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 DUI Defense


If you have been arrested for Driving Under the Influence, you need an attorney experienced in DUI Law.  Melanie Ellwanger is a former prosecutor and has practiced DUI defense in numerous courtrooms throughout the State of Georgia.

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 Traffic Citations


Did you know traffic citations carry various punishments ranging from fines, license suspension and even jail time?

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 Misdemeanor Offenses

Attorney Melanie Ellwanger will help you fight your misdemeanor charges.

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 Drug Charges


If you are convicted of possession of a controlled substance, you could be faced with long periods of jail time and consequences that will last a lifetime.

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Melanie Ellwanger

Photo in Blue-webMelanie is a results-driven DUI and criminal defense attorney. Her unique experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney and judicial candidate have provided her the knowledge and insight to contest her clients’ cases aggressively.Melanie began her career as an Assistant Solicitor-General with the Forsyth County Solicitor's Office. While there, she prosecuted thousands of traffic and misdemeanor criminal cases. She also served as a DUI Court prosecutor where she learned the intricacies of DUI law while working with various police officers, State Troopers and Judges.

In 2010, she was offered a job as an Associate with Head Thomas Webb & Willis in Atlanta. She was immediately assigned to handle misdemeanor criminal and traffic cases all over Georgia. This full caseload of defending citizens facing criminal charges provided her with a new perspective. She was able to see criminal matters from the eyes of an accused citizen. In addition, she was exposed to defending cases before over 100 different judges and dozens of different jurisdictions, which greatly broadened her versatility as a practicing attorney.

In 2014, Melanie opened her own law practice. Later that year she sought election as the Chief Judge of the Municipal Court of Roswell and made the run-off election from a field of four candidates. While in private practice, she is honored to have been twice recognized by her peers as a Super Lawyers’ Rising Star, one of the legal profession’s top achievements. By anonymous votes of Georgia lawyers, she was recognized for her legal work in the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 editions of Georgia Super Lawyers magazine. The Rising Star award is reserved for attorneys under the age of 40. Fewer than 2.5 percent of attorneys in the state of Georgia are selected as a Rising Star. She has also earned a SUPERB rating on lawyer ranking website avvo.com.

Melanie is a graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law and received her undergraduate degree from The Women’s College of Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia. She is a speaker on various DUI topics at Georgia legal seminars. She is a member of Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (GACDL), The National College for DUI Defense at Harvard University (NCDD), and it certified in Field Sobriety Testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.)

Melanie is dedicated to helping her clients get the best result possible and move on with their lives. You can reach her anytime, 24/7 at 404-803-3105 or melanie@hiremelaw.com.

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Roswell / North Georgia DUI Defense Attorney


Roswell-MagazineHave you been charged with a DUI in Georgia? Acting quickly to find an experience DUI attorney is key to ensure that your rights are protected. Unlike other crimes, DUIs not only involve criminal law but administrative law as well.

DUIs in Georgia are governed by O.C.G.A. 40-6-391. Under Georgia law, you can be charged with a DUI for driving with an alcohol concentration of .08 grams or more within three hours after driving. In addition to alcohol, being under the influence can include any drug so long as the drug inhibits your ability to drive and can even include “any glue, aerosol, or other toxic vapors.”

Being convicted of a DUI can result in the loss of driving privileges, an interlock device being installed in your vehicle, drug and alcohol evaluations, mandatory treatment, fines, fees and possibly imprisonment.

Georgia laws against DUIs are strict and the penalties can be severe. You need an attorney who has experience defending DUI cases and can advocate for you from day one. You need an attorney who knows what evidence to challenge which could lead to a reduction in the charge or a dismissal of the case against you.

Attorney Melanie Ellwanger has experience fighting DUIs in Georgia and can zealously advocate for you. Her practice is focused solely on DUIs and Criminal Law. She will talk with you and explain your rights under the law and give you advice on how to move forward. Call today to speak with her about your case.

 

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Testimonials  

  • “My situation suffered from a bad case of ruffled feathers with the prosecutor, brought about by a previous lawyer. And I decided to change lawyers just prior to the trial. So I hired Melanie. Despite having a very short period to prepare, Melanie stepped in and not only assuaged the prior emotional tensions, but successfully negotiated a settlement, during pre-trial discussions, to maintain my integrity. She is a very polite and pleasant person to deal with. And she is very sharp. I would highly recommend her legal services.”

    Juan

  • “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and got nailed with a DUI because I refused. I knew to get a lawyer, so I hired Tricia Solomon from the Solomon Firm. Thinking all you need is a lawyer and they will let you off with a lesser charge is not true! She gave up and said I should take the charge. I was determined to get a lesser charge and get a second opinion. I was referred to Melanie by another friend and then started reading the...

    Sara

  • “Melanie was such a bright spot during such a difficult and stressful period in my life. I was charged with DUI, .179, and failure to maintain a lane in Jackson County. She guided me with expertise and positivity…my charges were reduced to reckless driving. I’ve dubbed her Legally Brunette. I highly recommend Melanie for your legal needs.”

    Jason

  • “Melanie was a pleasure to work with during my DUI case. She was very knowledgeable and thoughtful throughout the stressful (for me, anyway) legal wranglings with the court and the overall process that a person has to go through along the way. She worked with the court lawyer to get my DUI charge reduced to Reckless Driving, which was a HUGE relief to me (and my insurance rates). I would highly recommend her services if you ever get yourself in a similar situation. She’s great and definitely someone you want...

    DUI Client