Michael DeTardo

Michael DeTardo

also known as Mike, DeTardo

5.0
Rating: 8.2

Licensed for 13 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Decatur, GA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Sex Crime, Drug Crime, Violent Crime

1849 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 30%

I handle all criminal offenses, however I specialize in the aggressive defense of felonies. I have over a decade of experience in the Cobb, Gwinnett, Jackson, and Barrow County DAs Offices where I successfully tried dozens of felony jury trials.

14 years

30%
Sex Crime 30%

For 4 years, I was assigned to exclusively handle SVU cases. I’ve tried all variety of sex crimes, from internet crimes to adult and child sexual assault. These are highly technical cases that carry massive prison time. Experience is crucial here!

14 years

30%
Drug Crime 20%

I have handled hundreds of drug cases, ranging in severity from simple possession to Tier 3 drug trafficking. With drug cases, spotting and then litigating suppression issues is key, and I have successfully handled hundreds of those hearings.

14 years

20%
Violent Crime 20%

I’ve successfully tried cases involving aggravated assault, agg battery, criminal street gang activity, family violence, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Convincing a jury to see and understand your side of this ”violent crime” is the key to success.

14 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 13 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 2012

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Sonoda Law Firm

1849 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA, 30033

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Michael DeTardo's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

7 Client Reviews

5 star (7)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Roy | March 27, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best lawyer I’ve ever seen I can’t say enough.

I hired Mike to represent me facing 4 life sentences. I got acquitted of all felonies. Mike would visit me constantly in the Jail just giving me little updates and checking up on me personally. He really gets to know you as a person. I became friends with him over the 3 years my case was pending. He ...kept me up today with every motion he filed and every conversation he had with the DA. He was very transparent and informed me of every motion he filed and why. He showed up every time I asked to speak with him. But the thing that stands out the most to me is how he fought for me. No exaggeration he was like a lawyer you see on TV. Mike fought for me like I was his Brother. He put in 18hour days for me when my trial started and didn’t miss a beat during my actual trial. He fought like a lion. He literally saved my life and I can’t thank him enough. If you need a lawyer who will defend you to the end, be transparent, and actually care hire Mike. I honestly can’t say enough. When I was hopeless and helpless Mike came through.

Posted by Dario Howell | December 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Client review

Michael is an amazing person to have at your defense. I was blessed to have him defend me in my case. Communication was always open and transparent. Very understanding down to earth guy. Wouldn’t have rather had anyone else in my corner while I went through what I was going through. Highly recommende...d attorney. I wish him nothing but the best, and if you’re in need of an attorney. Michael DeTardo is who you need.

Posted by Andy | April 20, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best attorney in Atlanta

My strongest compliments to Michael. I had a need and used his services off of a recommendation. His fees were fair, he was communicative, timely, and professional. As a business owner who has used numerous attorneys over the years, Michael lands at the top of the list. He is the best and hap...py to speak further if wanting to discuss his services.

Posted by Dane | April 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great Lawyer

I was in need of a lawyer with just about no time to spare, and Michael was there for me from the moment I spoke to him. Helped me more than I expected because of the timing, but was such a blessing. Would recommend to anyone that may be in need of his services.

Posted by Rebecca | November 17, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Pleased with outcome

Very pleased with the outcome. This was a case for a citation of a DUI and an ALS hearing. With Mike’s knowledge and perseverance, he was able to negotiate a plea deal for wreckless driving. And the license suspension was also thrown out in the ALS hearing. Very professional and responsive.

See All Client Reviews

Michael DeTardo's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Michael Derek Robinson headshot
Michael Robinson

Criminal defense lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I’ve known Mike for years, and he is one of the finest trial attorneys I’ve had the pleasure of working with, both as a prosecutor and now as a defense attorney. He is an expert on the rules of procedure and evidence. He is not afraid to take tough cases to trial, and he has a knack for finding ways to win whether via motions or in front of a jury. I highly recommend Mike for anyone facing down the barrel of the criminal justice system."

View All Endorsements
Michael Derek Robinson headshot
Michael Robinson

Criminal defense lawyer

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Eszter Bardi

Immigration lawyer

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Anna Erwin

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.2 (Excellent)

Honors

2015

Advanced ChildFirst Certification, Anna Crawford Children's Advocacy Center

2012

Child First Certification, Anna Crawford Children's Advocacy Center

Work Experience

2021 - 2021

SVU - Assistant District Attorney, Cobb County District Attorney's Office

2017 - 2020

SVU - Assistant District Attorney, Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office

2012 - 2017

Assistant District Attorney, Jackson County District Attorney's Office

2010 - 2012

Assistant District Attorney - under the 3rd Year Practice Act, Barrow County District Attorney's Office

Associations

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Sample of Legal Cases

Straight Probation for Tier 3 Trafficking in Hall County

Pled guilty, but was sentenced to straight probation with no jail time.

Habeas Corpus Win in Fulton County!

Conviction Vacated

Murder Charges Dismissed in DeKalb!

Case dismissed!

Agg Sexual Battery & Child Molestation charges Dismissed!

Case dismissed!

Child Molestation and Violation of Oath of Office Charges Dismissed!

Case dismissed!

Homicide by Vehicle 1st Degree & Hit and Run Dismissed!

Both charges dismissed

From Child Molestation to Simple Battery

Two counts of child molestation reduced to two counts of simple battery with straight probation.

Trial win on multiple "seven deadly sins" charges

Went to jury trial and was found not guilty on all counts, client entered a guilty plea to the battery-family violence before the trial started, client was released from custody immediately after!

Methamphetamine Trafficking Dismissed!

Case dismissed

Aggravated Assault charges dismissed at preliminary hearing!

After preliminary hearing, successfully argued to have warrant dismissed. Gwinnett DA agreed to not pursue charges any further.

State v. Martinez-Nava

After preliminary hearing, successfully argued to have all warrants dismissed

State v. Yanes-Velasquez

All charges dismissed

State v. Leon-Leon

Worked out a plea to a reduced charge of sexual battery, straight probation with no jail time

State v. Graciano-Luna

Case placed on dead docket for eventual dismissal after completion of 12 months without further arrest

See More Legal Cases

Education

2012

University of Georgia

JD - Juris Doctor

2009

Florida State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2024

SANE Clinical Skills Training & Expert Witness Testimony Workshop Sexual Assault Expert Witnesses

2021

Police Academy Training

Crimes Against Children and Adult Sexual Assault

2020

Police Academy Training

Criminal Procedure - Miranda & Interviews

2019

Police Academy Training

Criminal Procedure - Miranda & Interviews

2019

Forensic Interviews at Trial: Preparation and Presentation

Forensic Interviews of Children

2016

"How Both Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys Can Work Together to Help Defendants and Their Community.”

Accountability Courts

Publications

2016

State Bar of Georgia ICLE “Beyond the Adversarial System: An In-Depth Discussion of Professional Duties and How Both Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys Can Work Together to Help Defendants and Their Community.”

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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