Bob Rubin (left) and Jason B. Sheffield of Peters, Rubin, Sheffield, & Hodges, Atlanta. (Courtesy photos)

Four criminal defense attorneys in Atlanta and Macon signed Thursday for the father and son charged in the death of Ahmaud Arbery.

Robert G. "Bob" Rubin and Jason B. Sheffield of Peters, Rubin, Sheffield & Hodges in Atlanta said Thursday they will defend Travis McMichael, 34.

Franklin J. Hogue and Laura D. Hogue, a husband-and-wife team and founding partners of the Macon law firm Hogue Hogue Fitzgerald & Griffin, said they will represent Gregory McMichael, 64.

The attorneys issued written statements Thursday saying they believe they can provide evidence showing the McMichaels are innocent and will present it at preliminary hearings asking for bond.

Both men are charged with murder and aggravated assault in the death of Arbery on Feb. 23 in the Satilla Shores neighborhood near Brunswick. No arrests were made until May 7—after the release on social media of a video showing Arbery running on a Glenn County road until he is confronted by two armed men. He struggles briefly with one holding a shotgun, then falls after three shots are heard.

"Travis has been vilified before his voice could even be heard. In a case such as this that is already highly publicized, it is imperative that no one rush to judgment, and to allow the legal process to run its course," Rubin said.

Rubin is a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and past president of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Sheffield is the current vice president of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and an adjunct professor of expert testimony in criminal litigation at Emory University School of Law.

"The death of Ahmaud Arbery is an overwhelming tragedy, and our hearts go out to his family," Sheffield said. "Travis McMichael has honorably served his country for over a decade. He is a caring community member and a loving father, son, and friend. We must be responsible with the facts of this case and be careful not to compound the tragedy. The truth in the case will exonerate Travis."

The Hogues have practiced together since 1991, when they both graduated from Mercer Law School in Macon. They are both past presidents of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. They are fellows in the American College of Trial Lawyers. Since 2016, they have taught criminal defense trial practice to lawyers in the Republic of Georgia working with the U.S. State Department.

"While the death of Ahmaud Arbery is a tragedy, causing deep grief to his family—a tragedy that at first appears to many to fit into a terrible pattern in American life—this case does not fit that pattern," Laura Hogue said.

Frank Hogue added, "The full story, to be revealed in time, will tell the truth about this case."