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also known as Mike, DeTardo
Mike spent the first ten years of his career as an Assistant District Attorney, most recently in the Special Victims Unit (SVU) with both the Gwinnett and Cobb County District Attorney’s Offices. While in the SVU, he exclusively handled cases involving sexual crimes and child physical abuse crimes. But more important than just having experience, he has a track record of winning by persuading judges and juries alike to side with him. Prior to working in the SVU, Mike handled all variety of felony cases including violent crimes, drug crimes, and property/financial crimes. Mike has instructed and trained future police officers at both the Gwinnett County and Cobb County Police Academies. Mike also has experience handling misdemeanors, traffic citations, and juvenile delinquency matters from his time working for the Barrow and Jackson County District Attorney’s Offices.
Mike obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2012 where he was a Dean’s Ambassador, a member and coach of the Moot Court Team, and recipient of the Edith M. and Frank G. Lumpkin Scholarship as well as the Law School Association Scholarship. Prior to earning his law degree, he obtained a Bachelors in Finance from The Florida State University in 2009. In his spare time, Mike is an avid sports fan and has been to 26 of the 30 MLB stadiums.
4
Practice Areas
14 years
14 years
14 years
14 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
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Chat withState: Georgia
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
1849 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA, 30033
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Roy | March 27, 2025 | Hired Attorney
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 ...
Posted by Dario Howell | December 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney
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...
Posted by Andy | April 20, 2023 | Hired Attorney
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...
Posted by Dane | April 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney
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
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.
"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."
Criminal defense lawyer
Immigration lawyer
Immigration lawyer
2015
Advanced ChildFirst Certification, Anna Crawford Children's Advocacy Center
2012
Child First Certification, Anna Crawford Children's Advocacy Center
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
Pled guilty, but was sentenced to straight probation with no jail time.
Conviction Vacated
Case dismissed!
Case dismissed!
Case dismissed!
Both charges dismissed
Two counts of child molestation reduced to two counts of simple battery with straight probation.
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!
Case dismissed
After preliminary hearing, successfully argued to have warrant dismissed. Gwinnett DA agreed to not pursue charges any further.
After preliminary hearing, successfully argued to have all warrants dismissed
All charges dismissed
Worked out a plea to a reduced charge of sexual battery, straight probation with no jail time
Case placed on dead docket for eventual dismissal after completion of 12 months without further arrest
2012
JD - Juris Doctor
2009
BS - Bachelor of Science
2024
2021
Crimes Against Children and Adult Sexual Assault
2020
Criminal Procedure - Miranda & Interviews
2019
Criminal Procedure - Miranda & Interviews
2019
Forensic Interviews of Children
2016
Accountability Courts
2016
English
Spanish
Legal Answers
Is it illegal for an 18 to date a 16 year old in the state of Georgia
19 Feb 2022
Is it possible to get probation in Georgia for 1 count of possession of child porn?
22 Feb 2022
How does gwinnette co ga police do nothing to my roommate who broke in and robbed me
19 Feb 2022