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James David Michael

also known as Jim Michael
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Avvo Rating10
James David Michael
James David Michael
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About James

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.

Practice areas

Personal injuryDUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 75%

    I handle predominately felony cases, with an emphasis on controlled substance violations.

    25 years

  2. DUI and DWI: 20%

  3. Personal injury: 5%

Contact

160 Clairemont Avenue
address map

160 Clairemont Avenue
Suite 645
Decatur, GA, 30030

Office (404) 371-1170
Fax (404) 781-0410

Website

https://www.jdmlawfirm.com/attorney-profile/

2000 Powers Ferry Road
Suite 630
Marietta, GA, 30067

Office (404) 371-1170

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
GAActive Member in Good Standing 199502/14/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers74
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2013
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
PartnerBurgar & Michael, LLC2014 - Present
PartnerCarnesale, Delan, Flinn & Michael, L.L.C.2009 - 2014
OwnerJames D. Michael P.C.2007 - 2009
OwnerBlend & Michael, L.L.C.2002 - 2007
AttorneyDekalb County Public Defender1995 - 2002
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
DeKalb Bar AssociationMemberN/A
Gwinnett County Bar AssociationMemberN/A
State Bar of GeorgiaMemberN/A
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMemberN/A
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Emory University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1995
Duke UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts1992
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
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

Reviews

(45)
5 Star
93%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
7%
Review James Michael

Grateful Family

Posted by

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!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Incredible Attorney!

Posted by

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!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(16)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Charles Flinn, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 30, 2012
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, Litigation Attorney on Nov 17, 2013
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 Fife, Litigation Attorney on Jun 19, 2014
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 Famularo, Child custody Attorney on Jun 16, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Aaron Harper, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 29, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Juwayn Haddad, Litigation Attorney on Nov 17, 2013
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.

Scott Shuman, Real estate Attorney on Nov 11, 2013
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 Lynch, Personal injury Attorney on Nov 9, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Stacy Levy, Speeding and traffic ticket Attorney on Sep 3, 2013
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 Kay, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 30, 2013
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 Gage, Criminal defense Attorney on May 20, 2013
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 Crosby, Criminal defense Attorney on May 16, 2013
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 Kenner, Criminal defense Attorney on May 15, 2013
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 Torselli, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 11, 2013
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 Steakley, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 29, 2013
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 Kleinrock, Appeals Attorney on Jan 24, 2013
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.

Charles Flinn, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 30, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker

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

Michael Waddington, Military law Attorney on Oct 14, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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