If you are facing criminal charges, you need an attorney that will aggressively protect your rights, has talent in the courtroom, and someone you can trust to fight for you. Trust between a criminal defense lawyer and their client is priceless. It is true that not all criminal defense attorneys are equal in talent, experience and commitment to their client's cases. I, Rich Merritt, have an extensive history in the criminal justice system, having served as a former prosecutor as well as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Georgia, and have dedicated my private practice to defending those who need it most: my clients accused of serious criminal offenses.
The criminal justice system and the processes involved can appear to be complex and difficult. I have spent so many years in court, throughout the courtrooms in Smyrna, Marietta and other parts of Cobb County and Fulton County that I am very familiar with all aspects of criminal law and the system. I will guide you through the process, from A to Z, from your arrest, through negotiations with the prosecutor, to trial and all hearings and appearances required. Never enter a courtroom on a criminal charge without a skilled, experienced defense lawyer by your side.
Rich Merritt is the firm’s founding and managing partner. Rich has devoted his entire career as a lawyer to being a litigator. Rich has tried more than fifty (50) cases to verdict. In addition to trying numerous cases, Rich has extensive experience in all aspects and phases of civil and criminal litigation.
Prior to joining the firm, Rich served as both an Assistant Solicitor General for Fulton County, as an Assistant Attorney General with the State of Georgia Attorney General’s Office and as a senior litigator at large Buckhead litigation firm. Rich is admitted to all state and federal courts in Georgia. Rich is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Atlanta Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Cobb County Bar Association and Georgia Trial Lawyer's Association.
I assist my clients in all types of criminal cases, including:
- Drunk Driving/ DUI
- Drugs and Narcotics Charges
- White Collar Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Felony Crimes
- Misdemeanors
- Homicide
- Investigations
- Juvenile Matters
- Sex Crimes
- Traffic Offenses
- Expungement Motions
- Appeals
- Assault & Battery
- Federal Crimes
- Forgery
- Fraud
- Kidnapping
- Murder / Manslaughter
- Probation Violations
- Theft
- Warrants
A native of the Deep South, Rich has lived in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Virginia. Rich’s wife, Jenine, is a veterinarian in Vinings, and they have two children, Jackson and Mia.
If you or a loved one needs the help of an experienced Smyrna, Georgia Criminal Law attorney, call Richard Merritt today at 770-744-5599, or complete the contact form provided on this site to arrange your free initial consultation.
Professional Profile
If you or a loved one needs the help of an experienced Smyrna, Georgia Criminal Law attorney, call Richard Merritt today at 770-744-5599, or complete the contact form provided on this site to arrange your free initial consultation.
ADDRESS OF THE FIRM:
Law Offices of Richard V. Merrit
1265 West Spring St., Ste A
Smyrna, GA 30080
Phone: 770-744-5599
Hours: M-F, 8:00AM-5:00PM
Attorney Richard V. Merritt
Jurisdictions Attorney is Licensed in:: All Georgia state trial and appellate courts, all Georgia federal courts.
Date Admitted to the Bar: 2000
Colleges Attended, Degree & Year Graduated: University of Georgia, 1992-1996, Bachelor of Arts; Mississippi College School of Law, 1996-1999, Juris Doctor.
Professional Memberships & Achievements: Member, State Bar of Georgia, American Bar Association, Cobb County Bar Association, Atlanta Bar Association, Georgia Trial Lawyer’s Association, UGA Alumni Association; barrister, Lamar and Bleckley Inns of Court; graduate, 2004 NAAG Trial Advocacy, 2002 DUI/Vehicular Homicide and 2001 BASIC Litigation Courses; judge, William F. Daniel and state high school mock trial competitions; legal intern/clerk, Mississippi Attorney General's Office; while at UGA, elected president of the Demosthenian Literary/Debate Society (oldest in the South); member, Defender/Advocate Society; selected for UGA at Oxford Program (Oxford University, England); undergraduate summer intern for Baker & McKenzie.
Personal Background: Rich is thirty-six (36) years old. His wife Jenine, thirty-four (34), is a “Double-Dawg”, having obtained both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees from the University of Georgia. Jenine is in her eighth year of practice at the Paces Ferry Veterinary Clinic in Vinings. Their son, Jack, is six (6), and their daughter, Mia, is four (4). His father was career Air Force, retiring as a full colonel. Rich was born on February 23, 1974, at Fort Belvoir Army Base in Virginia. Given his father’s military career, they moved around a good bit. Rich has lived in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Virginia and overseas, in Saudi Arabia.
Rich graduated from the University of Georgia in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, double-majoring in English and Political Science. He then attended the Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson, Mississippi, graduating in 1999.
Tried over fifty (50) civil and criminal cases to verdict. Represented plaintiffs and defendants in all aspects of tort litigation, with particular emphasis on medical malpractice, wrongful death and catastrophic injury. Represented plaintiff and defendant corporations of various sizes in commercial disputes involving breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, business torts and equitable claims. Drafted/filed answers to complaints, engaged in written discovery, conducted/defended fact and expert witness depositions, drafted/argued motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment, negotiated settlements, negotiated at mediation, argued at trial, and drafted/filed appellate briefs in both the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. As a prosecutor, negotiated/presented hundreds of pleas at arraignment, drafted/argued motions in limine and responses to motions to suppress, drafted/filed hundreds of accusations and conducted witness interviews in preparation for trial.