Who We Are
From Defendant to Defense Attorney
David Lee Windecher
David Lee Windecher is a trailblazing criminal defense attorney, author, and activist in the social justice movement to end mass incarceration, reduce recidivism and redress racial inequity in the criminal justice system.
David was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 2012 and the Florida Bar in 2014. David is a member of the Georgia and Florida Court of Appeals, the Georgia and Florida Supreme Court, the Northern District of Georgia United States District Court and the American Bar Association. David graduated Summa Cum Laude from American Intercontinental University in 2005 and received his Juris Doctorate degree from John Marshall Law School in 2012.
Legal Career
David started his legal career as an intern with the Dekalb County District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted misdemeanor and felony cases under the Third-Year Practice Act from May 2011 thru May 2012. While at the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, David invested the majority of his time into prosecuting cases under Georgia’s Criminal Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. Prior to establishing the Windecher Firm, David was an Associate Attorney at the esteemed criminal defense firm of Arora & LaScala from November 2012 thru June 2015.
David specializes in record restriction (formerly termed expungement in Georgia) procedures, criminal defense (misdemeanors and felonies), DUI defense and juvenile law. In addition to his legal specialties, David is a continuing legal education (CLE) instructor on record restriction and criminal street gang expert testimony.
David Lee Windecher
Super Lawyer
David is a frequent guest on local and national television programs, radio shows and podcasts as an expert legal analyst.
A portion of David’s retainer proceeds from each of his legal representations are donated to the restorative justice non-profit organization Rehabilitation Enables Dreams (RED).
Recipient
Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award
Awarded
“40 Under 40” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle
Awarded
“40 Under 40” by Georgia Trend Magazine
Super Lawyer
Recognized by peers and was selected to Rising Stars for 2020
More than an attorney...
Author
David is a best-selling author. He chronicled his life’s journey of transitioning from defendant to defense attorney in an inspirational autobiography – The AmerIcan Dream | HisStory In The Making.
Activist
RED is a restorative justice organization dedicated to keeping people out of the criminal justice system – permanently – through programs that enhance the social, civic and financial literacy of individuals referred to court.
Credentials & Awards
Education
- Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, American International University, Fort Lauderdale Florida, 2005
- Juris Doctorate Degree, John Marshall Law School, Atlanta Georgia, 2012
Professional Associations & Memberships
- Advisory Board Member of the Georgia Justice Project
- American Bar Association Member
- Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Member
Professional Certifications
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration DUI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
- General Mediator State of Georgia
Awards and Recognitions
- 2022 Lawyer Of The Year Awarded By The Georgia Hispanic Bar Association
- 2022 Recipient of the NFL & Atlanta Falcons Inspire Change Changemaker Award
- Rising Star During 2020- 2022
- Receipt of Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Champion Gold 2022 Award
- Ranked as a 5 Star Attorney on Avvo
- Martindale-Hubbell Client Distinction
- 40 Under 40 Atlanta Business Chronicle
- 40 Under 40 Georgia Trend Magazine
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution Personal Journeys
- New Leaders Council Atlanta Changemaker
- Georgia Game Changers WSB-TV 2
- AIB Community Spirit
Carlton 'Cal' Lewis
Carlton 'Cal' Lewis - Intern
Cal is currently a law student at Atlanta's John Marshall Law School. Cal holds a masters in business administration, and is a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA.
Cal is a justice-impacted individual turned legal professional. Prior to law school, Cal obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA.
Cal is a graduate of Atlanta's John Marshall Law School (AJMLS). While at AJMLS, Cal was named Mr. Atlanta’s John Marshall, made the Dean’s List, was president of the Public Interest Law Society, and earned the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for his top mark in Georgia Practice & Procedure. Along with his legal duties at the firm, Cal sits on the board of a restorative justice non-profit, Rehabilitation Enables Dreams (RED), that focuses on reducing correctional control and lower recidivism rates in our communities.
In addition, Cal is the founder of the Prison Release Guide, a program dedicated to giving returning citizens all the relevant, helpful information they need to successfully transition from incarceration back into society. Cal enjoys writing, offering tips on how to successfully return to society after incarceration, and motivationally speaking to at-risk youth as well as incarcerated individuals at jails and prisons across the country.
Manny Arora - Of Counsel
As one of the most recognized names in criminal defense and sports law in the Southeast, Manny Arora has successfully represented clients facing charges of white-collar crime, domestic violence, major drug offenses and murder. Manny and the Windecher Firm have worked closely for many years.
Jesse Moore - Intern
Jesse Moore is a 3L student at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School interning at Windecher Firm. As a justice-impacted individual, Jesse’s dream to be an attorney is driven by a desire to fight against overcriminalization and mass incarceration. In his pursuit of a legal career, Jesse has become an ardent and passionate legal writer, producing comprehensive and insightful research, articles, and legal briefs. Jesse’s journey from being justice-impacted to becoming a law student is not just a testament to his tenacity and resilience but also serves as a beacon of hope for others in similar circumstances. With a steadfast commitment and passion for justice reform, Jesse continues to be a strong advocate for the rights of the underprivileged, proving that a difficult past does not limit one’s ability to shape the future.
Jessica Manning - Legal Assistant
Jessica has been the Legal Assistant for the Windecher Firm since October 2022. She has been actively involved in Mr. Windecher’s restorative justice non-profit, Rehabilitation Enables Dreams, since July 2021 where she works alongside District Attorney’s Offices to reduce correctional control and lower recidivism rates. Her hobbies include watching standup comedy and traveling to the beach with friends.
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