Domestic Violence Attorney in Atlanta

Founded by a Former Judge. Built for Aggressive Criminal Defense.

A domestic violence charge moves fast. Bond hearings, protective orders, and prosecutorial decisions can unfold within days of an arrest, and the consequences of a conviction extend well beyond the criminal sentence. At Wakhisi-Douglas, we represent individuals facing these charges throughout the Atlanta area with disciplined preparation and aggressive courtroom advocacy.

Our firm was founded in 2010 by Chuck M. Douglas, a former judge. That background shapes how we approach every criminal defense matter. We understand how courts evaluate evidence, how credibility is assessed from the bench, and how defense arguments land with a judge or jury. That perspective is built into how we prepare and present your case.

If you’re facing domestic violence charges in Atlanta, contact us today for a free consultation, including virtual options, so you can get guidance without delay. Call (762) 722-0248.

What Georgia Law Calls “Family Violence”

Georgia uses the term “family violence” rather than domestic violence in its statutes. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-13-1, the law applies to a defined set of qualifying relationships: current and former spouses, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children, individuals who share a child, and people who live or formerly lived in the same household.

The underlying criminal offenses that can be charged as family violence include:

Assault and Battery Offenses
Simple assault (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-20), aggravated assault (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21), simple battery (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23), battery (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23.1), and aggravated battery (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-24).

Other Qualifying Offenses
Stalking (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-90), criminal damage to property, unlawful restraint, criminal trespass, and any felony committed between qualifying parties.

When the same offense occurs between qualifying parties, Georgia law treats it more seriously than when it occurs between strangers. A second family violence offense against the same or another qualifying victim can escalate a misdemeanor charge to a felony.

Penalties & Collateral Consequences

A misdemeanor family violence conviction in Georgia can carry up to 12 months in jail and fines. Felony-level charges, including aggravated assault and aggravated battery, can carry 3 to 20 years in prison. Repeat offenses involving the same victim may be charged as felonies even when the underlying conduct would otherwise be a misdemeanor.

The criminal sentence is only part of the picture. A conviction can also result in:

• A permanent criminal record that appears in background checks
• Loss of the right to own or possess a firearm under federal law
• Adverse rulings in child custody and visitation proceedings
• Mandatory anger management or counseling as a condition of probation
• Restricted housing and employment opportunities

Temporary protective orders, or TPOs, can be issued within days of an arrest and restrict where you may live, whether you can contact the alleged victim, and your access to your children. Violating a TPO can result in additional criminal exposure, including escalation to a stalking charge.

Why Atlanta Residents Choose Wakhisi-Douglas for Domestic Violence Defense

Most criminal defense attorneys haven’t sat on the bench. Chuck M. Douglas has. That judicial experience informs how we challenge evidence, how we frame defenses, and how we anticipate a court’s response to arguments on both sides. It’s a concrete advantage in how we build a case.

We have an excellent record at trial and don’t treat litigation as a last resort. When fighting the charges is the right strategy, we’re prepared to do that. When negotiation serves the client better, we pursue it with the same preparation. Free consultations, including virtual consultations, are available so an urgent charge doesn’t require you to wait.