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Andrew J. Watson
Law Offices of Zachary J. Burkhalter
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Claimed Lawyer Profile
Education
- Vanderbilt University Law School
- J.D. (2013) | Law
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- University System of Georgia - University of Georgia
- B.A. (2008) | Political Science
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- Honors: Summa cum laude with highest honors
- Activities: University Judiciary Executive Director
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Professional Experience
- Senior Associate
- Law Offices of Zachary J. Burkhalter
- - Current
- Adjunct Professor/Teacher
- Georgia Northwestern Technical College/Rome City Schools
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- Educate high school students on the inner workings of the legal system, focusing on Constitutional law, Criminal law, and various types of Civil law while also incorporating job readiness skills; create, identify, and revise course material in conjunction with Georgia Department of Education Standards to provide an informative and engaging experience for students; collaborate with Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) faculty in the planning and instruction of three Dual Enrollment courses; founded and actively coach the Rome High School Chapter of the Georgia High School Mock Trial Competition. Courses taught include Introduction to Law & Public Safety, Essentials of Legal Services, and Applications of Law.
- Mental Health Court Coordinator
- Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit
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- Ensured the program operated effectively by monitoring and maintaining communication with the numerous partners involved in Mental Health Court; created Policy & Procedure Manual and Participant Handbook; drafted/reviewed agreements and waivers; conducted orientation with incoming participants and ensured data was entered per Council of Accountability Court Judges (CACJ) standards; administered LS/CMI, TCUDS-V, and CMHS assessments to potential participants to assess eligibility for program; managed participant progress and recommended sanctions and incentives; kept the Mental Health Court judge and all team members informed of participant progress and other aspects of the program.
- Assistant Public Defender
- Georgia Public Defender Council
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- Represented indigent defendants in criminal cases ranging from misdemeanor traffic violations to serious felonies such as Rape and Aggravated Child Molestation. Duties included interviewing and explaining the legal process to criminal defendants, requesting bonds and bond reductions, negotiating plea agreements, and appearing in court for probation revocation hearings, motion hearings, arraignments, trial calendar calls, and trials, researching relevant case law, and interviewing potential witnesses. Served as defense counsel in the Floyd County Drug Court Program. Duties included guiding potential participants through the referral process, participating in Drug Court team decisions such as which referrals to accept and appropriate sanctions for participants’ rule violations, and representing participants in termination hearings.
- Staff Attorney
- Floyd County Superior Court
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- Conducted legal research and analysis in a broad array of civil and criminal matters; conferred with judges concerning legal issues; prepared memos and assisted judges in drafting both basic and complex orders; attended court proceedings and provided various types of support.
Certifications
- Licensed
- Georgia Court of Appeals
- Licensed
- Georgia Supreme Court
Professional Associations
- State Bar of Georgia
- Member
- Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
- Georgia
- State Bar of Georgia
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Fees
- Free Consultation
- Credit Cards Accepted
Practice Areas
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
- Estate Planning
- Health Care Directives, Wills
- Family Law
- Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights
- Juvenile Law
- Probate
- Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
- Traffic Tickets
Languages
- English: Spoken, Written
Social Media
Websites & Blogs
- Website
- Law Offices of Zachary J. Burkhalter
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