Obtaining Results For Our Clients
For decades, Atlanta-based Garland, Samuel & Loeb has pursued one goal: obtaining justice for every client who walks through our door. Our team of lawyers has a reputation for excellence that is widely recognized and respected in Georgia and beyond.
Cases
Georgia Supreme Court Reverses Murder Conviction and Adopts the “Cumulative Error” Rule For All Future Cases
In 2020, Don Samuel persuaded the Georgia Supreme Court to adopt the “cumulative error” rule in criminal appeals, which requires the appellate court to reverse a conviction if several errors in the trial court rendered the trial unfair, even if any one of the errors, viewed in isolation, did not support a reversal. State v. Lane, 308 Ga. 10 (2020).
Georgia Supreme Court Overturns Murder Conviction in the Case of Tex McIver
In 2022, Don Samuel and his partner, Amanda Clark Palmer, succeeded in appealing and overturning the murder conviction of Claude “Tex” McIver. In a unanimous decision of the Georgia Supreme Court, the Court held that the trial court erred in permitting the prosecution to introduce various theories of motive for the alleged murder that had no factual support and also failed to properly instruct the jury on the possible lesser offense of misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter. McIver v. State, 314 Ga. 109 (2022).
Settlement of Homicide Charge in Movie Director's Case
In 2015, Don and his partner, Ed Garland represented the Director and Producer of a movie who were charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of a crew member who was killed by a train. Both were facing ten years in prison. After a year of negotiating with the prosecutors, the case against the Producer was dismissed entirely and the Director entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to serve 12 months.
International Customs Fraud Acquittal
In 2017, Don and his partner John Garland successfully defended a woman from Taiwan who was charged with conspiracy to violate the U.S. Customs laws in connection with the importation of lined notebook paper worth millions of dollars in violation of U.S. tariff and anti-dumping laws. She was acquitted in federal court of all charges.
Acquittal in Pill Mill Trial
In 2019, Don and his partner, Amanda Clark Palmer represented a doctor who operated a pain management clinic in Tennessee. The doctor was charged with operating a pill mill, dispensing opioids without a legitimate medical purpose. There were allegations that four patients died from using the improper prescriptions. After a five-week trial, the doctor was found not guilty of all charges, including illegally dispensing the drugs over a five-year period and several counts of money laundering.
United States Supreme Court Protects Right of Privacy
Don was co-counsel in the United States Supreme Court case Georgia v. Randolph decided by the Court in March 2006, which held that a consent search of a residence is not permitted if one spouse objects, even if the other spouse consents.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Don Samuel was counsel in the last three of the murder trials of Jim Williams, the antique dealer in Savannah, Georgia, whose case was chronicled in the best-selling book and the movie directed by Clint Eastwood, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Williams was tried four times for murder before being acquitted in the last trial.
Where others see problems - Garland, Samuel & Loeb sees opportunities.
With decades of experience, countless trials, untold time studying the law, the skill to envision creative solutions to complex problems, dedication to the client, and fearless advocacy in the courtroom, Garland, Samuel & Loeb knows how to make a difference for the client.
How Can We Help You?
When you hire the law firm of Garland, Samuel & Loeb, you can rely on us to do everything in our power to reach the best possible outcome in your case. Whether you have suffered a serious injury in an accident or are facing criminal charges, our attorneys will fight to see that your rights are protected from the start.