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Joseph Cameron Bodiford
also known as Joe Bodiford, Joseph Bodiford
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About Joseph
Biography
Joseph Bodiford, a native of Tallahassee and a sixth-generation Floridian, boasts an illustrious 28-year career as a trial lawyer, having conducted over 100 jury trials to verdict. His unique legal skills are underscored by his Board Certification in Criminal Law and his status as a certified Advocate by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. Joe's exceptional legal skills have earned him an AV* rating from Martindale-Hubbell and recurring recognition as a "SuperLawyer" and part of Florida Trend's "Legal Elite."
Beyond the courtroom, Joe is a dedicated educator, teaching Advanced Advocacy at Stetson University College of Law. His contributions to legal education also include authoring influential texts on trial advocacy. As a former President of the Tallahassee Bar Association and contributor to the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra Board, Joe remains deeply involved in his community. His legal insights are featured prominently on WCTV as a respected analyst.
State AND Nationally Board Certified Trial Law EXPERT. Our team is here to help you!
Over 100 jury trials, litigator/professor/author - experience is everything. No-cost consultation.
Former update editor of the "Florida DUI & Traffic Manual" and other DUI books. We can help!
Using trial skills and pretrial litigation strategies, we maximize our clients' recoveries.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
30 years | 5,000 cases
Personal Injury
30%
2 years | 200 cases
DUI and DWI
20%
30 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2017 2015 2014
...
+
4
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 29 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Bodiford Law
(850) 587-8423
Fax
2019 Centre Pointe Blvd, Suite 102, Tallahassee, FL, 32308
bodifordlaw.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Joseph online.
Joseph Cameron Bodiford's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
58 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (58)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (41)
Recommendation (32)
Advocacy (28)
Professionalism (23)
Responsiveness (20)
Communication Style (17)
Character & Conduct (14)
Compassion (13)
General Knowledge (13)
Practice Area Knowledge (12)
Trustworthiness (11)
Cost of Services (10)
Staff & Support (6)
Punctuality (3)
Free Consultations (2)
Payment Plans (2)
Showing 1 - 5 of 13 reviews | Compassion
Posted by David | July 24, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Appeals
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 | March 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best decision I ever made!
After exploring the options for criminal defense attorneys in Tallahassee, I decided to hire Joe to handle my case, and it was the best decision I ever made. Right off the bat in the free consultation you could tell that Joe was very knowledgeable and experienced in Florida criminal law. Most impo...
Posted by Mrs. Dukes | January 08, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best Lawyer in town
I knew Mr. Bodiford was the lawyer I needed on my side from the moment I met him for a consultation. He is easy to talk to and very honest about what can happen. His prices are the best in town. He truly cares about his clients. I've never seen a lawyer call you after 5, on the weekends or even near...
Posted by Reviewer1 | October 13, 2015 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Excellent service
For anyone out there who does not know where to turn, I would reccomend hiring Joe Bodiford. I am a 20 year old student who was facing a DUI charge without any prior encounters with law enforcement. Going through the process for the first time, I did not know what to do and was scared out of my mind....
Posted by Mike McCarron | September 13, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
DUI Case
Joe was simply fantastic. He was passionate about our defense, responsive throughout a long drawn out process, cared deeply about the outcome and its impact on my son, and he was patient with us as we asked hundreds of questions. It was a privilege to work with him and I would strongly recommend hi...
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."
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"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
2026
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
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