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

Filter Avvo Reviews (58) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 11 - 15 of 58 reviews

Posted by William | September 04, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Expungement

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

Posted by Kidus G | August 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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!

Posted by anonymous | July 18, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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 | April 10, 2020 | Hired Attorney

Excellent service, great communication

We spoke to several attorneys and finally spoke to Mr. Micheal. He was very patient and explained all the step he would take to ensure our victory.

Posted by Brian | February 13, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Family

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, prov...iding 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.

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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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