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John Matthew Leace
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About John
Biography
Criminal Defense Attorney with a proven track record of providing aggressive and affordable legal representation for clients from all walks of life. Experienced in handling cases ranging in severity from traffic offenses to first degree murder.
Protect your Rights, Protect your Future
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
DUI and DWI
25%
Personal Injury
25%
Drug Crime
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2023 2022
...
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3
2022 2021 2020
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3
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 26 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find John online.
John Matthew Leace's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
52 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (52)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (36)
Advocacy (26)
Recommendation (22)
Professionalism (14)
Practice Area Knowledge (13)
Responsiveness (10)
Character & Conduct (9)
Communication Style (8)
General Knowledge (8)
Compassion (7)
Trustworthiness (7)
Cost of Services (6)
Payment Plans (1)
Punctuality (1)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Sex Crime
Posted by Marcos | September 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Sex Crime
A charismatic and authoritative lawyer
John Leary fought hard for my early termination of sex offender probation. He spoke with confidence and asserted himself to the prosecutor. I was nervous throughout the process, but he helped me maintain a sense of calm and prepared me for all possibilities. The odds were against me because of my VOP...
John Matthew Leace's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. John is a very professional and dedicated trial lawyer. He aggressively represents his clients and thier interests. He is one of the preeminent criminal defense lawyers in the Tallahassee area."
"John is an amazing attorney. If I were faced with a criminal charge, he is the first person I would call. He's a great trial attorney and has as much knowledge about criminal law as anyone I know. I would recommend John to anyone looking for a criminal defense lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is an excellent attorney and puts his clients first."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse John. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"As a former prosecutor, I have had the opportunity to work against John Leace. As a criminal defense attorney, I have had the opportunity to work with him. Having seen him in action from both sides of the fence, I can say that John works tirelessly to obtain the results his clients deserve. I would recommend him to anyone looking for zealous and effective legal representation."
"John is an excellent lawyer who gets results for his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him."
"John is an excellent attorney and always fights for his clients. He will do a great job on your case."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I met Mr. Leace several years ago when he was representing a client that I was prosecuting. He fought hard for his client, filing all the appropriate motions and pointing out the weaknesses in my case. He did so while remaining cordial and professional. And ultimately negotiated a very favorable plea bargain for his client."
"John Leace is a terrific attorney. He is well respected throughout North Florida for his knowledge of criminal law and his ability to apply that knowledge in practical ways. I worked with and for Mr. Leace on many serious felony cases. I can personally attest that he does great work on behalf of his clients. On occasion I cannot handle a case due to a conflict of interest. When that happens, Mr. Leace is the first attorney I direct a potential client to consult with."
"When I started my legal career as a state prosecutor, I litigated many cases against Mr. Leace. He was always professional and very prepared. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking legal assistance."
"I've known John as a fellow lawyer in the community for years. Over the years I have witnessed John continually display knowledge, skill and professionalism. John obtains great results; oftentimes in tough cases. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to send a friend or family member to John for representation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
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Experience
Honors
2025
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2024
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2023
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2023
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2022
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2021
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2021
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2020
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2020
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2019
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2019
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2018
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2017
America's Most Honored Professionals, American Registry
2017
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2016
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top Attorneys, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2015
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Top Contributor, AVVO
2014
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Client's Choice-Criminal Law, AVVO
2001
Service, State Attorney's Office
Work Experience
2022 - Present
Founder, Leace Law, PA
2012 - 2022
Shareholder, Brooks, LeBoeuf
2002 - 2012
Founder/Attorney, Law Offices of John M. Leace, P.A.
2001 - 2002
Associate, Local Defense Firm
1998 - 2001
Prosecuting Attorney, State Attorney, 2nd Judicial Circuit
Associations
2017 - Present
Florida Justice AssociationMember
2017 - Present
Public JusticeMember
2014 - Present
Council of Parent Attorneys and AdvocatesMember
2006 - Present
Florida Bar, Criminal Law SectionMember
2002 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2002 - Present
Tallahassee FACDLMember
1999 - Present
Florida BarMember
2003 - 2005
William Stafford Inns of CourtMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. Whitaker
Dismissal
State v. Langston
Dissmissal
State of Florida v. Troy Phillips
Acquittal
State of Florida v. Michelle Ducles
Judgment of Acquittal
State of Florida v. Jimmy Hair
Charges Dismissed
State v. Bildad Rither
Dismissal
State v. Lucious Guyton
Acquittal
State of Florida v. Armondo Solis
Lessor offense
State of Florida v. Antrez manuel
Not Guilty
State v. Travis Johnson
Acquittal
State of Florida v. Alex Jacobs
Acquittal
State of Florida v. Larin Conner
Acquittal
Education
1998
The Florida State University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1995
Florida State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Trial Practice
Voir Dire
2014
Legal Negotiations
Criminal Negotiations
2011
LawCall
DUI Law
2009
The Morning Show
Stand Your Ground Law and Jimmy Hair
2006
Fraterninty Risk Management
Hazing Laws
2005
FSU Pre-Law Society Guest Lecturer
DUI Defense
Publications
2016
Tallahassee Democrat
Decriminalizing Marijuana Makes Sense For Tallahassee
2014
Tallahassee Democrat
Adam Frasch's mental state questioned
2010
Associated Press
State justices: 'Stand-your-ground' rulings must be pretrial
2009
2004
Orlando Sentinal
Fsu Lineman Meeks Pleads No Contest To 3 Misdemeanors
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
John earned significant contribution points in 2022.
Legal Answers
Q&A
I need info on my husbands case?
07 Nov 2025
Q&A
How can my lawyer tell me to take a plea for 30 days in jail next week based on video evidence, without showing me the video
07 Nov 2025
Q&A
Hey need to ask a question?
13 Apr 2025