Federal Appeals &
Criminal Defense Lawyers

Get the personalization and experience you need to win your criminal defense case.

What you can expect:

  • A criminal defense lawyer you can trust to work tirelessly for you
  • The experience needed to get the best possible results for your situation
  • A level of communication that ensures you know exactly what’s going on with your case
  • An unparalleled amount of dedication to all aspects of your case
  • An honest appraisal of your case from an experienced and trusted advisor
Free Case Evaluation

Experienced Legal Representation for a Range of Federal and State Case Types

We understand the complexities and challenges of navigating the legal system. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing expert legal representation across a variety of case types. Whether you are facing federal or state charges, seeking an appeal, or exploring post-conviction relief options, we are here to guide you through every step of the process. Explore our specialized services in the following areas:

Federal Pre-Trial

Learn More chevron-right

Federal Appeals

Learn More chevron-right

Federal Habeas Corpus

Learn More chevron-right

State Motion for New Trial

Learn More chevron-right

State Appeals

Learn More chevron-right

State Habeas Corpus

Learn More chevron-right

State Parole

Learn More chevron-right

State Conviction Integrity

Learn More chevron-right

Free Case Evaluation

    • Contact Info

    • Message

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    Protecting Your Best Interests In All Federal Crimes

    cases won to-date

    Meet Your Criminal Defense Attorneys

    Marcia G. Shein

    Attorney Marcia Shein is a nationally recognized attorney in federal pre-trial, sentencing, appeals and post-conviction relief whose articles, and personal interviews have been published in numerous state and national law journals.

    Read More

    Elizabeth A. Brandenburg

    Attorney Elizabeth Brandenburg represents clients for crimes throughout the state of Georgia and federal court, specializing in appeals and post-conviction litigation. She is an adjunct faculty member at Mercer Law School where she teaches advanced legal and appellate writing.

    Read More

    Leigh S. Schrope

    Attorney Leigh Schrope has dedicated her career to criminal defense and has worked with a variety of clients, juvenile and adult, in Georgia state courts and federal courts around the country. Thanks to her preparation and persistence, she has been able to negotiate favorable pleas.

    Read More

    Helping You Successfully Navigate the Criminal Justice System

    I am not a lawyer, so good help is helpful.  In the two cases prior to the one documented above, I represented myself at Both Jury Trials.  A concerned loved one hired Marcia Shein, after the second trial – who found that the trial proceedings legally mis-trialed due to interruptions and mis proceedings that entitled me to a New Trial.  Marcia Shein was very helpful. Best in Georgia? Or Best in the South?  Shes good.

    - Anonymous

    I won’t go into detail about Ms. Shein’s impressive credentials. Rather I want to tell you how, as my criminal defense attorney, she is committed to me on a personal level. Unlike many attorneys, Ms. Shein actually CARES about her clients and what happens to them. To her, we are not simply “another inmate in prison”, rather we’re people too and we still have rights.

    - B.D.W.

    Dear Marcia,

    ..."I appreciate all you've done for me over the years! I can never fully thank you and Elizabeth for your hard work and professionalism! It has truly been a pleasure getting to know you! I hope and trust I never have any need for your services again, but if someone close to me falls victim to the system...rest assured you'll hear from me!..."

    - Carlton D.

    Ms. Shein represented my husband in a federal case. She is extremely knowledgeable about the federal process, has excellent communication skills, was very responsive and always follows up with any query or request. I would recommend her to anyone that requires legal advice or representation.

    - Cecelia W.

    Not only is Marcia one of the most intelligent lawyers I have met, but she is filled with compassion. I have the utmost respect for her, for she tells it like it is. I always knew where I stood, and what my options were. I reside in Massachusetts and could not find anyone locally that knows more about post conviction as Marcia does. She is definitely a rarity. She will fight for everything you have coming and then some! To this day Marcia continues to answer all my emails and phone calls. I have never not received a response from Marcia herself. I have, and will continue to highly recommend Marcia to anyone in need of a top-notch federal criminal defense lawyer whether it be pre-trial, sentencing, appeals, or post conviction.

    - Christine

    I can’t even begin to find the words to express my gratitude for all you’ve done for our family this past 14 months. I shudder to think where we may have ended up if he had not had you as his advocate, attorney and friend. We are all eternally thankful and feel that you will always be “family” to us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

    - Darlene H.

    Thank you for all of your help, you two are by far the best in your profession. The courts may not review every case that passes through their jurisdiction, but this firm has provided me with the best legal assistance I’ve received since I’ve been incarcerated. I am already aware of my federal habeas petition, I don’t have any questions, I just wanted to show my appreciation, I always refer potential clients to your firm.

    - Richard B.

    What to Expect During a Federal Appeals Process

    When criminal cases go before federal appellate courts, each side typically has 15 minutes to present oral arguments. In most cases, the decisions rendered by the federal appellate courts is final. However, judges can also send the case back to trial court and ask that court to review additional proceedings that may not have been available when the appellate court rendered a decision. One or both parties can also request the case to go before the United States Supreme Court in the District of Columbia.

    Pursuing a Supreme Court Case

    A federal appellate court is the highest court available at the state level. Any party who loses their case at that level and wishes to advance it to the Supreme Court must complete and file a document called Writ of Certiorari. The document completes the formal process of asking the Supreme Court to review the case. Parties to a federal appellate court case should understand that the Supreme Court is under no obligation to accept or hear cases.

    Typically, the Supreme Court reserves its calendar for those cases involving a crucial legal matter that could set a future precedent. The body of nine justices may also decide to hear cases when multiple federal appellate courts heard the case previously and arrived at a different legal interpretation. Normally this situation involves two lower courts, but it could be more.

    Under federal law, the Supreme Court must hear appeals based on limited individual circumstances. Your appeals attorney at the Shein, Brandenburg & Schrope Federal Criminal Law Center is the best person to advise you on whether your criminal case qualifies for a Supreme Court exception.

    In The News

    The best thing to do is have a conversation with us...

    Call or Text at 404.633.3797

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.