her, because there’s a certain level of peace that I was able to maintain as we awaited meetings, court dates, and final results.

—Dekalb County client
When I was going through my federal case, there was a lot of confusion from open state cases, and other sensitive matters outside of my case that Ms. Durrett passionately stepped in to help with concern. She was not only proficient with my case, but she extended her services where help was needed. You talk, she listens, and she goes over and beyond to give you her best. She is carrying her profession with great care.

Desima, former federal client
Ms. Durrett is an absolutely amazing attorney! She was very dedicated, professional, and was very knowledgeable in every single aspect of my case. I first found her after watching a video of her in action in court, and was very impressed. She did not disappoint! She is very intelligent, knowledgeable, trustworthy, detail oriented, honest and caring. She went the extra mile and fought for me to get the best possible outcome in my case. She is very responsive with phone calls, texts, emails, and meetings. She answered every question or concern that I had in detail, putting me at ease. Having never been in trouble before, she was patient and thorough with me throughout the whole process. She truly is an amazing attorney and I feel extremely fortunate to have found her! I highly recommend her!

Denise, former client

Saraliene has a 10.0 rating on the legal services review site AVVO that include dozens of 5-star reviews. Here are the latest opinions from current and recent clients.