Strong.
Skilled.
Strategic.
Defense.
Athens Criminal Defense and Professional Licensing Attorney
Years of Experience
Who We Are
Criminal Defense and Professional Licensing Attorney in Athens, GA.
Handling criminal cases in Athens-Clarke, Banks, Barrow, Elbert, Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Rabun, Stephens, Taliaferro, and Wilkes Counties.
Accepting professional licensing cases throughout Georgia.
About
Meet Leslie Spornberger Jones
Leslie Spornberger Jones has practiced criminal law in and around Athens, Georgia for more than 20 years. With a huge preference for the underdog and a firm belief in personal liberty, she spends her days in federal, state, and local courts defending clients charged with everything from speeding to murder with strong, skilled, strategic, client-focused defense.
An Atlanta native, she received a triple bachelor’s degree in English, anthropology, and Spanish from the University of Georgia in 1996. She is a proud 2004 graduate of the Georgia State University College of Law, where she was a Moot Court and Student Trial Lawyers Association member. She also holds a master’s degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma, where she studied punk rock.
When she is not in court, she loves to travel, knit, crochet, draw, and read. She is a self-described “rabid” Rock Lobsters hockey fan. She is also a pretty good bowler.
Our Services
How We Defend You
Felonies
Felony charges in Georgia carry serious consequences, including potential prison time. If you’re facing a felony, you need a fearless, strategic advocate on your side. Leslie delivers strong, creative defense in even the toughest cases.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanor charges may seem minor, but they can still carry jail time, hefty fines, and lasting consequences. Leslie approaches every misdemeanor case with the same strategic focus and attention to detail as serious felonies.
Professional Licenses
If your professional license is at risk, so is your livelihood. Leslie has successfully defended clients before multiple Georgia licensing boards, helping professionals maintain their careers when their credentials are challenged.
Trials and Appeals
Leslie has tried dozens of cases and argued over 50 appeals before Georgia’s highest courts and the Eleventh Circuit. Whether at trial or on appeal, she brings deep experience and sharp strategy to every stage of your case.
Traffic
In Georgia, many traffic violations are misdemeanors that can lead to fines, jail time, or license issues. With over six years as a municipal court judge, Leslie knows how to handle even the most technical traffic cases.
Testimonial
From Our Clients
This woman is absolutely amazing. She is the definition of above and beyond. Watching her work is like watching a piece of art being created in front of you [...].
If you need one of the best attorneys in Northern GA, this is definitely one of the first ones you should speak with.
— M. Fields
Man I never thought I would need an attorney or be writing a review for one!! We hired Leslie to represent our juvenile child. She was everything and more that we needed to get through all the legal matters. She was also always a practical and calming presence for a really stressed mom. Our family is really thankful we hired Leslie and would highly recommend her to anyone in need.
— C. Burgesss
Leslie Jones is an absolute amazing attorney!!!
Leslie took my nephew's case and did an outstanding job.
We are so blessed to have had her as his attorney she literally saved his life. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs a great attorney.
Thank you again Leslie Jones for your service and loyalty to my nephew.
— T. Kelly
This woman is absolutely amazing. She is the definition of above and beyond. Watching her work is like watching a piece of art being created in front of you [...].
If you need one of the best attorneys in Northern GA, this is definitely one of the first ones you should speak with.
— M. Fields
This woman is absolutely amazing. She is the definition of above and beyond. Watching her work is like watching a piece of art being created in front of you [...].
If you need one of the best attorneys in Northern GA, this is definitely one of the first ones you should speak with.
— M. Fields
This woman is absolutely amazing. She is the definition of above and beyond. Watching her work is like watching a piece of art being created in front of you [...].
If you need one of the best attorneys in Northern GA, this is definitely one of the first ones you should speak with.
— M. Fields
Blog
Case Results
Motion to Suppress Granted after Motion to Reconsider, October 2024
Client, along with two co-Defendants, was charged in a drug case. Basic facts were that Client was outside a business late at night in the early morning hours. Cops claimed there had been burglaries...
Authored Amicus Brief for GACDL on Case Where Murder Convictions Reversed
Appellate wins are hard to come by. Last year, Leslie had the honor to work on an amicus "friend of the court" brief on behalf of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (GACDL) on an...
Felony Murder Reduced to Involuntary Manslaughter, December 2024
Felony murder reduced to involuntary manslaughter in a tragic case where Client was prosecuted for the death of a family member who died of a drug overdose. The original indictment included multiple...
Motion to Suppress Granted after Motion to Reconsider, October 2024
Client, along with two co-Defendants, was charged in a drug case. Basic facts were that Client was outside a business late at night in the early morning hours. Cops claimed there had been burglaries...
Authored Amicus Brief for GACDL on Case Where Murder Convictions Reversed
Appellate wins are hard to come by. Last year, Leslie had the honor to work on an amicus "friend of the court" brief on behalf of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (GACDL) on an...
Felony Murder Reduced to Involuntary Manslaughter, December 2024
Felony murder reduced to involuntary manslaughter in a tragic case where Client was prosecuted for the death of a family member who died of a drug overdose. The original indictment included multiple...
Drug Trafficking Case Dismissed before Hearing on Motion to Suppress, February 2025
Client charged with drug trafficking based on a traffic stop for a minor traffic violation. Facing 10 to 30 years in prison if convicted. Very difficult facts. Filed a motion to suppress anyway....
Defending Your Liberty and Livelihood
Strong, skilled, strategic defense across Northeast Georgia.
Defending Your Liberty and Livelihood
Strong, skilled, strategic defense across Northeast Georgia.