ANGIE COGGINS

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I knew from a young age that one day I would protect and defend those who find themselves facing accusations lodged by the government. I knew I would stand in the gap between my client(s) and the powerful forces of the State of Georgia. It was just a matter of time.

That time came in the fall of 1989 when I passed the Georgia Bar Exam and became a licensed attorney. By that time, my passion for criminal defense law had led me to a summer job with the National Criminal Defense College where I had the privilege of watching, listening to, and learning from some of the best and brightest criminal defense lawyers in the country.

In the last semester of my final year of law school, I took a job as a law clerk with the Houston County Public Defender’s Office and upon passing the bar, I proudly accepted a position as an assistant public defender. I ultimately was promoted to the position of Chief Assistant Public Defender and held that position until my retirement in January 2020.

I dedicated my entire legal career to the defense of those who could not afford to hire counsel. I poured everything I had into every case I handled. I zealously advocated for thousands of clients over my 31 years with the Public Defender’s Office.

During my first several years of practice, the PD’s office did not have an investigator, so I did all of my own investigation. I grew up in Warner Robins so my knowledge of the area and the people came in very handy. 

Early in my career at the PD’s office, I was tasked with doing investigation on a death penalty case. The young man being represented had grown up in Florida, so I traveled to Florida to find and interview witnesses to testify on the young man’s behalf during the penalty phase of the trial. The witnesses I found and brought to Georgia saved that young man’s life.

Even after the PD’s office was able to hire a full-time investigator, I continued to do investigation on my own and also with the investigator. There are countless cases wherein my investigation led to evidence and witnesses that ultimately led to verdicts of not guilty.

I fully understand the extreme importance of a thorough and detailed investigation, no matter the allegation.

I am still a licensed attorney, but after retirement from the practice of law, I decided to put the invaluable skills and knowledge I possess to use as an investigator for Attorney Megan Allen.

Megan and I worked together at the PD’s office for approximately seven (7) years. We worked as a “trial team” on many cases and we have a stellar record.

Megan and I have the highest regard for the Constitutional guarantee of effective assistance of counsel. We believe, honor, and respect the principle of innocent unless proven guilty. 

We stand firm in the idea that if the State claims someone committed a crime, then the State better be ready to prove it.

I chose to work for Megan because she is a shining example of the dedication, integrity, and commitment it takes to be a zealous and effective advocate. I am proud to be part of the Allen Law Firm.