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Get The Experience You Need When It Matters Most

Statesboro Criminal Defense Law Firm

Protect Yourself from the Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

Being arrested is scary. Once you are booked for the criminal offense, the state immediately begins building their case against you. Their goal is to make sure you face the full extent of the penalties for your crime, so it is important that you get the help of an experienced Statesboro criminal defense lawyer who knows how to protect your rights and help you obtain the best possible outcome for your situation.

Since 1999, Attorney Scott Brannen has worked in the criminal sector, first as a prosecuting attorney, then as a criminal defense advocate. Schedule your personal consultation with the Brannen Law Office, P.C. today to get started protecting yourself.

Dial (912) 225-0066 now to begin planning for your case. You can also contact our Statesboro criminal defense lawyer online.

Experience on Both Sides of the Law

As a former prosecuting attorney, serving as Assistant District Attorney for the State of Georgia for over 10 years, Scott Brannen has a deep understanding of the strategies used against defendants. His knowledge of how to help his clients protect their rights has earned him a 9.4 Superb Avvo Rating and the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award for criminal defense.

The Brannen Law Office, P.C. helps clients fight criminal charges such as:

When you work with our firm, you get the in-depth knowledge and insights of an attorney with more than 26+ years of experience handling criminal cases.

Why Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Hiring a criminal defense attorney is a crucial step when facing criminal charges, and it's a decision that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. They possess the expertise, experience, and resources necessary to navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system. First and foremost, they are well-versed in the law and can provide you with a deep understanding of your rights and the charges you're facing. They can help build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances, ensuring that your side of the story is effectively presented in court.

Additionally, criminal defense attorneys are skilled negotiators who can potentially secure plea deals or reduced sentences, minimizing the potential consequences of your charges. Overall, hiring a criminal defense attorney is not just about legal representation; it's about safeguarding your rights, securing a fair trial, and striving for the best possible outcome in a challenging situation. 

Credentials & Background

Why Statesboro Trusts Attorney Walter Scott Brannen

Beyond his years as a prosecutor and defense advocate, Mr. Brannen's verified education, bar and court admissions, and independent professional ratings are set out below so you can review his qualifications for yourself.

β€œIt’s not just about what you do, it’s sometimes how you do it that matters the most, and that’s how I approach things.”

Education

  • J.D., Samford University, Cumberland School of Law β€” 1999
  • B.A., Georgia Southern University β€” 1995 (English and Political Science, double major)
  • Legal studies, University of Victoria

Source: Justia attorney profile

Bar & Court Admissions

  • State Bar of Georgia β€” 1999 [GA BAR NO.] (Active Member in Good Standing)
  • Superior Court of Georgia β€” 2000
  • Georgia Court of Appeals β€” 2000
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Georgia β€” 2001
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit β€” 2001
  • United States Supreme Court β€” 2013

Career & Firm History

  • Prosecuting Attorney, District Attorney offices β€” 1999–2010
  • Owner, The Brannen Law Office, P.C. β€” 2010–2013
  • Partner/Owner, Roach & Brannen, LLP β€” 2013–2015
  • Owner/Attorney, The Brannen Law Office, P.C. β€” 2016–present
  • Adjunct Professor, Georgia Southern University β€” 2002–2005

Associations & Service

  • Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers β€” member since 2001
  • State Bar of Georgia, Criminal Law Section β€” since 2002
  • Council of Municipal Court Judges of Georgia β€” District 1 Representative, since 2011
  • United States Supreme Court Bar β€” since 2013

Publications & Speaking

  • β€œMake a Will, protect loved ones,” Statesboro Herald β€” 2015
  • Avvo legal guides on Georgia DUI penalties and college alcohol offenses β€” 2016
  • Guest speaker on criminal law and punishment theory: Statesboro High School (2005), SEB High School (2006), university students (2008)
90+ Felony jury trials in Superior Court
Hundreds Of cases tried in State Court
Federal Court trial practice
Death penalty Among the most serious cases tried
Client Reviews

β€œWorking with The Brannen Law Office was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From the very beginning, they were professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to my case. They fought hard for me and ultimately beat my case, which was a huge relief and life-changing outcome. Their confidence and experience really showed in and out of the courtroom.”

Miguel M. Google Review

β€œScott was the best advocate I could have asked forβ€”honest, steady, and dedicated. He never promised results, only that he would work tirelessly on my behalf, and he did. He was always reachable, answered even my simplest questions with patience, and made a complicated process feel manageable. The outcome truly changed my life.”

Jesse S. Google Review

β€œScott is hands down the best attorney in the Statesboro area. He took my case seriously from day one, kept me informed, and fought hard in court. You could tell he genuinely cared and believed in me.”

Logan S. Google Review

β€œMe and my fiancΓ© owe this man our lives. Mr. Brannen took on this case and made us feel like family and treated us like family. It didn’t seem like just a case for him - he seemed like he actually cared which is extremely hard to come by. Needless to say Mr Brannen got us the absolute best outcome. Truly made a miracle happen!”

Madison C. Google Review

β€œHe really and truly cares about the people he represents! He represented me with integrity, passion, and honesty! My case got dismissed and he still makes sure i’m doing good! He creates a family like environment with trust and respect. 10/10 WOULD RECOMMEND!!!!”

Lyvv D. Google Review

Facing criminal charges in Statesboro or Bulloch County? Put a former prosecutor’s experience on your side.

Request Your Consultation

What Is a Plea Bargain, and Should You Accept One?

A plea bargain is an agreement between a defendant and the prosecutor in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to only some of the charges brought against them. In return, the prosecutor offers a more lenient sentence or dismisses other charges. Plea bargains are common in criminal cases, as they allow both sides to avoid the uncertainty of a trial and can lead to quicker resolutions.

However, whether you should accept a plea bargain depends on various factors. It’s essential to consider the strength of the evidence against you, the potential penalties if you go to trial, and your long-term goals. Accepting a plea bargain may result in a lesser sentence, but it also means you’ll have a criminal conviction on your record.

Before accepting any plea offer, it's crucial to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. They can evaluate the deal, explain the consequences, and advise whether accepting the plea is in your best interest. Every case is unique, so having professional guidance ensures that your decision is well-informed and aligned with your goals.

Schedule Your Personalized Consultation

At the Brannen Law Office, P.C., we offer personal consultations for those charged with criminal offenses. As these first moments following your arrest can be pivotal moments in the outcome of your case, it is important that you call a capable Statesboro criminal defense lawyer before speaking to police.

Even when you think you are helping your case by explaining yourself, police can use any statement you make against you. During your initial consultation, we will go over your situation and help you better understand the legal options you have available.

Some important things to remember are:

  • Police must obtain evidence lawfully: If we are able to show that the proof against you was obtained in any way that was not totally legal, your case could even be dropped.
  • It may have been someone else: There are plenty of cases where a mistaken identity put an innocent person away. By requiring your accuser to positively identify you, there is a chance you may be able to protect yourself.
  • Telling your story matters: With the help of an experienced lawyer, you can tell your side of the events in a compelling way. There are often details that police do not collect for their cases, so uncovering these events can help you obtain a better outcome.

Call (912) 225-0066 now and schedule your personal consultation with our Statesboro criminal defense lawyer.

Criminal Defense FAQs: Statesboro & Bulloch County

Answers to the questions we hear most often from people facing criminal charges in Statesboro, Bulloch County, and the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit.

  • It depends on the charge. Felony cases are heard in Bulloch County Superior Court at the Judicial Annex, 20 Siebald Street in Statesboro. Misdemeanor and traffic cases go to the State Court of Bulloch County, located in the historic courthouse at 30 North Main Street, while city ordinance violations are handled by Statesboro Municipal Court.

    Knowing which court has your case matters, because the judges, prosecutors, and procedures differ in each one. Our office appears in all of these courts and can tell you exactly what to expect, whether you are facing a felony or a misdemeanor.

  • People arrested in Bulloch County are held at the Bulloch County Jail on U.S. Highway 301 North while awaiting their first court appearance or a bond hearing. For felony charges in Bulloch County, bond is typically not set at the initial appearance. Instead, a Superior Court judge must set bond, which generally requires an attorney to file the proper paperwork and request a hearing, or to negotiate a consent bond with the District Attorney's office.

    Retaining a lawyer quickly is often the fastest path to release. Call us as soon as possible after an arrest.

  • Bulloch County is part of the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit, which also includes Effingham, Jenkins, and Screven counties. Superior Court judges rotate through the counties of the circuit, and felony cases here are prosecuted by the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney's office, based in Statesboro.

    This means your court dates depend on the circuit's calendar rather than a single county schedule. A local attorney who practices in these courtrooms every week knows the judges, the prosecutors, and the calendar, and can use that familiarity to your advantage.

  • Yes, for eligible defendants. The Ogeechee Circuit Mental Health / Drug Court serves Bulloch, Effingham, Jenkins, and Screven counties and gives participants the opportunity to pursue treatment for addiction or mental health needs while resolving their criminal case. The Drug Court is a 24-month, five-phase program for adults with a substance use disorder who have pending felony charges or a probation revocation, and participants must live within the circuit.

    Not every charge qualifies, so talk to our attorney about whether an accountability court is an option in your drug crime case.

  • Georgia's First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. Β§ 42-8-60) allows certain defendants with no prior felony convictions to enter a plea without a formal adjudication of guilt. If you complete your sentence successfully, the case is discharged without a conviction and the record is restricted from public view.

    It is a one-time opportunity, and it is not available for every offense, including DUI, serious violent felonies, and sexual offenses. Deciding whether to use First Offender treatment is a strategic choice you should only make with an attorney's guidance.

Have a question about your case? Attorney Scott Brannen, a former prosecutor, has defended criminal cases in Statesboro and the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit since 1999. Call (912) 225-0066 or reach out online.

Schedule a Consultation

Testimonials

The Opinions That Matter Most
    "Mr Scott we were definitely in good hands"

    My family was very pleased with how Mr Scott Brannen handled our case. He was very compassionate and understanding. He truly fought to get us the best outcome and he treated it as though it was an urgent matter!! With the Lord Jesus hearing and answering our prayers and leading us to Mr Scott we were definitely in good hands. Call him if you need an awesome lawyer because he will surely get the job done!!!

    - April B.
    "I recommend him to anyone"

    Mr. Brannen is the best in the boro! He was very patient and understanding with my case. The outcome was better than I expected. I recommend him to anyone that needs a good lawyer! Thank you Mr Brannen for all your time and patience. I'm forever grateful. I would also like to add that Mrs. Paige was very nice and professional. She answered all my questions and helped me out so much. Thanks again you two πŸ₯°

    - Selina P.
    "If I could give ten stars I would again and again."
    Choosing Brannen Law Office to represent me was the best choice I could have made! Mr. Brannen and Paige made sure to make me feel comfortable right away dealing with custody of my daughter. I was nervous thinking of all the possible outcomes prior to meeting with any lawyers being new to the area, but Mr. Brannen and Paige walked me through the entire process and answered any questions I had. Mr. Brannen explained how my case would be handled and the outcome that would be the best for my daughter and my family. He delivered on that outcome and exceeded it! Paige is fantastic and extremely thorough in her work, truly amazing person. If I could give ten stars I would again and again. They both helped me and my family! Thank you again for all that you both did I’m forever grateful!
    - MC
    "Professional yet personable."

    If you're looking for professional yet personable counsel then Mr. Scott is your guy. He was there for me and my family and we are very grateful for the outcome. I felt he was a good listener and I highly reccomend him! Thank you again guys!

    - Becca H.
    "By far the best criminal attorney I know."

    The DA wanted me to do 10 years to life,Scott got me probation.No time to serve.He is by far the best criminal attorney I know.If you need a good lawyer,I strongly recommend Scott Brannen.He knows what he’s doing,good w the judges & kept me informed each move& decision that was being made.

    - Jimmy S.
    "I am grateful to have had his support, guidance, and defense in my case."
    I highly recommend Scott Brannen to defend your criminal law case. He and his legal secretary, Paige, are both professional and personal in their communications and interactions. I felt at ease while facing an otherwise uncomfortable situation.

    Scott's knowledge of criminal law and legal procedures was evident from the initial consultation through the trial hearing. His prior experience and expertise in his field was clearly demonstrated in his approach and through his strategic responses in court.
    He was careful to ensure that he shed light on all critical elements as well as circumstantial aspects of my case.

    I am beyond pleased with the outcome of my trial hearing. I am grateful to have had his support, guidance, and defense in my case. I felt was in good hands from the beginning to the end. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
    - Amy D.

Why Hire The Brannen Law Office P.C.?

  • Thousands of DUI and criminal cases handled.
  • Our attorney is a trial lawyer with extensive courtroom experience.
  • Our attorney is top rated and award winning.
  • Our lawyer is a former prosecutor & knows both sides of the law.

Awards & Accolades

  • Supreme Court
  • Georgia State Bar
  • GACDL
  • AVVO Top Rated
  • AVVO Award 2017
  • AVVO Award 2015 Wills
  • AVVO Award 2015 State Local Law
  • AVVO Award 2015 Real Estate
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