James David Michael

PRO

James David Michael

also known as Jim Michael

4.9
66 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 30 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Decatur, GA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Violent Crime ... +2 more

160 Clairemont Avenue, Suite 645, Decatur, GA

Virtual Consultation Available

About James

Biography

Providing Exceptional Criminal Defense in Metro Atlanta since 1995.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 70%

I handle predominately felony cases, with an emphasis on weapons and drug offenses.

31 years

70%
DUI and DWI 10%

10%
Violent Crime 10%

10%
Car Accident 5%

5%
Juvenile Law 5%

Including Juveniles Prosecuted as Adults

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2024 2020 2019
...
+ 3
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2014
Gold Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 30 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 1995

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of James David Michael

160 Clairemont Avenue, Suite 645, Decatur, GA, 30030

jdmlawfirm.com/attorney-profile/

Law Offices of James David Michael

1827 Powers Ferry Road, Building 1, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA, 30339

jdmlawfirm.com/attorney-profile/

Online Presence

Other places you can find James online.

James David Michael's Reviews

5 star

(56)

4 star

(0)

3 star

(0)

2 star

(0)

1 star

(2)

Posted by Brikti P | December 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Reliable, Communicative, Thorough, and incredibly helpful. Fair and Honest!!

Jim and his entire team are professional, experts and relaiable. Great communication, honest and highly thought of in their reputation!! 5 stars isn't enough, more like 100 stars!!!

Posted by anonymous | December 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The Perfect Lawyer

Jim Micheal is phenomenal! I hired him a month before by case and he came in and did amazing . I was very scared and nervous before i hired him. He has represent some of my family members so he was referral to me. If you are looking for someone to get the job done he is definitely the guy ! Highly r...ecommend

Posted by Julio | December 17, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Personalized Treatment

We contacted Jim for a legal problem we were going through, and since day 1 Jim was very friendly and helpful with our case at the moment, so when we had a second issue with another family member we did not hesitate to contact Jim again...and, Once again he was there for us . Highly recommend his Se...rvices.

Posted by Rahiem | June 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Mr. Jim Michael Is AMAZING!!

Me. James David (Jim) Michael was exceptional on my case. Very Fair Price and his relationship with the prosecutors judge granted me the sweetest deal imaginable in my case. Very responsive to my messages and comforting. He listed out things I needed to do before court to be ready and as long as I di...d my part things turned out great. I will for sure call on him and recommend him for future cases !

Posted by Monique | June 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional Legal Advocate: Best Criminal Attorney in DeKalb County!

Back in 2014, I had a warrant (from 2003) over ten years old for violation of probation that needed to be cleared to situate my firearm permit, and Attorney Michael's expertise and dedication were instrumental in resolving it. This year, 2024, he guided me through the final complexities of my pretri...al diversion program commitment, leading to the dismissal of charges and the initiation of the expungement process. With over two decades of experience in criminal law, particularly in Dekalb County, his familiarity with the court system, former role as a public defender, and extensive casework make him exceptionally knowledgeable. Attorney Michael's empathy, patience, and genuine care for his clients set him apart. He understands how the criminal court system functions and navigates effectively within the legal landscape. His intervention saved my future, highlighting the domino effect of resolving legal issues. Honest communication is crucial; he offers thorough consultations and only takes cases he believes he can help, reflecting his modesty and commitment. If you're in a tight situation, call Attorney Michael—his legal expertise and compassionate approach make him a reliable option. For further discussion or reference from me, contact me via my [Connected Investors profile](https://connectedinvestors.com/member/monique-pilgrim). I would rehire Attorney Michael over and over again PLUS would definitely recommend his law firm to family, friends and colleagues. Blessings and prosperity to you if you're reading my review :)

See All Client Reviews

James David Michael's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Charles Christopher Flinn headshot
Charles Flinn

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Co-worker

"I've known Jim Michael for nearly 20 years -- professionally and personally. He is one of the finest lawyers in town."

Juwayn Haddad headshot
Juwayn Haddad

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jim for almost 15 years. He is a tenacious attorney who always brings passion and dedication to his work. He is a hard-hitting lawyer who never stops fighting for his clients. He is very well respected by the legal community and an extremely talented lawyer."

David Bruce Fife headshot
David Fife

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Jim for many years. He has a brilliant legal mind and is always more prepared than his opponent. He genuinely cares for his clients and always fights hard for them. I strongly endorse Jim--great lawyer; great professional and great guy."

Gina M. Famularo headshot
Gina Famularo

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Aaron Christopher Harper headshot
Aaron Harper

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch lawyer. Highly respected in the legal community."

Scott Matthew Shuman headshot
Scott Shuman

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse Jim Michael as an outstanding criminal defense attorney. He is very professional and vigorous in representing his clients."

Andrew Raymond Lynch headshot
Andrew Lynch

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stacy Levy headshot
Stacy Levy

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is a hardworking lawyer who gets excellent results. He is always prepared and willing to fight for the rights of his clients. He is well respected in the legal community as an extremely talented litigator."

Michael Allen Kay headshot
Michael Kay

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim is a hardworking, and knowledgable attorney. He gets good results for his clients, and provides them with zealous representation. Jim has an excellent reputation in the legal community. I endorse Jim."

Sean Derek Gage headshot
Sean Gage

Criminal defense lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Jim for years and he is an exceptional attorney who has built a stellar reputation amongst judges, attorneys, and prosecutors in the Atlanta legal community. Not only is his knowledge of the law expansive, but he is approachable in a way that gives his clients a clear understanding of the process and invaluable peace of mind. I highly recommend Jim for any criminal case."

Matthew David Crosby headshot
Matthew Crosby

Criminal defense lawyer | May 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Jim on several criminal matters where we have represented co-defendants. He is an extremely talented and knowledgeable trial lawyer who obtains excellent results for his client and is well-respected in the legal community."

Maurice Gibson Kenner headshot
Maurice Kenner

Criminal defense lawyer | May 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this Jim. He is a top notch criminal defense lawyer. He especially know his way around the courts in Metro Atlanta."

Paola Francesca Torselli headshot
Paola Torselli

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim Michael is a zealous and concientious attorney for his clients. He is very knowledgeable in all matters involving criminal defense and he always fights to get the best outcome for his clients. I endorse this attorney."

John Arnold Steakley headshot
John Steakley

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 29

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I've known Jim since before I was in private practice (so a long time). He always does a great job for his clients. He is on top of the law and always represents his clients well in court."

Lynn M. Kleinrock headshot
Lynn Kleinrock

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim is an outstanding lawyer. He prepares his cases diligently and thoroughly. He is very adept at getting the best possible results for his clients. I have recommended Jim as a criminal defense attorney many times over the years."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

View All Endorsements
Lawrence Delan headshot
Lawrence Delan

Personal injury lawyer

David Bruce Fife headshot
David Fife

Criminal defense lawyer

Aaron Christopher Harper headshot
Aaron Harper

Unknown lawyer

Andrew Raymond Lynch headshot
Andrew Lynch

Criminal defense lawyer

Scott Matthew Shuman headshot
Scott Shuman

Equipment finance and leasing lawyer

Gun Ju Pak headshot
Gun Pak

Criminal defense lawyer

Stacy Levy headshot
Stacy Levy

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Allen Kay headshot
Michael Kay

Criminal defense lawyer

Sean Derek Gage headshot
Sean Gage

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew David Crosby headshot
Matthew Crosby

Criminal defense lawyer

Maurice Gibson Kenner headshot
Maurice Kenner

Criminal defense lawyer

John Arnold Steakley headshot
John Steakley

Criminal defense lawyer

Juwayn Haddad headshot
Juwayn Haddad

Criminal defense lawyer

Lynn M. Kleinrock headshot
Lynn Kleinrock

Appeals lawyer

Paola Francesca Torselli headshot
Paola Torselli

Criminal defense lawyer

Charles Christopher Flinn headshot
Charles Flinn

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2024

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2024

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2024

Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2009

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2005

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Partner, Burgar & Michael, LLC

2009 - 2014

Partner, Carnesale, Delan, Flinn & Michael, L.L.C.

2007 - 2009

Owner, James D. Michael P.C.

2002 - 2007

Owner, Blend & Michael, L.L.C.

1995 - 2002

Attorney, Dekalb County Public Defender

Associations

DeKalb Bar Association

Member

Gwinnett County Bar Association

Member

State Bar of Georgia

Member

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. M.L.

The charge was dismissed and our client's arrest was expunged.

State v. D.A.

No charges filed and client not arrested.

State v. S.R.

Not Guilty

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

Emory University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1992

Duke University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Activity

Top Contributor

James earned significant contribution points in 2014.

Avvo Rating

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  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution