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James David Michael

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Virtual Consultation
also known as Jim Michael
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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.

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Practice areas

OtherJuvenile lawExpungementDUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 70%

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

    26 years

  2. DUI and DWI: 10%

  3. Expungement: 5%

  4. Juvenile law: 5%

  1. Violent crime: 5%

  2. Personal injury: 3%

  3. Car accident: 2%

Contact

160 Clairemont Avenue
Suite 645
Decatur, GA, 30030

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

    2000 Powers Ferry Road
    Suite 630
    Marietta, GA, 30067

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    GAActive Member in Good Standing 199504/18/2021
    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

    (50)
    5 Star
    		96%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		4%
    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

    Very thorough

    Posted by

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

    A very satisfied client

    Posted by

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

    HIGHLY RECOMMEND; The best attorney around!

    Posted by

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

    Outstanding, World-Class Criminal Defense Lawyer

    Posted by

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

    Dedicated

    Posted by

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

    Great job

    Posted by

    He helped me out the best he could in my situation. Kept in constant contact and was there for me whenever I needed him.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Great advice and legal representation

    Posted by

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

    Happy SC

    Posted by

    Jim was a blessing at the time when I really needed help. He’s not only an amazing attorney, he is an amazing person.
    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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 16, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Aaron Harper, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 28, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

    Juwayn Haddad, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 10, 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, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 9, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Stacy Levy, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 23, 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, Criminal defense 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.