James Wesley Smith III

James Wesley Smith III

4.5
Rating: 6.2

Licensed for 30 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Orlando, FL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, White Collar Crime, Military Law ... +2 more

201 E Pine St Ste 445, Orlando, FL

About James

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 30%

Criminal defense in state, federal, and military courts. Particular emphasis on sexual assault allegations. Also providing defense in appeals/

32 years | 500 cases

30%
White Collar Crime 30%

Fraud, tax offenses, theft, embezzlement, computer crimes

32 years | 250 cases

30%
Military Law 20%

I served in the United States Army JAG Corps for eight years. Former military prosecutor, military defense counsel, and senior military defense counsel. Experienced in courts-martial defense and adverse administrative actions

32 years | 160 cases

20%
Family 10%

Martial separation agreements, time sharing, child custody, and divorce.

32 years | 200 cases

10%
Litigation 10%

Experienced litigator in state, federal, and military courts. Capable of handing trials and appeals.

32 years | 500 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 20 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2005

Member in Good Standing - Disciplinary Proceeding Pending

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2021

Licensed in South Carolina for 30 years

State: South Carolina

Acquired: 1995

Suspended - Administrative

Location

Law Offices of James Wesley Smith III

201 E Pine St Ste 445, Orlando, FL, 32801-2717

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James Wesley Smith III's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.5 /5.0

41 Client Reviews

5 star (36)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (5)

Posted by Tejis | June 6, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Mr

James was very professional and eager to help me with my case. As soon as I hired him to fight for me he worked diligently while at the same time keeping me updated and reassured of a good outcome. I definitely recommend him for anyone’s defense.

Posted by Selena | June 6, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Stellar Representation

Attorney Smith brought life to the case and made it human and not just a file being pushed across the table. The level of professionalism and good communication far exceeded my expectations and displayed a professional that leads and serves. I am extremely grateful to have hired him for my case.

Posted by Lashaunte | June 6, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Amazing job

I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional legal representation I received from Mr.Smith. With Facing multiple charges for crimes I did not commit was a harrowing experience, but he provided unwavering support and expertise throughout the entire process. From our first consultation, Mr.Smith de...monstrated a deep understanding of the law and a genuine commitment to my case. He was meticulously and thorough through out this whole process. In addition to their legal acumen, he was always approachable and communicative, ensuring that I was informed and reassured at every step. Their professionalism and empathy provided immense comfort during a very difficult time. Within me hiring him and in less than two weeks my charges were dropped , he did exactly what was needed to be done with showing evidence of my innocence and making sure the state had all the correct facts to have my case dropped. I wholeheartedly recommend James Wesley Smith III to anyone in need of a dedicated and highly skilled defense attorney. Their dedication to justice and client well-being is truly unparalleled. Thank you for restoring my faith in the legal system and helping me reclaim my life.

Posted by anonymous | March 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

He stole my money

I hire him for my case he askme for 15,000 for the case and if we go to trial 10,000 more i agree . After more than one year he working on my case he wihtdraw from my case for conflic of interest i give him 14,600 dollars and never at lese giveme my discovery and now he no want to gibe at lease the h...ave of the money back

Posted by Anais | December 13, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

You lifted this weight of our shoulders THANK YOU!!

I recently had the pleasure of working with lawyer James Smith and I cannot say enough good things about him. He helped my fiancé with a difficult legal matter and went above and beyond to make sure he received the best possible outcome. James is not only incredibly knowledgeable and skilled in hi...s field, but he is also kind, compassionate, and truly cares about his clients. He was always available to answer our questions and provide guidance, and he made us feel like we were his top priority. In the end, James was able to successfully resolve the issue and we are both incredibly grateful for his help. I highly recommend James Smith to anyone in need of legal representation. He truly is the best in the business and will fight tirelessly for his clients. Thank you, James!

See All Client Reviews

James Wesley Smith III's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Rahul Y Parikh headshot
Rahul Parikh

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Smith is a former JAG attorney who has made a clear mark on Orlando's criminal defense community. He is a skilled litigator and a formidable shield between the accused and the government. I highly recommend him for any State or Federal case. You'd be lucky to have him in your corner."

Yadirah M Rodriguez headshot
Yadirah Rodriguez

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 27

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Steven Harry Meyer headshot
Steven Meyer

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 21

Relationship: Co-worker

"James is one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Florida. His analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of a case, and his trial skills, are superb. I give him the highest possible recommendation."

Tony Pagan Jr. headshot
Tony Pagan

Unknown lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse this lawyer. From his outstanding professorial skills to his mastery of both criminal and civil litigation, James Smith is an exemplary attorney."

Joy Ragan Knight headshot
Joy Knight

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is the best of the best. I wholeheartedly endorse him for any Federal or State criminal case."

David L. Haas headshot
David Haas

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 04

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"A skilled advocate, a smart tactitian, and a loyal counsel - James always had his client's interests at the forefront of his concerns."

Aaron Baghdadi headshot
Aaron Baghdadi

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James Smith is one of the most experienced and reputable attorneys in Orlando."

Ruth E Singer headshot
Ruth Singer

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Friend

"I wholeheartedly endorse James Smith. His experience and accomplishments in the area of criminal defense are superb. He is also smart, extremely talented, and a very caring attorney."

View All Endorsements
Yadirah M Rodriguez headshot
Yadirah Rodriguez

Criminal defense lawyer

Rahul Y Parikh headshot
Rahul Parikh

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  6.2 (Good)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021.

Admonishment issued in FL, 2021

updated on 04/27/2022

An admonition means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The Bar gives the lawyer an admonition in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Public Reprimand issued in FL, 2020

updated on 03/24/2021

Public reprimand means the attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The Bar warns the lawyer in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.

Honors

2015

President's Award, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2007

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Partner, CPLS, P.A.

2007 - 2014

Public Defender, Office of the Federal Public Defender

2003 - 2007

Professor, Florida A&M University College of Law

1995 - 2003

Prosecuting Attorney, United States Army Judge Advocate General Corps.

Associations

2005 - Present

Florida Bar

Member

Orange County Bar Association

Member

Paul C. Perkins Bar Association

Member

Education

1994

Duke University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1994

Duke University

MA - Masters

1991

Hampton University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2018

TRIAL PRACTICE INSTITUTE

Faculty

2018

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Fall Meeting

Veterans Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System

2017

TRIAL PRACTICE INSTITUTE

Faculty

2014

Criminal Law Certification 2014

FEDERAL PRACTICE

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution