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James David Michael

Criminal defense Attorney at Decatur, GA

4.9   50 reviews

also known as Jim Michael

Virtual consultation available
Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 28 years
    State GA
    Acquired 1995
    Status
    Active Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About James

Learn James’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    70%
    I handle predominately felony cases, with an emphasis on controlled substance violations.

    28 years

  2. DUI and DWI
    10%

  3. Expungement
    5%

  4. Juvenile law
    5%

  5. Violent crime
    5%

  6. Personal injury
    3%

  7. Car accident
    2%

PROVIDING EXCEPTIONAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE IN METRO ATLANTA SINCE 1995.

I am a career trial attorney. I specialize in criminal defense, and I handle everything from traffic violations to complex murder cases. I believe that everyone is entitled to exceptional legal assistance, and I have spent more than two decades practicing with that mindset. I work with a close friend and colleague, Marko Burgar, and together we comprise one of metro Atlanta's most respected law firms.

Awards

Gold Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice 2020,2019,2018,2017,2013
Client's Choice
2020 2019 2018 + 2 ...
Top Contributor 2014
Top Contributor
2014

Contact James

James David Michael
James David Michael
2000 Powers Ferry Road
Suite 630
Marietta, GA, 30067
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Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  50 customer reviews
5 Star
 
98%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
2%
Client's Choice 2020
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Mark | February 11, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Grateful Family
Attorney Jim Michael did an amazing job for our Family. He successfully guided us through some very dark, drug related charges, involving one of our children. Grateful!
Posted by Tony | August 9, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Incredible Attorney!
I worked with Jim on a criminal matter that had dire consequences, and, in my opinion, not exceptional odds of keeping my child out of prison for decades. Jim was exceptionally sympathetic to my wife and my needs as distraught and confused parents, and he helped us understand and navigate the legal system with our child. My wife and I had never experienced any criminal issues in the past, and we did not know where to begin. After researching attorney’s we found Jim, and after our first consultation, we knew he was our attorney. I could rave about his impeccable character, trustworthiness, and kindness for the duration of this review, but I feel an explanation of his ability best explains Jim and confirms we made the right choice hiring him. My child faced Georgia aggravated assault and drug charges and faced just shy of 100-years of possible prison time. As though that was not bad enough, we faced the notoriously known toughest judge in our district, which had a history of ordering extensive sentences in these types of cases. To make a long story short, Jim’s actions resulted in our child serving about 18-months in prison and probation. After a few years of complying with the probation requirements, Jim helped our child again go before the court to request the removal of the probation and expungement of the record; the court agreed. Jim literally gave our child back his life!
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Posted by Sasha | February 21, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Service!
Jim has provided me excellent service on two cases. Very helpful and answered all my questions. Does what he says he’ll do and is very professional. Highly recommend!
Posted by anonymous | March 18, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very thorough
I retained James to assist with having a criminal record sealed. James was very professional, he took care of the process from beginning to end and communicated with me every step of the way.
Posted by anonymous | September 9, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A very satisfied client
Attorney Michael was precise, communicative and a true advocate and he represented our family with the utmost integrity during our crisis. I highly recommend Attorney Jim Michael to represent your interests before the Judicial System.
Posted by William | September 3, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
HIGHLY RECOMMEND; The best attorney around!
Great experience overall having Jim Michael as my attorney. Jim was very professional from the onset, very upfront, honest, and got results FAST even during a pandemic! Jim was able to remove a felony conviction that I had for over 25+ years looming over my head. I had attempted expungements over the years with no success. I "highly" recommend Jim as an attorney and will refer his services to anyone who needs help. I couldn't ask for more. #greatful #highlyrecommend #5stars
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Posted by Kidus G | August 23, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding, World-Class Criminal Defense Lawyer
Jim Michael is simply put - the best lawyer in Georgia! I had the pleasure to be represented by Jim twice, and both times, Jim was able to not only have my case fully dismissed, but also had my arrest record restricted! Jim is extremely professional and very dedicated to get the best outcome possible for you. He was very rigorous and worked extremely hard. He was also very courteous and proceeded with such immense precision during my case that I felt at ease during a crisis. He was always one phone call/text away when my family and I were filled with stress and worries - resting us assure that we were in great hands. Jim was very thorough in explaining each and every detail regarding the charges I caught - and what would be the best way to go about it. Jim is also very well connected with numerous prosecutors and judges all over the state of GA, making him the best lawyer to negotiate and present a deal that would best suit the outcome desired. For my family and I - Jim was simply God-sent! Truly the best lawyer I have ever come across with. I am forever in debt to his exceptional representation - for he single handedly saved my future and blessed me to have a second chance in pursuing the career and goals I have always dreamed of accomplishing. Thank you very much Mr. Micheal! I would have never thought it would be possible to have my charges completely dismissed (twice!) and my record expunged while at the same time! I strongly recommend Jim to anyone and everyone whom is looking for a formidable lawyer to represent you! A job exceptionally well done!
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Posted by anonymous | July 18, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dedicated
I hired him during a very dark and complicated time in my life. He believed in me and fought hard. With his guidance and dedication everything turned out great. I really appreciate James Michael and his staff was super patient and never treated me like a criminal. He's is the best!
Posted by anonymous | February 12, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great job
He helped me out the best he could in my situation. Kept in constant contact and was there for me whenever I needed him.
Posted by Brian | February 12, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great advice and legal representation
We had a very difficult issue with respect to a family member that had long term potential impact if we did not get a positive outcome. We were familiar with Jim Michael from another matter he had handled for a non-family member. Based on that, we decided to engage with Jim. Jim was awesome, providing us with a clear understanding of how we will navigate the issue, potential outcomes with a realistic outlook, and mentoring for our family member. In the end, after following Jim's advice all the way through, and Jim's clear knowledge and understanding of not only the law, but also of the judicial system, judge, clerk, etc., we had an excellent outcome. Now our goal is to never speak to Jim again! :-) A big thanks to Jim and his help.
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Posted by Sheldon | February 11, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Happy SC
Jim was a blessing at the time when I really needed help. He’s not only an amazing attorney, he is an amazing person.
Posted by anonymous | February 11, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Extremely competent / very professional
Extremely competent / very professional. Jim obviously has established very good network of relationships within the legal community across the state. Jim was always very prompt in providing information and guidance.
Posted by East coast vending service | February 11, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Owner
The service that James provided for me will forever change my life and I am so appreciative of it. My future looks so much brighter. And my dreams now can be a reality.
Posted by anonymous | February 11, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Vice President
I received excellent legal service from Jim. He was extremely attentive to my concerns involving legal matters concerning my son.
Posted by Fatima | January 21, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Review for Attorney Jim Michael
Attorney Michael was diligent, compassionate, and responsive. His effective representation delivered the best results to protect the client’s best interest. I highly recommend Attorney Michael.
Posted by LG | January 10, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer!
Mr Michael was a very helpful and dedicated lawyer. He made me feel at ease because he is so passionate about his cases. Highly recommended!
Posted by Kwami | December 24, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
BEST LAWYER EVER!
Jim Michael helped make my entire court case have a great outcome for something that was very serious. I would really like to say thank you to him and his hard work that he put in. He did an AMAZING job with not only putting in his 100% effort into a serious case that dragged on for almost 2 years, but he also really knew what he was doing. I’m so thankful to have had him as my lawyer! Jim Michael is a very dedicated and intelligent man. I’d highly recommend him.
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Posted by Andre | November 7, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Andre
I was charged with felony Obstruction of Justice Hired Mr, Michaels to represent me. He got my charged reduced to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct (NO JAIL TIME). He was very responsive and informative. He responds fast, and you can call or text him with questions even when he's out of the office Good Lawyer.
Posted by Eric | July 24, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Work
I started working with James Michael in 2012, everything just came to a close in this past year 2019. James worked very close with my case and my family members. He handled my family's emotional state very respectfully and well. Really took his time to figure out my case and used what he learned in action to resolve my case the best way he and I saw fit. His communication is outstanding, always taking the necessary steps to keep moving my case in the right direction and keeping everyone informed along the way. Every hearing every motion he was overly prepared with facts and the correct paperwork that he was not even required to draw up, he would take it upon himself to do it to speed up the process. I am very gracious to Jame for what he has done for me I feel like my life may have turned out very different if I did not have him as my Lawyer.
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Posted by Ms. Chu | May 23, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic Lawyer
Attorney Jim Michael was a gift from God for my son and our family. He represented my son in a juvenile case and went over and beyond to make sure he received NO jail time!!! He made his self available to my son and I at all times. He communicated with us every step of the way. He was always truthful and never lied or gave us false hope. He genuinely cared about what happened to my son and worked hard to make sure he was good. I know if my son had any other Attorney things Would not have turned out as good.. Attorney Jim Michael is a Good man and a phenomenal Attorney!!!!
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Cost

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.9 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Burgar & Michael, LLC
  • 2014 - Present
  • Partner
  • Carnesale, Delan, Flinn & Michael, L.L.C.
  • 2009 - 2014
  • Owner
  • James D. Michael P.C.
  • 2007 - 2009
  • Owner
  • Blend & Michael, L.L.C.
  • 2002 - 2007
  • Attorney
  • Dekalb County Public Defender
  • 1995 - 2002
View all work experience

Education

  • Emory University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1995
  • Duke University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1992

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

Associations

  • DeKalb Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Gwinnett County Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • State Bar of Georgia
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • N/A
View all associations

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013

Attorney endorsements

Received (16)
Given (16)
Endorse James
Criminal defense Attorney | 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."
Criminal defense Attorney | 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."
Criminal defense Attorney | 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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Top-notch lawyer. Highly respected in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | 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."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | 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."
Criminal defense Attorney | 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."
Criminal defense Attorney | 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."
Criminal defense Attorney | 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."
Criminal defense Attorney | 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."
Criminal defense Attorney | 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."
Criminal defense Attorney | 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."
Criminal defense Attorney | 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."
Criminal defense Attorney | 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 more endorsements
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Decatur Criminal defense Lawyer James David Michael
James David Michael
Criminal defense Attorney
Decatur, GA
Licensed for 28 years
Virtual consultation available