About Caldwell & Maddox, LLC — Criminal Defense Thomaston, Georgia
Criminal defense Thomaston clients and families across Upson County turn to Caldwell & Maddox, LLC for comprehensive representation in criminal, family, divorce, and bankruptcy matters throughout the Griffin Judicial Circuit. The firm handles felony and misdemeanor criminal defense alongside divorce, custody, and bankruptcy — giving Thomaston area families a single local resource for the overlapping legal challenges that often arise together. Criminal defense Thomaston cases proceed through the Upson County Superior Court at 116 W Main St, which holds exclusive jurisdiction over felony prosecutions, divorce, and equity matters in the county. Browse Thomaston attorneys for additional resources in the area.
Upson County’s Griffin Judicial Circuit sees a mix of DUI, drug possession, property crime, and domestic violence matters typical of mid-size rural Georgia counties. The firm’s broad practice scope — spanning criminal defense, divorce, real estate, employment, and immigration matters — reflects the legal reality in smaller markets where clients need an attorney who can address multiple issues without referral to distant specialists.
What Clients Say
Clients describe the Caldwell & Maddox attorneys as thorough, accessible, and well-regarded in Upson County courts. Reviewers highlight the firm’s ability to handle complex multi-issue cases — where a client may face simultaneous criminal charges and divorce proceedings — as a significant practical advantage. The firm’s local reputation and courtroom relationships within the Griffin Circuit are consistently cited as meaningful assets.
Criminal Defense Thomaston — Practice Areas & Services
- DUI defense in Upson County State Court — including administrative license suspension hearings before the Georgia Office of State Administrative Hearings
- Felony criminal defense in Upson County Superior Court for drug, assault, theft, and property crimes
- Divorce and child custody matters in Upson County Superior Court for Thomaston area families
- Bankruptcy filings — Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 — for clients in the Northern District of Georgia
- Family law matters including adoption, modification of custody orders, and child support enforcement
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for a first DUI in Georgia?
A first DUI conviction in Georgia carries a mandatory minimum of 24 hours in jail (up to 12 months), a fine of $300–$1,000, 40 hours of community service, completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program, and a 12-month probationary period. License suspension follows automatically. An Upson County criminal defense attorney can challenge the stop, field sobriety test administration, or breath test results to seek a reduction or dismissal.
How does Georgia’s First Offender Act work?
Georgia’s First Offender Act allows eligible first-time defendants to plead guilty and complete a probationary sentence without a conviction being entered on their record. Upon successful completion, the case is discharged and the record can be sealed. Not all offenses qualify, and the prosecutor must agree. A criminal defense Thomaston attorney can evaluate whether your charge qualifies and whether the First Offender Act is the right strategy for your case.
Which court handles felony cases in Upson County?
Felony cases in Upson County are prosecuted in the Upson County Superior Court, part of the Griffin Judicial Circuit. The courthouse is located at 116 W Main St in Thomaston. Misdemeanor matters proceed through the Upson County State Court, also located at the courthouse. Preliminary hearings for felonies are often held in Magistrate Court before transfer to Superior Court for indictment or accusation.
Quick Facts: Criminal Defense in Thomaston, Georgia
- Georgia first DUI minimum: 24 hours jail, $300–$1,000 fine, 40 hours community service — Georgia Department of Law
- Upson County Superior Court: 116 W Main St, Thomaston — Griffin Judicial Circuit — handles all felony and divorce matters — Georgia Courts
- First Offender Act: Georgia Code § 42-8-60 allows eligible first-time offenders to avoid a permanent conviction upon completing probation — Georgia General Assembly


