Saraliene Smith Durrett
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.
In addition to bringing her experience in both state and federal matters to all cases, she brings compassion for her clients to her work. She understands that if you are facing criminal charges, you are likely going through one of the worst times in your life. Knowing that the criminal court process can be terrifying and intimidating, Saraliene will take extra time to discuss the process with you and to ensure that you always understand the status of your case.
Read client reviews here.
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.
In addition to bringing her experience in both state and federal matters to all cases, she brings compassion for her clients to her work. She understands that if you are facing criminal charges, you are likely going through one of the worst times in your life. Knowing that the criminal court process can be terrifying and intimidating, Saraliene will take extra time to discuss the process with you and to ensure that you always understand the status of your case.
Read client reviews here.
Education
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration DUI Detection and Field Sobriety Tests Training Course
National Criminal Defense College Trial Practice Institute
University of Kansas School of Law, J.D. Order of the Coif
Moot Court Board
Kansas Journal of Law and Public Policy
Grinnell College, B.A.
National Criminal Defense College Trial Practice Institute
University of Kansas School of Law, J.D. Order of the Coif
Moot Court Board
Kansas Journal of Law and Public Policy
Grinnell College, B.A.
Publications
It Can Happen in an Instant: Rethinking Pattern Instructions
for Kansas on
Premeditated Murder, 16-WTR Kan.
J.L. & Pub. Pol’y 1 (2006-2007).
Chapter Nine: Proceedings Before Trial, Co-Editor, Kansas Bar Association Criminal Law Handbook, 2006.
Chapter Nine: Proceedings Before Trial, Co-Editor, Kansas Bar Association Criminal Law Handbook, 2006.
Bar Admissions
Georgia
Kansas
Nevada
Federal District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
Federal District Court for the District of Nevada
Georgia Court of Appeals
Georgia Supreme Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
United States Supreme Court
Kansas
Nevada
Federal District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
Federal District Court for the District of Nevada
Georgia Court of Appeals
Georgia Supreme Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
United States Supreme Court
Professional Organizations
Atlanta Bar Association
Cobb County Bar Association
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Lawyers Club of Atlanta
State Bar of Georgia - Criminal Law Section
Cobb County Bar Association
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Lawyers Club of Atlanta
State Bar of Georgia - Criminal Law Section
