William T. Hankins III, Criminal Defense Attorney in Decatur, Georgia
Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Family Law · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Dekalb County Public Defender's Office
Decatur, GA
Practicing criminal defense in Decatur since 1979.
- 47+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you William T. Hankins III?
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Quick answer
William T. Hankins III is a dekalb county public defender's office based in Decatur, GA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Family Law. William has over 47 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Decatur, GA
- Experience
- over 47 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Estate Planning · Family Law
- Handles Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Family Law matters from Decatur, GA.
- Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About William T. Hankins III: William T. Hankins III is a dekalb county public defender's office based in Decatur, GA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Family Law. William has over 47 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
William's practice areas in Decatur
William concentrates on criminal defense, estate planning, family law, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Estate Planning
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Family Law
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General
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Litigation
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Wills
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Criminal Defense cases in Decatur, Georgia
William takes criminal defense matters in Decatur, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Decatur, Georgia
William takes estate planning matters in Decatur, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Decatur, Georgia
William takes family law matters in Decatur, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
General cases in Decatur, Georgia
William takes general matters in Decatur, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Decatur, Georgia
William takes litigation matters in Decatur, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Biography
William T. Hankins III, criminal defense attorney serving Decatur
William T. Hankins III is a dekalb county public defender's office based in Decatur, GA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Family Law. William has over 47 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. William works from Decatur, Georgia and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Mr. William T. Hankins III is a lawyer practicing criminal law, domestic relations law, wills and estates law and 2 other areas of law. William received a B.B.A. degree from University of Georgia in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years. William practices in Decatur, GA.
William's approach to criminal defense cases
Mr. William T. Hankins III is a lawyer practicing criminal law, domestic relations law, wills and estates law and 2 other areas of law. William received a B.B.A. degree from University of Georgia in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years. William practices in Decatur, GA.
Clients William works with
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, estate planning, and family law matters in Decatur and the surrounding Georgia area.
Credentials
Credentials — where William studied and practices
University of Georgia
J.D. · 1979
University of Georgia
B.B.A. · 1976
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
Georgia
1979 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in University of Georgia and B.B.A. in University of Georgia.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in University of Georgia and B.B.A. in University of Georgia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Georgia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
William's legal honors and published work
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
William T. Hankins III's office in Decatur
William's primary office is at 320 Church St, Decatur, GA, 30030-3331. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of William T. Hankins III — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Decatur.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William T. Hankins III claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William T. Hankins III — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Decatur, Georgia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for William
William discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William T. Hankins III
How much does it cost to hire William for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Georgia typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Decatur?
William is licensed in Georgia. Matters governed by Georgia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — William will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with William?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Decatur, Atlanta and Marietta in Georgia
William handles criminal defense matters throughout Georgia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Georgia
If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Decatur handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





