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also known as Mike Hawkins
Mr. Hawkins is Board Certified in DUI Defense by the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD). Georgia Super Lawyer® designated 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 as featured in Atlanta Magazine. Frequently selected as a Top 100 Lawyer in Georgia, and twice named "Lawyer of the Year" in DUI Defense by Best Lawyers in America. Elected to the NCDD Board of Regents in 2008, served Dean of the NCDD from 2017-18. Prior to devoting his practice to defending driving under the influence cases, Mr. Hawkins served as a prosecutor for nearly five years in the metropolitan Atlanta area. He has served as lead counsel on more than 200 cases at trial and has successfully avoided convictions prior to trial for hundreds of clients. Listed in Best Lawyers in America and in Best Lawyers in Georgia as featured by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
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Chat withState: Georgia
Acquired: 1992
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200 Ashford Center N, Suite 350, Atlanta, GA, 30338
38 Client Reviews
Showing 31 - 35 of 38 reviews
Posted by anonymous | June 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
DUI Case
Michael M. Hawkins handled my husband's DUI case and did a phenomenal job. This was not a normal situation for us since we had never had anything like this happen before and we did not believe that the charges were accurate. Mike, walked us through the process and did a great job of making sure thi...
Posted by anonymous | February 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Terrific
I hired Mike to represent my DUI case based on a friends strong recommendation and did not know what to expect. I could not have asked for a more competent, pragmatic, and organized lawyer. He knew exactly what to do at every step and made some recommendations up front that ended up having a big po...
Posted by anonymous | June 06, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Outstanding DUI Attorney
I was arrested and charged with failure to stop at a stop sign and DUI. I had no idea what to do and feared the worst. Mike and his team were consulate professionals right from the start. First, he walked me through the process and what to expect. As a result, when it came time for court I felt p...
Posted by anonymous | May 03, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
We were told he was the best, and he lived up to it
In a difficult situation, Mike was honestly our beacon of hope. Not only is he knowledgeable with thorough experience, he is also friendly, down to earth and can explain things in laymans' terms. He has been in the business for so long and has forged many relationships with other attorneys, judges, a...
Posted by anonymous | April 01, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Excellent Attorney
Hiring Mike to represent me in my DUI case was an excellent decision. My DUI case involved a car accident in which I hit a utility pole. This gave the state's case some extra ammunition. Despite this Mike was able to achieve a very favorable outcome for me. He is extremely knowledgeable and respo...
"Michael is an outstanding lawyer that does a first rate job for all of his clients. I highly respect his opinion and frequently call on him for his invaluable assistance on DWI cases. Great lawyer, great guy!"
"I strongly endorse Mike. He works hard and is ethical. He is an exceptional attorney and works tirelessly for his clients clients."
"Mike is one of the top DUI attorneys in Atlanta. He gets great results for his clients. I highly recommend Mike to anyone charged with DUI."
"Mike is known as one of the most experienced and well-respected DUI attorneys in the State of Georgia. He is one of four Board Certified Defense Attorneys in the State and carries a wealth of knowledge that allows him to represent his clients at a high level. He works tirelessly for his clients to ensure they are protected and represented in any scenario. I confidently recommend Mike to anyone accused of DUI's or other serious driving cases."
"Michael is without a doubt one of the top three DUI lawyers in the State of Georgia, if not the best. Michael has established himself through his hard-work, professionalism and successful results on behalf of his clients. He is known both in Georgia and nationally for his work and quite simply is a gentleman to deal with. I don't give out my endorsement to many lawyers but I can tell you with confidence that Michael Hawkins is an attorney I myself wouldn't hesitate using if I needed help with a DUI or traffic case."
"I endorse this lawyer. He's one of the finest in the state. If you need him, he can help you without a doubt."
"My experience with Mike Hawkins is through the National College for DUI Defense, where Mike is a highly respected member. I have also met and seen Mike present at numerous DUI related CLEs around the country. I highly recommend Mike."
"Mike Hawkins is widely regarded as one of the most studied and most effective DUI attorneys in the state. I have learned a lot from Mike's lectures, as he is a frequent speaker all over the nation. I would not hesitate to send anyone seeking a DUI attorney to Mike."
"Mr. Hawkins is widely respected and held in the highest regard in every Court in Metro Atlanta. Michael is respected among his colleagues of the D.U.I. and Criminal Defense bars of Georgia. I endorse and HIGHLY recommend this competent, professional, and RESPECTED D.U.I. defense attorney."
"Mike Hawkins is the man. He can cross on a DUI case like nobody else. He taught me at the Harvard Summer Session in July. He was my breakout group leader. He is one of the most talked about DUI lawyers in Georgia. His techniques for cross-examination in DUI cases are awesome. Thank You for everything! I endorse this lawyer."
"Mike is a good friend. Mike Hawkins and Gus McDonald took me under their wing when I was a band new lawyer, and helped me develop into a better lawyer. He has always been willing to share his knowledge and expertise, and I am grateful for that. He is not only recognized as one of the best lawyers in the State, but he is widely known as one of the best lawyers in the country. Mike is at the top of the food chain."
"Michael Hawkins is a phenomenal trial attorney and a top tier DUI defense attorney. He routinely achieves amazing results for his clients and makes it look easy. I have had the pleasure of watching him in action and I am always amazed at his preparation, skill, knowledge and tenacity in representing his clients. Mr. Hawkins is a zealous advocate for his clients and an asset to the profession."
"Mike Hawkins is one of this country's top dwi attorneys. He was my successor as Regent to the National College for Dui Defense, and that organization could have picked no one better. Mike is also one of the highest rated speakers on defense topics in the country. He has my highest recommendation."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I know Michael to be a highly dedicated, knowledgeable, and aggressive criminal defense attorney, with substantial experience in DUI defense. As a fellow member of the criminal defense bar, I am proud to have Michael as a colleague and recommend his services without hesitation. He is top notch."
"Having been a member of the National College for DUI Defense for over 10 years now, and as an annual attendee of two to three national DUI defense seminars, I have been privileged to get to know many of our nation's finest DUI defense attorneys. Mike Hawkins is undoubtedly amongst this select group. His reputation for professional excellence far exceeds the borders of Georgia. His reputation as a well trained, experienced, ultra talented yet deeply compassionate, DUI defense attorney is not only national but matched by very few. I proudly and loudly endorse Mike Hawkins. The citizen accused could be in no better hands. Period. The fact that he is a personal friend is but a bonus."
"Mike is a superb lawyer and a great person. He is a zealous advocate with a heart and a dedication to seeing justice done. I unequivocally endorse Mike."
"I highly endorse this lawyer's work. Mike Hawkins is an outstanding DUI attorney, deffinitely one of the best in his field. I have overheard Mike being discussed by police officers as conducting, "the toughest cross-examination." High praise indeed for a deserving attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have had the privilege of seeing Mike Hawkins speak at national DUI defense seminars and it is obvious that Mike not only has a white-knuckled grip of the law, but he is also extremely creative and energetic in his approach to DUI defense. I am a better lawyer for having seen his presentations on DUI defense!"
"The hardest working lawyer in this State. Mike has the connections, legal mind and skill to take the worst case and get phenomenal results. When you leave the courtroom you can see the faces of the prosecution wondering what just happened. If you want results he is the lawyer to hire bar none. Quick, detailed and dedicated to his clients. His ethics keep him at the pinnacle of the defense bar. You can trust him to do what he says always. The prosecutors of this state know that he means business and as a result his clients benefit greatly. You can not go wrong, his wit and passion will carry the day!"
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2016
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2016
Top 100 Lawyers in Georgia, Super Lawyers
2015
Top 100 Lawyers in Georgia, SuperLawyers
2015
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2014
Top 100 Lawyers in Georgia, Super Lawyers
2014
Lawyer of the Year - DUI Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2014
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2013
Top 100 Lawyers in Georgia, Super Lawyers
2013
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2012
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2011
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2010
Georgia Super Lawyers, Atlanta Magazine
2010
Best Lawyers in Georgia, Atlanta Journal Constitution
2010
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2009
The Best NACDL Speakers of 2009, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2009
Georgia Super Lawyer, Atlanta Magazine
2008
Georgia Super Lawyers, Atlanta Magazine
2008
Elected to the Board of Regents, National College for DUI Defense
2007
Georgia Super Lawyers, Atlanta Magazine
2006
Georgia Super Lawyers,
2006
Certificate of Recognition, National College for DUI Defense
2005
Georgia Super Lawyers,
2004
Georgia Super Lawyers,
2003
Certificate of Recognition, National College for DUI Defense
2002
Certificate of Recognition, National College for DUI Defense
2001
Board Certification, National College for DUI Defense
2019 - Present
Senior Partner, Hawkins Spizman Fortas, LLC
2008 - Present
Principal, The Hawkins Law Firm
2016 - 2019
Managing Partner, Hawkins Spizman Kilgo, LLC
1998 - 2008
Partner, The Chestney-Hawkins Law Firm
1996 - 1998
Associate, The Chestney Law Firm
1994 - 1996
Assistant District Attorney, Rockdale County District Attorney
1992 - 1994
Assistant Solicitor, DeKalb County Solicitor-General
2012 - Present
NCDD Board Certification CommitteeChairperson
2008 - Present
National College for DUI DefenseRegent
2006 - 2007
DeKalb Bar AssociationPresident
2006 - 2017
National College of DUI DefenseSustaining Member
2000 - 2017
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1996 - 2017
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1992 - 2017
State Bar of GeorgiaMember
Roadblock was declared unconstitutional.
1992
JD - Juris Doctor
1989
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2010
2009
2008
Closing Arguments That Win
2008
Cross-Examination Techniques
2007
DUI Defense
2006
DUI Defense
2006
DUI Defense
2006
DUI Defense
2006
DUI Defense
2005
DUI Defense
2007
2005
English
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