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Joseph Cameron Bodiford
also known as Joe Bodiford, Joseph Bodiford
About Joseph
Biography
Small town boy, big city lawyer
I was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida. I'm a sixth-generation Floridian and the great-great-great-grandson of a Florida pioneer (as recognized by the Florida State Genealogical Society). I love this State and its people. I have dedicated my practice to representing people charged with crimes, or appealing a conviction.
Tallahassee criminal defense attorney
I am Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by the Florida Bar, Board Certified in Criminal Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, AVVO rated "10", AV*-rated by Martindale-Hubbel. I hold an LL.M. (Master's of Law) in Advocacy. I am a National Institute of Trial Advocacy certified Advocate.
I am an adjunct professor of law at Stetson Law, where I teach Advanced Advocacy in the Advocacy LL.M. program. I also teach in the J.D. program, classes including Cross Examination, Trial Advocacy, Florida Criminal Procedure, Survey of Florida Law (Criminal Procedure, Premises Liability), and Legal Drafting I have also served as an adjunct professor of law at the Florida State University College of Law (where I taught trial skills and was co-director of the school's trial team - where we won three national competitions while I was there).
I have written several books on criminal law and trial advocacy:
- Florida Criminal Cases Notebook (James Publishing)
- Cross Examination in a Nutshell (West Academic)
- A Short & Happy Guide to Trial Advocacy (West Academic)
I am also a former prosecutor, having experience with all types of felonies.
Criminal defense lawyer in Tallahassee
I have over 28 years of experience, and have been an attorney since 1996 and a criminal defense attorney since 1999. I have tried over 120 jury trials, and am accomplished trial advocate. Being Board Certified allows me to say that I am an EXPERT in criminal trial law. I am looking forward to speaking with you, and discussing how I can help you with your Tallahassee criminal defense case.
Please visit for more information.
If you need a Tallahassee or Leon County criminal attorney, Tallahassee criminal lawyer, Leon County defense attorney, Tallahassee defense lawyer, please give me a call. Consultations are always complimentary, and at no charge!
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
29 years | 5,000 cases
DUI and DWI
20%
29 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 29 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Bodiford Law
2019 Centre Pointe Blvd, Suite 102, Tallahassee, FL, 32308
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Joseph Cameron Bodiford's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 60 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | December 27, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Sad
He took my nephews money to fight for clemency and did nothing. We have no proof that anything was ever done but whether he did or not we did not feel like he gave it a fight at all. 10,000 dollars later and my nephew is still in the same place depressed serving his time. This Justice system is not s...
Joseph Bodiford
Replied last March 2, 2024I don't know who this is or what it is about. This may not even be for one of my clients. However, as an attorney, I am constrained by the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar from responding in detail, but I will simply state that it is my belief that the comments/post present neither a fair nor accurate picture of what occurred and I believe that the comments/post are] false.
Posted by Trav Madd | December 11, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best Criminal Defense Attorney hands down!
Very professional, experienced, honest attorney in the Area. I would highly recommend him for your attorney needs.
Posted by anonymous | August 3, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The Best!
Simply the best! I am so happy that I chose Mr. Bodiford, and Mr. Coens to help me with my incident. They were easy to talk to, and I was always kept up to date on what was happening. I would often call late in the day, and they were there to help me. I would definitely recommend them.
Posted by David | July 24, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Wish I had hired Joe and Gannon first!
Joe and Gannon handled my appeal of a wrongful conviction, on a very minor charge, motivated by political grudges and mired in civil rights violations. They were there to help me when I was at the end of my rope and our interactions were professional, positive, clear/concise, on-task and reassuring....
Posted by anonymous | July 15, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Job
Joe and Gannon helped us through a very difficult family situation. They gave us peace at the outset through their empathy and that they understood the process and what was ahead of us. They are entrenched in the Tallahassee law community and their network of contacts were invaluable. They kept us...
Joseph Cameron Bodiford's Lawyer Endorsements
"Joe Bodiford is the kind of criminal defense attorney I would hire for myself, God forbid I ever needed one! He is ethical and extremely caring. He goes the extra mile to prepare his cases. He is creative and is not afraid to run ideas by others and listen to what we have to say so that he may assess whether there is room for improvement to any given strategy. For Joe Bodiford, the client definitely comes first and the best representation is the only service offered."
"I have known Joe since 1998 when he was a prosecutor with the State Attorney's Office. As a prosecutor, he was a tenacious opponent. As a defense attorney, he is an outstanding litigator who cares about his clients and fights hard for their rights. He has also been heavily involved in various organizations in the legal community. I am proud to know Joe and he is on a very short list of attorneys who I consult with and can confidently refer clients to."
"Joe is extremely intelligent and knows how to present a compelling argument in the best possible manner. Plus he's a great guy. Heartily endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Over the last dozen or so years, I've had ample opportunity to witness Mr. Bodiford in action. He is always well prepared and a great advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer. Joe is an outstanding attorney. I would highly recommend him to anyone I know that needs his services."
"I endorse Joseph. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Joe is one of the most knowledgeable and well respected attorneys in the area. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is in need of representation for a criminal case."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I've known Joe for many years. He and I served on the Criminal Law Board Certification Committee for The Florida Bar and are fellow criminal defense attorneys in the Tampa Bay area. Joe is very innovative and forward-thinking in his defense strategies and does a terrific job for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have seen Joe in the courtroom numerous times, both when we had cases against each other when I was a prosecutor and while looking from the sideline as a criminal defense attorney. He is very- very good- I would consider him for a family member or friend if they needed a criminal defense attorney."
"Mr. Bodiford is a highly skilled and passionate criminal defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Joe is a very competent attorney who fights hard for his client's. Any prosecutor knows they need to bring their best game when up against Joe."
"I first met Attorney Bodiford when I was serving as an Assistant State Attorney in Tampa. Attorney Bodiford represented several defendants whom I was prosecuting. I was immediately impressed by Attorney Bodiford's encyclopedic knowledge of the law and the dedication he showed to his clients. Joe Bodiford is one of the most respected attorneys in the Tampa Bay Area. I endorse him wholeheartedly."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. As a prosecutor, I had the privilege of trying a very complex drug trafficking case against Joe and was so impressed with his level of professionalism and depth of knowledge about the law. He was truly a pleasure to work with and I would absolutely recommend Joe to anyone seeking an intelligent, articulate, and personable attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. It's hard to believe that I have known Joe for almost 15 years! I knew him at Stetson, as he was finishing his work while I was an adjunct professor. He was a hard worker who was dedicated to his craft. I then knew him when we prosecuted cases together. He was an excellent prosecutor and has carried his work into the private sector as a well respected and competent criminal defense lawyer. He's a good man to have on your side."
"Joe is scary good. I've known Joe for several years and not only has he earned an excellent reputation in the community, but he is always willing to share tips and tools of the profession, to include occasional "war stories." We recently spoke at a DUI seminar together and he could not have been more cordial or gracious with his time and materials. I am proud to be a fellow member of the Bar with individuals of his caliber."
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Experience
Honors
2010
Tampa Bay's Top Lawyers, Tampa Bay Magazine
2009
SuperLawyer 2009, SuperLawyer
2008
SuperLawyer 2008, SuperLawyer
2008
Meritorious Public Service Certificate, The Florida Bar
2008
Re-certification in Criminal Trial Law, Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education
2003
Board Certification, Criminal Trial Law, Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Adjunct Professor, Stetson University College of Law
1999 - Present
Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer, Bodiford Law, P.A.
2015 - 2017
Adjunct Professor and Trial Team Co-director, Florida State University College Of Law
Associations
2014 - Present
Tallahassee Bar AssociationDirector
2014 - Present
William H. Stafford American Inn of CourtMaster
2001 - Present
Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense LawyersDirector
1999 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
1999 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Sample of Legal Cases
Jones v. State
REVERSED
Ziegler v. State
REVERSED
State v. Lefever
NOT GUILTY
State v. Sulieman
JURY TRIAL: NOT GUILTY AND LESSERS
Andre Bryant v. State of Florida
Case about jury instructions.
Robinson v. State
Denial of post-conviction motion REVERSED
State of Florida v. Benjamin Smith
Murder conviction SET ASIDE
State v. Weller
CASE DISMISSED AFTER MOTION TO SUPPRESS
State v. Lucas
CASE DISMISSED AFTER MOTION TO SUPPRESS GRANTED
State v. Dossey
MOTION TO DISMISS GRANTED
Education
2014
Stetson University College of Law
LL.M - Master of Laws
1995
Stetson University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
Florida State University
M.M. - Masters in Trumpet Performance
1991
Florida State University
B.A., Music
Speaking Engagements
2011
Public Defender Training Seminar
Ethics in Handling Criminal Cases
2011
Law School for Physicians
Strategies for Defense of Pill Mill Cases
2011
Handling First DUI Case
Client Intake, The Basics of DUI Science (DUI Cases)
2011
FSIPP Annual Meeting
"Defense strategies for "Pill Mill" Cases"
2011
First Domestic Violence Case
Client Intake, The Law and Consequences (DV Cases)
2011
Basic Criminal Law
Criminal Representation in Florida
2010
Advocacy Resource Center (ARC)
Ethics in Criminal Cases
2010
"If your client is arrested . . . "
Intro to criminal law for civil attorneys
2010
"If Your Client Gets Arrested . . . "
Criminal law
2010
"Drinking, Drving, and Your Career"
DUI and law students
2010
"Criminal Appeals" Bridging the Gap from Trial to Appeal"
Criminal Appeals; criminal law
2009
Basic Criminal Law
DUI Defense; The Basics of Criminal Defense
2008
Basic Criminal Law
The Basics of Criminal Defense
2007
Criminal Practice
Criminal Appeals
Publications
2010
Business Litigation in Florida, Sixth Ed.
Chapter 22: "White Collar Crimes"
2009
The Defender (Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers)
"Beware of the BLAWG"
2009
The Defender (Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers)
"The 3:32am sleep lawyer's guide to answering the 24/7 line"
2005
Business Litigation in Florida, Fifth Ed.
Chapter 22: "White-collar Crimes" (renamed)
2002
Traffic and DUI Manual
(Editor)
2001
Business Litigation in Florida, Fourth Ed.
Chapter 22: "Business Crimes"
1995
Florida Evidence Courtroom Manual (Eleazer)
(Research assistant)
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I file criminal charges against an employer who did not pay me?
08 Mar 2012
Q&A
I was on probation for 18 months in Pasco county Fl and got arrested in Madison county Fl and bonded out . My probation officer
11 Aug 2011
Q&A
What are my chances of getting jail time for first DUI? Blew .21/.19
11 Aug 2011