James Wesley Smith III

James Wesley Smith III

4.5
Rating: 6.3

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 21 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

Filter Avvo Reviews (41) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 36 - 40 of 41 reviews

Posted by Don'tel Fleming | April 03, 2018 | Litigation

Astonishing, Excellent, and Caring Lawyer

Mr. Smith has proven to me and my family time and time again that he is dependible, respectful, and dedicated lawyer. He listens to all your concerns and explains carefully the necessary steps to take and procedures required in your case. When he speaks in the court room it is literally like you're w...atching a movie or TV show like "Law and Order". It is amazing how he keeps his cool and finds the little details in everything in cases that others did not think to look for or research on. When it comes to his closing statements he isn't the typical lawyer that says things with a lot of fluff and empty words, he speaks from the heart and empathizes with his client.

Posted by anonymous | April 02, 2018 | Hired Attorney

He's ok but has way to many cases at one time to pay attention.

I got the results I wanted but it takes him a long time to get results. He says one thing one week then the next he can't remember about what he planned. He disappears for weeks with no communication it's like he doesn't care it's more about money and fame then anything. For the money he charges woul...d not recommend him unless you want to be ignored most the time

Posted by Penelope. | March 13, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Look no further....James Smith is a confident, knowledgeable lawyer, that will be ther with every step of the process.

I hired James to defend my boyfriend at the time, he was innocent of charges,but there 2 key issues not in our favor- there was some circumstantial evidence, and false testament from so called witnesses. Not having a lot of faith in the Justice system, I was extremely worried he would be wrongfully c...onvicted. However James took control and worked with conviction and passion....... result.....ALL charges dropped. I can’t thank him enough , and would strongly recommend him to everyone James Smith......... simply the best!

Posted by Frank | March 08, 2018 | Hired Attorney

Seamless attentive professional Legal service...

Being the first time I had to hire legal representation, feeling apprehensive is an understatement. When I reached to James Wesley Smith. James took interest immediately caring and maintaining me informed of what steps where going to be taken and advising me and my daughter on every single step o...f the way. Enough said that my stress levels regarding a very complex situation where replaced by an absolute sense of security as every single aspect of my case was taken care of by him. It is very hard to put in to words the sense of security that you get when a competent, professional attorney takes over your legal matters and you see result immediately after. It is obvious to say that I would recommend him in a heart beat for ANY type of legal challenges that you may encounter. Absolutely the best, seamless and result driven legal representation I've seen. I more than gladly would recommend him and his firm hands down the best.

Posted by anonymous | March 07, 2018 | Hired Attorney

Exceptional, competent, dedicated Attorney

I hired Attorney Smith to represent my son. Attorney Smith immediately took all the necessary action to reach a positive outcome for my son. Attorney Smith is passionate about his representation of his clients and very professional.

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:  6.3 (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