H. Maddox Kilgore

H. Maddox Kilgore is a highly recognized criminal defense attorney with decades of experience in Georgia’s legal system. Known for his work in high-stakes cases, he has earned honors such as a 10.0 Avvo rating, Super Lawyers recognition, and the 2025 Best of Cobb award.

Maddox earned his Bachelor of Arts from Emory University in 1989 before completing his Juris Doctorate from Samford University in 1993. He is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and multiple state and federal courts across Georgia and Alabama.

Maddox began his legal career as a law assistant to Justice P. Harris Hines on the Georgia Supreme Court, where he strengthened his legal writing and analytical skills. He then served five years as an Assistant Attorney General, defending murder convictions and handling habeas cases statewide.

Maddox continued his service as an Assistant District Attorney in the Cobb Judicial Circuit. Over six years, he led dozens of felony jury trials, including cases involving murder, armed robbery, drug trafficking, and child cruelty. His trial experience gave him the foundation for his future as a top defense attorney.

Maddox now focuses on defending both adults and juveniles throughout all phases of the criminal process. He is especially known for his success in mental health defenses, having secured multiple Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity verdicts. He is also frequently called on to train and guide other attorneys in this field.

Maddox has made a lasting impact on appellate law, including a unanimous victory at the U.S. Supreme Court in a constitutional double jeopardy case. He also led the defense in the Justin Ross Harris case, ultimately obtaining a full dismissal of charges tied to the child’s death.

H. Maddox Kilgore continues to shape justice in Georgia as the Coordinating Special Master for attorney discipline cases. His commitment to fairness and the Constitution earned him the 2024 Jimmy Berry Champions of Justice award.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Kilgore & Rodriguez, LLC
• Member, Cobb County Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of Alabama
• Member, State Bar of Georgia
• Member, National Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (GACDL)
• Member, National Trial Lawyers

Licensed State

• Georgia
• Alabama

Education

• Samford University
  Juris Doctorate (JD)
• Emory University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges