Tom Withers | Attorney

Tom Withers graduated from the University of Georgia, earning both his undergraduate and J.D. degrees.  After graduating law school, Mr. Withers began his law practice at Oliver, Maner & Gray in Savannah, Georgia.  Then, Mr. Withers accepted a position with the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Georgia. While serving as an Assistant United States Attorney  Mr. Withers was appotinted Chief of the Criminal Section where he served as lead counsel in the prosecution of ABC Home Health Services.  After leaving the federal government, Mr. Withers returned to private practice and joined Gillen, Withers and Lake as a partner in 1998.  Mr. Withers focuses his practice on federal and state criminal defense, severe medical malpractice cases, and national class action suits.

Mr. Withers is a member of the Georgia Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense  Lawyers, Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the American Trial Lawyers Association and the Savannah Bar Association.  Mr. Withers is also the co-author of the federal criminal defense blog under the Resource link of the web site.

Tom Withers of Gillen, Withers & Lake, LLC, uses his twenty plus years of experience to successfully represent his clients who have been accused of white collar crimes. His experience includes his more than eight years as a federal prosecutor.   

Mr. Withers defends those accused of white-collar crimes in both the United States District Courts and the State Courts of Georgia. Whether the charge is bid rigging or Medicare/Medicaid fraud, Mr. Withers prepares each case with painstaking attention to detail. He treats every case as if it were going to trial and as a result of his careful preparation, he has had many cases dismissed before the trial begins.  

Well respected by peers and former clients alike, Mr. Withers represents clients in need of a white collar criminal defense attorney in Augusta, Savannah and elsewhere in the State of  Georgia .  

White Collar Crime - An Overview  

Crimes that do not involve physical violence, and that relate largely to financial matters, are often called "white-collar crimes." White-collar crimes involve most of the same legal principles as do other crimes, and people charged with white-collar crimes have the same rights and protections as defendants accused of other crimes. On the other hand, white-collar offenses are often very complex, and involve numerous complicated legal and factual issues. The possible penalties include fines, prison sentences, and criminal forfeiture.   

If you have been charged with a white-collar crime, it is essential that you seek legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney at once so that you can preserve your rights and protect your future.   

The White Collar Criminal Investigation  

The investigation of a white-collar crime can be a long, involved process, and may go on for months or years. A citizen may be a target of a criminal investigation, and not know it until formal charges are filed. However, it is essential that defense lawyers become involved in the matter as early as possible. Many white-collar criminal defendants have had their cases damaged by something they said or did in the early stages of an investigation. A defense lawyer should be consulted before any meeting, however innocuous it may seem, with law enforcement.  

Effective Representation Requires Preparation, Care for Clients and Passion  

Mr. Withers prides himself in working hard for his clients and being accessible to them. He updates them constantly and thoroughly on all aspects of their cases. Mr. Withers loves his work and is honored to fight for the rights of all his clients.  

REPRESENTATIVE CASES :  

United States v. R.P. - won a federal jury trial for an insurance agent accused of mail and wire  fraud. After one week trial the client was found not guilty all charges.  

United States v. B.D. - won a federal jury trial for our client, a former government employee charged in a bid rigging case. After 2 and a half week trial Mr. B.D. was found not guilty of all charges.  

United States v. R.E. - successfully resolved an environmental prosecution where our client was facing years in prison if convicted. We rejected all plea offers and were prepared for trial.  The government dismissed all charges the week before trial.  

United States v. B.K. - local official received sentence of home confinement in downward departure from sentencing guidelines.  

State of Georgia v. B.M. - licensed professional entered guilty plea under the First Offenders Act to Medicaid Fraud receiving a sentence of a fine and probation that terminated on payment of fine. Client paid fine at sentencing, so he walked free from court with neither probation, nor criminal record.  

State of Georgia v. A.S. - Successfully resolved a murder case by convincing the state to dismiss all charges days before trial. Our client was facing a possible sentence of life without parole. Defense investigation, including polygraph by former FBI polygrapher, revealed that Mr. S. only fired his weapon in self defense. We rejected all plea offers and were prepared for trial.  

State of Georgia v. C.C. - client charged with armed robbery. Trial ended in hung jury. District attorney reduced charge to robbery by force, and client, who had remained imprisoned since arrest, went home that day.  

State of Georgia v. M.U. - client charged with forgery and theft offenses. We prepared for trial, rejected all plea offers and all charges were dismissed prior to trial.  

State of Georgia v. M.L. - client, a local businessman, was charged with possessing 30 pounds of marijuana with intent to distribute.  Following guilty plea, we presented character evidence of client's changed life since his arrest, and client was sentenced to 5 years probation.   

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