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Michael DeTardo
also known as Mike, DeTardo
About Michael
Biography
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.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
30%
15 years
Sex Crime
30%
15 years
Drug Crime
20%
15 years
Violent Crime
20%
15 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Georgia for 13 years
State: Georgia
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Location
Sonoda Law Firm
1849 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA, 30033
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Michael DeTardo's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
8 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Renee | July 07, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Expungement
Great lawyer
Great with communication and great results. All charges dismissed and record expunged in DeKalb.
Posted by anonymous | December 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Thanks Mike
Mike represented me on a felony case where I was facing time in prison and deportation. He was able to get DA to dismiss. He kept in contact with me and answered all my questions. Thanks!
Michael DeTardo's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
Michael Robinson
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Experience
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
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
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Is it illegal for an 18 to date a 16 year old in the state of Georgia
19 Feb 2022
Q&A
Is it possible to get probation in Georgia for 1 count of possession of child porn?
22 Feb 2022
Q&A
How does gwinnette co ga police do nothing to my roommate who broke in and robbed me
19 Feb 2022