Inside the Solicitor’s Office: A Conversation with Gwinnett County Solicitor Lisa Marie Bristol

What does a County Solicitor actually do, and why does it matter if you’re charged with a misdemeanor?In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, Steve Shewmaker and Alexa  & Jimmy Lewis talk with Gwinnett County Solicitor Lisa Marie Bristol about her role, her office, and how misdemeanor cases are handled in Georgia courts.From traffic offenses to more serious misdemeanor charges, the Solicitor’s Office is often the first and most important stop in the criminal justice system. Lisa Marie Bristol explains how charging decisions are made, what discretion prosecutors have, and what defendants often misunderstand about misdemeanor cases.Topics include:The difference between a Solicitor and a District AttorneyWhat types of cases the Solicitor’s Office handlesHow prosecutors evaluate cases and negotiate resolutionsThe realities of high caseloads and courtroom decision-makingWhat people should know before walking into misdemeanor courtIf you want a clearer understanding of how misdemeanor prosecution works in Gwinnett County and beyond, this episode delivers real insight straight from the source.⏱️ Chapter Markers:00:00 – Podcast introduction and show overview00:00:40 – Welcome to Lawyers Without Billboards00:01:12 – Introducing a new podcast series: elected officials00:01:46 – Introducing Gwinnett County Solicitor General Lisa Marie Bristol00:02:10 – Gwinnett County background and scope of the Solicitor’s role00:03:14 – How Lisa Marie Bristol prefers to be addressed00:03:21 – Career lineage and Gwinnett Solicitor’s Office history00:04:18 – When Lisa Marie Bristol took office as Solicitor General00:04:33 – Her early career and full-circle moment in prosecution00:07:10 – What the Gwinnett County Solicitor’s Office prosecutes00:11:05 – Difference between the Solicitor and the District Attorney00:15:40 – Prosecutorial discretion and charging decisions00:20:10 – Common misconceptions about misdemeanor cases00:24:55 – What defendants should understand before court00:29:20 – Balancing fairness, accountability, and public safety00:33:45 – Advice for attorneys and defendants navigating misdemeanor court00:37:10 – Final thoughts and closing remarks🔔 Subscribe for honest conversations about law, courts, and the legal system without the billboards.🎙️ Hosts:Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa LewisShewmaker & Lewis – Atlanta, GA🎧 Listen or WatchWatch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/HEDdKvLpXlw or listen on your favorite podcast platform – Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.📩 Contact: [email protected] or call (770) 939-1939 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards📺 Subscribe for new episodes and candid conversations about family law, custody, mediation, and conflict resolution.🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez at Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc.🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA