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Claude Ashton Van Hook III

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Avvo Rating10
  • Deland, FL
  • Licensed for 50 years
  • Free consultation
Claude Ashton Van Hook III
Claude Ashton Van Hook III
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About Claude

Board Certified Expert Criminal Defense Trial Attorney Who Offers Reliable Legal Services

Claude Ashton Van Hook III of Deland, FL is a former felony chief of Prosecution of Seminole County. He is also a board certified expert criminal trial attorney who offers reliable and high quality legal counseling and services. He has 40 years of experience in the criminal law practice.

Practice areas

DUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 50%

  2. DUI and DWI: 50%

Languages spoken

English

Contact

536 W New York Ave
Deland, FL, 32720

Website
http://criminalattorneydelandfl.com/ 

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    FLMember in Good Standing197104/04/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers0
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    2015 Premier 100 Trial AttorneyAmerican Academy of Trial Attorneys2015
    Nationally Ranked Superior DUI AttyNational Advocacy for DUI Defense2014
    Board Certified Criminal Trial Law since 1992The Florida Bar2013
    Re-Certified Criminal LawFlorida Bar2007
    Re-Certified Criminal LawFlorida Bar2002
    Re-Certifed Criminal LawFlorida Bar1997
    Board Certified Criminal LawFlorida Bar1992
    Who's Who In American LawMarquis Who's Who Publications Board1984
    Model Citizen Fireman of the Year AwardGallager Reality1981
    American JurisprudenceUniversity of Florida School of Law1969
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    Board Certified Crminal Trial AttorneyClaude Ashton Van Hook, III Law Office1977 - Present
    Teacher educatorSeminole Community College1980 - 1983
    Chief of the felony divisionSeminole County State Attorney's Office1973 - 1976
    Prosecuting AttorneySeminole County State Attorney's Office1972 - 1976
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyersmember1995 - Present
    The Florida Bar Board Certified Lawyersmember1992 - Present
    Volusia County Bar Associationmember1980 - Present
    American Bar Associationmember1973 - Present
    National College of District AttorneysMember1976 - 1977
    National District Attorneys' Associationmember1975 - 1977
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    27 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 633State v. R. R2019
    25 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 202State v. M.H.2017
    24 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 974State v. A.R2016
    22 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 604State v. W.T.2014
    20 Fla. L.Weekly Supp. 430State v. J..S.2013
    19 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 1031State v.S.2012
    18 Fla, L.Weekly Supp. 1176State v. N.G.2011
    18 Fla.L. Weekly Supp.863State v. R.C.2011
    18 Fla.L.Weekly Supp 522State v. K.T.2011
    18 Fla,L.Weekly Supp 470State v. W. K.2011
    18 Fla.L. Weekly Supp. 1136STATE v A. C.2011
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of LawJD - Juris Doctor1970
    Bellmont Abbey CollegeBA - Bachelor of Arts1967
    DeLand High SchoolHigh School Diploma1963
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    DeLand Middle SchoolCivil v. Criminal Law1990
    Stetson UniversityTruth and Lies1984
    DeLand Police DepartmentDefending DUI Cases1984
    Stetson University Class taught by KindredTruth and Lies1983
    Optimist Club of DeLand, Fl.DUi Law1983
    Deltona Jr. High Law WeekCriminal Law1983
    DeLand Jr. High SchoolCriminal Law1983
    Stetson University Class taught by David ThomasVan Hook Trials1982
    St. PetersCrime and the Bill of Rights1982
    Seville Elementary Law WeekMock Trial Presentation1982
    DeLand Jr. High Law WeekCriminal Law1982
    St. Peters Catholic School, DeLand, Fl.Crime and the Bill of Rights1981
    Kiwanis Club of DeLandCriminal Law1981
    DeLand Jr. HighAuto Accidents and Manslaughter1981
    DeLand Jr. HighPlea Bargaining, Death Penalty, Voir Dire Techniques1980
    DeLand High School Law WeekSexual Battery, Due Process, Capital Punishment1980
    West Volusia Legal SecretariesCriminal Procedure1979
    DeLand Jr. High Law Week1976,77,78 changes in criminal law, Juvinile law, branches of government1979
    DeLand High School Law WeekSexual Battery, Due Process, Legal Misconceptions1979
    Lake Brantley High SchoolThe law1978
    DeLand Jr.High School4th, 5th, and 6th Amendments1978
    DeLand High SchoolSexual Battery and Due Process1978
    Lake Brantley High School4th, 5th, and 6th Amendments1977
    Lyman High SchoolChild Abuse1976
    Lyman High SchoolSexual Battery1976
    Delivered 30 speeches at schools and service clubs through out Volusia and Seminole Counties from 1976 to 1990The Law1976
    Bankers Security SeminarWorthless Checks1976
    Sanford Plaza MerchantsWorthless Checks1975
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    State v. P. S.Reduced to 2 misdemeanors
    State v. BEntered into deferred prosecution agreement. Charges dropped in about 3 weeks
    State v. J.J.DUI completley dropped in return for a plea to a dry reckless, that is to say, not alcohol related.
    State v R.B.Dropped to a misdemeanor of resisting without violence, time served, adjudication withheld, no probation, no jail time.
    State v. S. W.State nolle prossed(state completeley dropped the charges).
    State v. J. S.State nolle prossed(dropped) the DUI and the DWLS for insufficient evidence. Client walked.
    State v. S.State nolle prossed(dropped) the DUI.
    State v. GDUI nolle prossed(dropped)
    State v. CNolle Prossed(dropped)
    State v. R. C.Nolle Prossed. State appealed the suppression. Suppression upheld by 5th DCA.
    State v. KDUI nolle prossed(dropped)
    State v. TNolle Prossed(dropped)
    InThe Interest Of B.Y.State nolle prossed(dropped) the charges on 4 -19- 2013

    Reviews

    (24)
    5 Star
    		100%
    4 Star
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    3 Star
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    Review Claude Van Hook

    Professional and Proficient

    Posted by

    Mr. Van Hook went above and beyond all expectations. He is professional and thorough. He helped my daughter who was facing 5 years (in adult felony court) reach a deal with the state for just 6 months juvenile probation. He never stopped fighting for my daughter and the injustice of her charges. He was well prepared to take it to trial and only by my daughters choice did we go with a plea. If you want to stay out of prison go with VAN HOOK!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Great lawyer

    Posted by

    Excellent Representation knowledgeable of court navigation good client attention HIGHLY recommended he’s just a great lawyer all they way around the board
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Awesome Attorney

    Posted by

    Attorney Van Hook is hands down the best attorney I've ever had represent me. He's very thorough, very much hands on. The moment I walked out of his office I was confident that my case would be not only resolved, but my case would be won. And it was. I recommend before you hire a lawyer for your case, please give Attorney Van Hook a call. I promise, you won't regret it.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Mr. Claude Ashton Van Hook III truly has a gift.

    Posted by

    I was charged with a 2nd degree felony and 1st degree misdemeanor. Mr. Van Hook III got me a PTI (6-month deferment) and all will be dismissed. Amazing!!! My husband had been represented by Mr. Van Hook III in a Jury Trial. Mr. Van Hook III is an outstanding Attorney and in front of a Jury you couldn't ask for a better trial lawyer. So, when I needed help, we knew where to go. I would not trust my life with any other Attorney. Thank you so much A.B.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Best lawyer in town!!.

    Posted by

    I’ve had a few cases over the years and Mr. Van Hook is always my go to guy! He gives the best and realist advice. I recommend everyone I know to him. Definitely the best lawyer around!! You won’t be disappointed!!.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Thank You Attorney Van Hook

    Posted by

    The first time I hired Attorney Van Hook was approx.15 years ago, and he handled my case with honestly and integrity, I hired him again 2 years ago and again, had the same outcome, Attorney Van Hook is definitely an attorney I feel very confident to recommend to any of my families or friends that need a great Attorney. Thank you for the great service Attorney Van Hook........A.D.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Defendant

    Posted by

    Mr. Van Hook is very professional and great at his job! I felt he really wanted to identify with me and understand my case, in doing so he achieved a fast and powerful victory. I would recommend Mr. Van Hook hands down! He gets results!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Excellent Attorney

    Posted by

    I got in some trouble and Mr. Van Hook got me out of it. Got ALL charges against me dropped!! I can never thank him enough for all the work he did for me. Excellent attorney!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    The best lawyer you can have.

    Posted by

    A fantastic attorney I would recommend him to anyone that needs help. I used him and very pleased with the outcome,thank you again.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Unequivocally the best...Client and goal focused

    Posted by

    Mr. Van Hook's attention to detail, research and knowledge of case law are amazing. His tact with engagement of the court, prosecution and jury is something to behold. From my initial interview to adjudication, Mr. Van Hook made it a point to always communicate the possible outcomes and emphasize the strengths of the case while balancing mitigating factors such as previous record, evidence and intent of the prosecution. His adeptness in jury selection and the ability to navigate the judicial system are beyond reproach. His ability to seamlessly interact with the Court, prosecution and jury should serve as an example for all attorneys. I cannot thank Mr. Van Hook enough for being willing to take a case to trial that defended rights.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
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    Attorney endorsements

    (8)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Richard Jackson, Criminal defense Attorney on May 23, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Van Hook for many years, and he is a knowledgeable attorney and a zealous advocate for his clients. Mr. Van Hook is very well respected in the legal community.

    A McNeilly, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 6, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    James Weart, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 13, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have known Claude Van Hook for over 30 years. I would highly recommend him to anyone who has a criminal problem in the Volusia County area. Claude has successfully tried hundreds of cases and does an outstanding job in the courtroom. He also is a very ethical lawyer who has an honest relationship with his clients.

    Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 30, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Geoffrey is a superb criminal defense lawyer. He is aggressive, compassionate, and fights like a warrior for his clients.

    Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 30, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse Claude. He is a highly skilled trial lawyer that aggressively fights for the rights of his clients.

    R. Jason de Groot, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 19, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mr. Van Hook is the best criminal defense attorney I know. I have known him for over 20 years and have found that he is one of the only attorneys I can trust. He is the heavyweight that you want in your corner.

    Ivan Clements, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 27, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse Claude A. Van Hook III , a Board Certified Expert in criminal trial law. I have known him for more than 20 years, since I was a prosecutor Volusia County. He represented some of the people that I prosecuted. I found him to be extremely competent, hard working and dedicated to his many clients. I would, and do, recommend this attorney to those charged with criminal offenses and would not hesitate to retain his services if I were in need. He is among the very few in this county who are certified experts in criminal trial law.

    Michael Herring, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 3, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. I have known Claude to be a skilled and competent criminal trial lawyer for almost 30 years. He has tried about every kind of criminal case known and was a pioneer in defending against the State's use of DNA evidence in criminal cases.

    Cost

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      • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
        15 minutes
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