Criminal Defense Attorney in Macon, GA

The Reality of Being Charged in Macon, GA

Most people never expect to find themselves in a holding cell at the Bibb County Jail. It may begin with a traffic stop, a misunderstanding during a dispute, or simply being present when allegations arise. Regardless of the circumstances, facing criminal charges means navigating court dates, bond conditions, and unfamiliar legal procedures. This is not just a challenge. It is a situation that requires experienced legal support.

At Prine Law Group, your trusted criminal defense attorney in Macon, GA, we understand how quickly the legal process moves once the state becomes involved. Prosecutors have the resources, documentation, and staff to proceed whether you feel ready or not. You have something essential on your side: the right to a defense. That is where we come in.

Experienced Criminal Defense Team in Macon

Prine Law Group was founded in 2007 by attorney Joseph R. Prine Jr. and has grown to include three experienced criminal defense attorneys with 38 combined years of practice. Our team includes Joseph Prine (Charleston School of Law, admitted 2007), Dylan “Zane” Hasty (Mercer Law magna cum laude, admitted 2019), and Michael Barber (Charleston School of Law, admitted 2011 in both Georgia and South Carolina). All three attorneys are admitted to practice in Georgia Superior Courts and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia.

What makes our firm unique: Joseph Prine serves as Solicitor for Twiggs County Probate Court, and Zane Hasty serves as Assistant Solicitor for both Twiggs County Probate Court and Perry Municipal Court. This means two of our three attorneys work as both prosecutors and defense attorneys. We understand how the state builds criminal cases because we build cases for the state. This dual perspective gives our clients a significant strategic advantage.

Since 2007, we have practiced in Bibb County Superior Court, Bibb County State Court, and throughout the Middle Georgia Judicial Circuit. We handle criminal defense cases in Macon, Dublin, Perry, and Laurens County. Our office at 740 Mulberry Street in downtown Macon is within walking distance of the Bibb County Courthouse, the Bibb County Jail, and the Bibb County District Attorney’s Office.

Prine Law Group has earned more than 85 five-star reviews from clients throughout Middle Georgia. Our criminal defense work has been recognized on Google and FindLaw by clients who appreciate our preparation, communication, and results.

What Sets Us Apart in Bibb County Courtrooms

Macon’s justice system is not simple. Even experienced criminal defense lawyers understand how complex it can be. It is not only about what you are accused of. The outcome can also depend on where the case is heard, which prosecutor is assigned, and which judge presides.

We have worked in these courtrooms. We have managed cases involving the Bibb County District Attorney’s Office, challenged questionable field sobriety results, and guided clients through serious indictments. We do not make promises we cannot keep, and we do not shy away from difficult cases.

Every criminal case in Georgia begins with the same legal standard: the state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Our approach is to examine every element of the state’s case for weaknesses, identify every available defense, and pursue the strategy most likely to achieve a favorable outcome.

In DUI cases, we subpoena breathalyzer calibration records, review officer training certifications, and examine video evidence for procedural errors. In drug cases, we analyze the legality of the traffic stop and challenge improper searches under the Fourth Amendment. In felony cases, we investigate witness credibility, examine forensic evidence, and identify potential defenses including alibi, lack of intent, or misidentification.

Because two of our attorneys also work as prosecutors, we know what evidence the state relies upon and which defenses are most effective. Some cases are resolved through negotiation. Others require motions to suppress evidence or trial. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial—prosecutors know when an attorney is prepared to fight, and that changes the negotiation.

Legal success is not always about what happens in open court. Often, it is the result of well-timed and fact-based legal action. From arraignment to resolution, our approach is deliberate and informed by courtroom experience. When appropriate, we seek favorable outcomes through negotiation. When necessary, we are prepared for trial.

Local Criminal Defense Practice in Middle Georgia

Since 2007, Prine Law Group has maintained its office at 740 Mulberry Street in downtown Macon. Our attorneys have deep roots in Middle Georgia: Joseph Prine was born in Macon and graduated from Dublin High School. Zane Hasty was raised in Turner County. Michael Barber has practiced in Middle Georgia since 2011. All three attorneys practice exclusively in Middle Georgia courts.

We represent clients from throughout Bibb County, including Pleasant Hill, Shirley Hills, Vineville, Riverside, and North Macon. We have represented clients who work at major Macon employers including the Medical Center of Central Georgia, Kumho Tire, and YKK Corporation, as well as students at Mercer University and Wesleyan College. Our practice extends to Dublin, Perry, and Laurens County.

Our practice is limited to the Middle Georgia region. This geographic focus allows us to maintain regular contact with local courts, develop working relationships with prosecutors, and stay current with court procedures and docket schedules. We do not handle cases in Atlanta, Savannah, or other metro areas.

Client Reviews: Criminal Defense in Macon

Prine Law Group has earned more than 85 five-star reviews from clients throughout Middle Georgia. Our criminal defense work has been recognized on Google and FindLaw by clients who appreciate our thorough preparation, clear communication, and aggressive representation. While we are proud of this feedback, we know that every case is different and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Our goal is to provide every client with professional service and effective defense representation.

Our reviews include feedback from clients we have represented in DUI cases, drug offense cases, traffic violations, and other criminal matters. Many clients specifically mention our attorneys by name—particularly Joseph Prine and Zane Hasty—and note our responsiveness, fair fees, and ability to achieve favorable outcomes. These reviews are public and can be verified on Google and FindLaw.

Representative Criminal Defense Experience

The following examples illustrate the types of legal defenses we raise in criminal cases in Bibb County and throughout Middle Georgia. Specific client information is confidential. These descriptions are for illustrative purposes only. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

DUI Defense: Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-392) requires that breathalyzer machines be properly calibrated according to the manufacturer’s specifications. We obtain calibration records through subpoena in every DUI case involving a breathalyzer test. When calibration records show the device was outside the required maintenance window, we file motions to suppress the test results. Georgia courts have held that improperly calibrated test results may be inadmissible.

Drug Offense Defense: The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. In drug cases, we analyze whether the traffic stop was supported by reasonable suspicion, whether any search was supported by probable cause or valid consent, and whether the chain of custody for physical evidence was properly maintained. Under the exclusionary rule established in Mapp v. Ohio, 367 U.S. 643 (1961), evidence obtained through an illegal search must be suppressed.

Felony Case Negotiation: Georgia’s First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60) allows certain first-time felony offenders to avoid a felony conviction if they successfully complete probation. We negotiate with prosecutors to identify cases where First Offender status may be appropriate. We also negotiate plea agreements that reduce felony charges to misdemeanors when the facts support such a resolution.

Illegal Search and Seizure: Georgia courts follow federal Fourth Amendment law established by the U.S. Supreme Court. In Florida v. Jardines, 569 U.S. 1 (2013), the Supreme Court held that the curtilage of a home is protected from warrantless searches. We challenge searches that violate these constitutional protections and file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence.

These legal defenses depend on the specific facts of each case, the applicable law, and the decisions of the court. Our role as criminal defense attorneys is to identify every available defense, file appropriate motions, and advocate for our clients at every stage of the criminal process.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle in Macon

Every charge requires attention. We provide defense for a wide range of criminal matters, including the following:

DUI Charges

Being pulled over in Macon for suspected DUI is common. In past cases, we have seen breathalyzers needing calibration, procedural oversights, and missing or incomplete video evidence.

A DUI conviction can lead to fines, license suspension, and long-term legal consequences. Our goal is to review the facts of each case thoroughly and pursue the most appropriate course of action.

More on DUI Defense

Drug Offenses

From minor marijuana possession to felony distribution charges, drug cases in Georgia can carry serious penalties. We have helped clients, including first-time offenders, in cases involving disputed searches, unclear evidence, or lack of consent. Every case begins with an analysis of how the stop or investigation was conducted.

• More on Felony Drug Crimes
• More on Marijuana Possession

Felony Crimes

Felony charges, including assault, fraud, and burglary, can affect a person’s future in significant ways. These include the loss of voting rights, firearm ownership, and access to professional licensing. Our firm handles these cases with close attention to facts, evidence, and legal procedure.

Other Charges We Commonly Handle

• Theft and shoplifting
• Juvenile offenses
• Domestic disputes
• Probation violations

Each of these situations can affect a person’s future and should be taken seriously. We provide legal counsel tailored to the details of each charge.

How a Case Typically Unfolds in Macon, GA

1. The Stop or Arrest – This may happen during a traffic stop, at home, or through a warrant.
2. Booking – If taken into custody, the individual is processed at the Bibb County Jail.
3. First Appearance – A judge reviews the charges, often within 72 hours.
4. Arraignment – Formal reading of charges and possible pleas.
5. Discovery and Strategy – Both sides exchange evidence, and we build a defense around the facts.
6. Negotiation or Trial – We advise you based on the available options and pursue the course that protects your future.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Attempting to navigate the criminal justice system without a defense attorney can increase the risk of:

• A permanent criminal record
• Loss of driving privileges
• High fines and court costs
• Jail time or extended probation
• Family or employment-related consequences

An attorney ensures that your rights are protected at every step of the process.

Understanding Criminal Courts in Macon and Middle Georgia

Criminal cases in Macon are handled in three separate courts: Bibb County Superior Court (felonies), Bibb County State Court (misdemeanors), and Macon Recorder’s Court (traffic offenses and city ordinances). Each court has different judges, procedures, and prosecutors. Understanding which court will hear your case and which prosecutor will be assigned requires familiarity with the local system.

Our attorneys have practiced in Middle Georgia courts for a combined 38 years. Joseph Prine has practiced since 2007 (18 years), Michael Barber since 2011 (14 years), and Zane Hasty since 2019 (6 years). All three attorneys regularly appear in Bibb County, Twiggs County, Laurens County, and Perry courts.

We know local court rules, procedures, and docket schedules. When a client is arrested on a Friday night in Bibb County, we know the first appearance will be Saturday morning at the Bibb County Jail. We know when bond hearings are scheduled and when arraignments are held. This operational knowledge comes from regular courtroom presence over many years.

Joseph Prine and Zane Hasty work with law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges regularly in their roles as Solicitor and Assistant Solicitor. This provides our firm with valuable insight into how criminal cases move through Middle Georgia courts.

Meet Our Criminal Defense Attorneys

Joseph R. Prine Jr.

Joseph was born in Macon and graduated from Dublin High School in 1997. He earned his undergraduate degree from Georgia Southern University in 2002 and his law degree from Charleston School of Law in 2007. Joseph is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, the Superior Courts of Georgia, and the Supreme Court of Georgia. He is a member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the Macon Bar Association, and the Dublin Bar Association. Joseph serves as Solicitor for Twiggs County Probate Court.

Dylan “Zane” Hasty

Zane was raised in Turner County, Georgia and graduated from Valdosta State University in 2015 (cum laude, Dean’s List). He graduated magna cum laude from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law and was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 2019. Zane is a member of Phi Delta Phi legal honor fraternity and serves as Assistant Solicitor for both Twiggs County Probate Court and Perry Municipal Court. Zane joined Prine Law Group during his second semester of law school.

Michael William Barber

Michael graduated from Wofford College in South Carolina in 2007 (Dean’s List) and earned his law degree from Charleston School of Law. He was admitted to practice in both Georgia and South Carolina in 2011. Before joining Prine Law Group, Michael practiced at James E. Lee II, P.C. from 2011 to 2018. Michael serves as an Adjunct Professor at Mercer University’s Stetson School of Business and is a member of the Macon Bar Association.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Macon, GA

1. What should I do if I’m charged with a crime in Macon, GA?

If you are charged with a crime, the first step is to remain calm and avoid making any statements to law enforcement without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you in court. Contacting a qualified defense attorney as soon as possible can make a significant difference in protecting your rights.

2. Do I have to talk to the police if they stop me in Macon?

You are not legally required to answer police questions beyond providing basic identification. Politely exercising your right to remain silent is often the best option until you have spoken with your lawyer. This protects you from unintentionally giving information that could be used against you later.

3. When are police officers required to read Miranda Rights in Georgia?

Police must read your Miranda Rights before conducting a custodial interrogation. This means if you are not free to leave and they want to question you, they must advise you of your rights. If they fail to do so, your attorney may be able to challenge the admissibility of your statements.

4. Can police search my home in Macon without a warrant?

In most cases, police must obtain a search warrant before entering and searching your home. There are limited exceptions, such as if you give consent or if there are emergency circumstances. If your home was searched without a warrant, an attorney can evaluate whether your rights were violated.

5. Can law enforcement track my cell phone without my permission?

Police cannot legally track your cell phone without first obtaining a warrant from a judge. They must show probable cause to access your GPS or location data. If this process was not followed, your attorney may be able to suppress that evidence in court.

6. What happens during a criminal investigation in Macon?

An investigation is the first stage of the criminal process, where law enforcement collects evidence, interviews witnesses, and may obtain search warrants. Being under investigation does not necessarily mean charges will follow, but it is a critical time to seek legal advice. Having representation early can help protect your rights before an arrest is made.

7. What is the difference between an arrest and a conviction?

An arrest occurs when law enforcement takes you into custody based on probable cause. A conviction only happens if a prosecutor proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in court or if you plead guilty. Just because you are arrested does not mean you will be found guilty.

8. What does an indictment mean in Georgia?

An indictment is a formal charging document issued by a grand jury. It lists the crimes you are accused of and allows the case to move forward in court. It is not proof of guilt, but rather the legal mechanism that starts the prosecution.

9. What happens at an arraignment in Macon courts?

At arraignment, you will be formally advised of the charges against you and asked to enter a plea. This is usually “not guilty” if you plan to fight the charges. Your attorney will also begin addressing pre-trial motions and strategy at this stage.

10. What is discovery in a criminal case?

Discovery is the process where the prosecution must provide the evidence they intend to use at trial. This may include reports, recordings, witness statements, and expert analysis. Your attorney will review this material to identify weaknesses in the state’s case and build your defense.

11. Do I have a right to a jury trial in Georgia?

Yes, the U.S. Constitution guarantees you the right to a trial by jury. A jury of 12 citizens must unanimously decide whether you are guilty or not guilty. You may also choose to waive this right and have a bench trial, but that decision should only be made with careful legal advice.

12. What are the potential consequences of a DUI arrest in Macon?

A DUI conviction can lead to fines, license suspension, mandatory classes, and even jail time. The penalties depend on the circumstances, such as prior offenses or refusal to take a chemical test. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate possible defenses and fight to protect your driving privileges.

13. How serious are domestic violence charges in Georgia?

Domestic violence charges are taken very seriously by prosecutors and judges. Convictions can result in jail time, restraining orders, and lasting consequences for employment and housing. Having strong legal representation can help ensure your side of the story is fully heard.

14. Can criminal charges in Macon ever be dismissed?

Yes, charges can sometimes be dismissed if there is insufficient evidence, constitutional violations, or other legal issues. A skilled defense attorney can file motions to challenge weak evidence or improper procedures. Each case is unique, so dismissal depends on the facts and circumstances.

15. Why should I hire a local criminal defense attorney in Macon?

A local attorney understands the courts, judges, and prosecutors in the Macon area. This knowledge can be critical when negotiating or preparing for trial. Having an attorney who is familiar with the local system increases your chances of reaching the best possible outcome.

This Is About More Than Guilt or Innocence

Regardless of the charge, you have the right to legal representation. At Prine Law Group, we approach every case with professionalism and a commitment to your rights. If you or someone close to you is facing criminal charges in Macon, do not wait for the situation to resolve itself. We are ready to listen and take the necessary steps on your behalf.

Call now or request a private consultation online. The outcome of your case may depend on who stands beside you. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony, working with a Macon-based criminal defense attorney can make a difference.

Legal Disclaimer

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is evaluated individually based on its facts and applicable law. Contacting our office does not create an attorney-client relationship. Clients may be responsible for court costs or expenses related to outside services.