James Hope is Board Certified by the Florida Bar as a Criminal Trial Specialist, and has been practicing criminal law in Tavares, Florida, since 1987 -- over 28 years. From 1987 to 1993 he served as a Assistant State Attorney (Prosecutor) in Lake County, developing experience in criminal matters at all stages of litigation and held supervisory responsibilities at the Juvenile, Misdemeanor, Felony and Capital Post-Conviction Relief levels.
In fact he has fought more than triple the number of Felony Jury Trials required for initial Board Certification -- right here in Lake County. Board certified lawyers are legal experts dedicated to professional excellence who have met vigorous standards for experience and professionalism. Established in 1982 by the Supreme Court of Florida, Board Certification provides consumers with assurance in the selection of legal counsel.
A lawyer who is Board Certified by The Florida Bar has demonstrated ability and experience in his or her field of practice and has earned a reputation for professionalism within the legal community.
In fact he has fought more than triple the number of Felony Jury Trials required for initial Board Certification -- right here in Lake County. Board certified lawyers are legal experts dedicated to professional excellence who have met vigorous standards for experience and professionalism. Established in 1982 by the Supreme Court of Florida, Board Certification provides consumers with assurance in the selection of legal counsel.
A lawyer who is Board Certified by The Florida Bar has demonstrated ability and experience in his or her field of practice and has earned a reputation for professionalism within the legal community.
Services
In three ways: I can use my experience to advise you, negotiate with the State of Florida in your behalf, and represent you in court.
We need to explore things such as: How strong is the State's case against you -- is it likely to hold up in court?
Are you in danger of additional criminal charges, enhanced penalties, or an unexpected loss of your Driver's License?
Do you stand to fare better or worse, if you choose to reject all settlement offers, and have your case decided by a Jury?
In large part, that depends upon you, the Client.
We need to explore things such as: How strong is the State's case against you -- is it likely to hold up in court?
Are you in danger of additional criminal charges, enhanced penalties, or an unexpected loss of your Driver's License?
Do you stand to fare better or worse, if you choose to reject all settlement offers, and have your case decided by a Jury?
In large part, that depends upon you, the Client.
While the first question you may have for an attorney regarding his or her fee might be, "What is your hourly rate?", it is actually much more common for criminal defense work to be conducted for a "Flat Fee".
I use the Flat Fee structure almost exclusively.
A "Flat Fee" may simply be thought of as the "price" that you and your attorney agree upon in advance for the legal task at hand-- period, the end.
Attorney (Prosecutor) and current defense attorney to arrive at what I feel is a reasonable Flat Fee for my services, based upon the insights I glean during your free consultation.
I use the Flat Fee structure almost exclusively.
A "Flat Fee" may simply be thought of as the "price" that you and your attorney agree upon in advance for the legal task at hand-- period, the end.
Attorney (Prosecutor) and current defense attorney to arrive at what I feel is a reasonable Flat Fee for my services, based upon the insights I glean during your free consultation.
Fact: Everyone who gets hauled off to Jail wants to be back sleeping in their in their own bed tonight.
Therefore, if money is not an issue (meaning you have adequate funds available both to bond out and hire the attorney of your choice) then by all means go ahead and bond out.
Indeed, the saying in my office is, "You don't have a legal 'emergency' if you can bond out."
It is possible to hire an attorney for the limited purpose of helping you seek to establish a reasonable bond, but most often it is not cost-effective to do so.
Therefore, if money is not an issue (meaning you have adequate funds available both to bond out and hire the attorney of your choice) then by all means go ahead and bond out.
Indeed, the saying in my office is, "You don't have a legal 'emergency' if you can bond out."
It is possible to hire an attorney for the limited purpose of helping you seek to establish a reasonable bond, but most often it is not cost-effective to do so.
If you are arrested (or receive a Summons to appear in answer to an alleged crime), you unfortunately have a problem that involves more than just "you" and the "victim".
Unlike a civil case (where the Plaintiff can decide to abandon the lawsuit at virtually any point in time), all criminal charges are brought by the State, in behalf of the State.
For example, a formal charge might allege that "In Lake County, Florida, Mr. Jones struck Ms. Smith without her consent against the peace and dignity of the State of Florida."
Unlike a civil case (where the Plaintiff can decide to abandon the lawsuit at virtually any point in time), all criminal charges are brought by the State, in behalf of the State.
For example, a formal charge might allege that "In Lake County, Florida, Mr. Jones struck Ms. Smith without her consent against the peace and dignity of the State of Florida."
Lake County Judges and Prosecutors take these Injunctions very seriously, and you should too.
One of the fastest ways to be sent 'directly to Jail, do not pass GO', is to violate one of these Injunctions.
They say what they mean, and mean what they say.
Likely you were surprised when served with your Temporary Injunction-- perhaps only being given 15 minutes to gather your toothbrush and work tools-- and now you are living on a friend's couch.
Please be aware that as the Hearing for the Permanent Injunction approaches, it approaches quickly (usually in just a matter of days), and therefore time is not on your side.
One of the fastest ways to be sent 'directly to Jail, do not pass GO', is to violate one of these Injunctions.
They say what they mean, and mean what they say.
Likely you were surprised when served with your Temporary Injunction-- perhaps only being given 15 minutes to gather your toothbrush and work tools-- and now you are living on a friend's couch.
Please be aware that as the Hearing for the Permanent Injunction approaches, it approaches quickly (usually in just a matter of days), and therefore time is not on your side.
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