Aggressive Criminal Defense

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

Better outcomes through experience and compassion

With over 15 years of federal and state criminal defense experience and a proven track record, attorney Saraliene Durrett has the knowledge and tenacity to fight for you at every turn.

With experience as both a federal and state judicial law clerk, she grasps the court’s perspective on the law. She also understands that if you face criminal charges, you are likely going through one of the worst times in your life.

Knowing that the court system can be frightening and intimidating, Saraliene will always take extra time to discuss the judicial process and explain the status of your case.

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.

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.

Awards and Recognition

In The News

News
Federal Selective Prosecution Motions Filed by Saraliene Featured in The Atlanta Journal Constitution
Federal Selective Prosecution Motions Filed by Saraliene Featured in The Atlanta Journal Constitution

Saraliene and other local attorneys filed motions to dismiss several federal Paycheck Protection Program and EIDL fraud cases. These motions were highlighted in the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The motions argued that the government was prosecuting a disproportional number of African Americans and other minority defendants in connection with these cases.

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United States Supreme Court vacates Saraliene’s client’s Computer Fraud and Abuse Act conviction
United States Supreme Court vacates Saraliene’s client’s Computer Fraud and Abuse Act conviction

The United States Supreme Court vacated the conviction of Saraliene’s client in this Computer Fraud and Abuse Act case. In United States v. Van Buren, Saraliene’s client was the subject of an FBI sting operation. At the FBI’s instruction, a person requested that Mr. Van Buren, a police officer, run a computer search for a license plate number that purportedly belonged to a local exotic dancer. Mr. Van Buren accessed the Georgia Crime Information Center database, which contains license plate and vehicle registration information. As a law enforcement officer, Van Buren was authorized to access this database for law-enforcement purposes. Mr. Van Buren was convicted of violating CFAA. The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the conviction, rejecting Van Buren’s argument that he could not have violated the Act because he had permission to access the databases. The Supreme Court reversed the Eleventh Circuit ruling and vacated the conviction.

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Northern District of Georgia Fraud Case
Northern District of Georgia Fraud Case

Saraliene represented an Atlanta-based travel agent in a million dollar fraud case. Saraliene took over the case after the client had entered a plea.

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Contact Us

Contact us today for a free consultation. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of successfully defending your case.

Saraliene Smith Durrett, LLC
1800 Peachtree Street, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30309
ssd@defendingatl.com