James Adams | Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer

I'd like to think I make a big difference in all of my cases. On every personal injury case the attorney has a duty to push the adjuster to offer the highest settlement value possible, and in those cases in which suit is filed, that obligation carries over. In other words, convince the defense team that the his/her client should place the highest value possible on each and every file. If the case is ultimately tried to a jury, my job is to convince that jury to complete their verdict form by awarding past medical expense, future medical expense, pain, suffering, loss of capacity for enjoyment of life, scarring, disfigurement, anything permitted under the jury instructions. Regarding criminal defense matters: Recent significant cases include a four time DUI defendant, facing felony DUI charge. My client was facing a minimum of four years in Florida State Prison and a lifetime driver\\\'s License revocation. I tried the case to a jury, because the prosecutor never made any significant offer, and that jury found the Defendant not guilty. Also recently represented a DUI defendant who was involved in a collision with a police cruiser. The prosecution was unwilling to consider my client's defenses, and the case was set for trial, which was to begin on a Monday. On the Friday before the trial, the prosecutor notified me that all of the charges had been dropped.

I've been in business since 1992. There is no substitute for that many years battling insurance companies, prosecutors, and employers. Building a successful practice takes time and can only happen when the client is pleased with the representation, and let\'s friends, relatives, and coworkers know that the representation was to the client\'s liking.

First, experience. There is no substitute. Not every lawyer can handle every type of case, and not every lawyer regularly tires cases before a jury, or a judge. Clients should retain an attorney only when the client is satisfied that the attorney has handled the same or similar type legal matter before and has tried cases to a jury. No client wants to be part of an attorney\\\'s initial run.

Local Knowledge: Personal injury matters are best handled by attorneys who are familiar with the medical providers in the community where the accident occurred, and who has been before the various judges who would potentially be on the bench in the event that the matter is litigated. Again, this happens only through experience.

Normally I\\\'m willing to give the client a general overview of the elements of the offense, the sentencing guidelines, and a quote of my fee for criminal matters. Workers Compensation is fairly narrow, so I can be very specific about what is required of both the employer and the employee, when a Worker Compensation claim arises. Of course I explain my fee. With Personal Injury cases, I explain how a contingency fee works, how negligence claim succeed, (and fail), and the relationship between liability, damages, and coverage.

Names, Dates, time, specific criminal charges location of any accident prior accident information, previous criminal history, previous injury history, email address, witness names, clients ability to pay fee (criminal cases only).

This is a relatively small law firm, in terms of number of total attorneys. This is not a 50 or 100 man firm, crammed into a downtown high rise. When you call me, you get me. This is not a mill, or a sweatshop. The person you will speak to (me) is the person you will see at all meetings, hearings, at trial, and at the time of sign up.

Securing an outcome for the client that meets, or exceeds, the expectations of the client and his or her family.

Golf, fitness, travel.

• Florida Bar | Member        
  Hillsborough County Bar Association | Member        
  Pinellas County Bar Association | Member        
  Dade County Bar Association | Member
  St. Lucie County Bar Association | Member        

• Over 25 years of experience practicing law.

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