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Paula Colette Coffman
About Paula
Biography
I was the first in my family to graduate from college. I married my high school sweetheart at 19. Today, we have two adult sons and two grand-dogs, and are still married after nearly 40 years.
For the last 30-something years, I have served as a legal advocate - first as a government lawyer representing the State of Florida and, more recently, as a defense attorney representing those accused and convicted of crimes. It is the only type of law I have ever practiced and the only type of law I have ever cared to practice.
I opened my own firm in 1998 in Orlando, where I was born and raised. It’s just me and my assistant, Naomi. Being detail-oriented, I prefer a small case load, one that allows me to provide personalized attention to my clients and their families.
Helping to ensure that criminal defendants receive their fair day in court is a challenging and gratifying responsibility and one that I take very seriously. Next to life itself, there is nothing more important than freedom.
In an adversary process, there are two sides to every story. I would be honored to have the opportunity to tell yours.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Appeals
65%
41 years
Criminal Defense
25%
41 years
Constitutional
5%
41 years
Domestic Violence
3%
41 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 200-350 per hour
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 41 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1984
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Paula Coffman
1419 E. Robinson St., Orlando, FL, 32801
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Paula Colette Coffman's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | November 23, 2022 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Criticism was unacceptable
I wasn't sure if I wanted to write this review but decided to because I thought Ms. Coffman's approach was disrespectful. I was okay if she couldn't help me. It was not okay to completely criticize me in more ways than one. There were a few troubling aspects of my case, one of which on the surface...
Paula Coffman
Replied last November 28, 2022I am sorry to hear that you were dissatisfied with your experience with my firm. I strive to provide honest, objective advice to clients and prospective clients in every case. Rules regulating lawyers in Florida prohibit me from responding to the substance of your post on this forum, but you may contact my office directly to discuss your specific concerns.
Posted by George B. | January 30, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
I never gave up
Only thing you can control in life......is the way you respond to life...... I heard this quote at a point in my incarceration. Those thirteen words really changed my life, mainly my state of mind. Those words gave me a push to stay positive and fight no matter the circumstances. In May of 2005 at ...
Posted by Janice | February 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Prison Sentence Vacated
I was sentenced to 69.45 months in the D.O.C. I hired Paula Coffman in 2018 to Appeal my sentence. After serving 13 months she got my charges dropped completely, and got me into a treatment program instead. She fought extremely hard for my freedom and she will for yours as well. She cares and she bel...
Posted by anonymous | October 23, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Appeal
Paula Coffman told me she could help my son , I paid her $6000.00, after Ms Coffman received payment Ms Coffman stop answering my calls I couldn't get thru to her at her office my son did 5 years in prison, Paula Coffman did nothing I wrote the Florida Bar about the situation they did nothing, just b...
Paula Coffman
Replied last October 24, 2018I have no idea who this person is or what this person is talking about. Consequently, it is not possible for me to respond to this anonymous review in any detail. However, if the Florida Bar "did nothing" about this person's complaint as alleged, then there was no probable cause to believe that I violated any rules governing the practice of law in Florida.
Posted by anonymous | August 2, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Mrs. Coffman was very thorough in our discussion
She helped me understand how difficult or even impossible this might be. Honesty was refreshing.
Paula Coffman
Replied last August 3, 2017No lawyer can or ever should guarantee a particular outcome. Sadly, not every problem can be fixed. However, honest and experienced counsel can serve the client's best interests by providing advice that promotes decisions that are influenced by reasonable expectations.
Paula Colette Coffman's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Coffman is a brilliant legal mind, and I would not hesitate to recommend anyone facing a criminal charge to count on her."
"Paula is extremely knowledgeable in in Criminal Law and in Appeals - she consistently provides in depth and valuable answers to those seeking input on the Avvo Q&A forums. Her decades of experience is evident, and I would absolutely recommend her to anyone seeking legal services for Criminal Law and/or Appellate work in the Orlando area."
"While I have never had the pleasure of personally meeting Ms. Coffman, her inputs are always concise and right on point. I endorse her."
"Paula's wealth of knowledge in criminal law and procedure is evident in her answers to questions in the Avvo Q&A forums. I would recommend her without hesitation to anyone looking for a highly experienced defense attorney in the Central Florida area."
"Ms. Coffman is a seasoned attorney and draws on her experience to give sage advice. Ms. Coffman’s responses on this forum are well-thought-out and helpful. I fully endorse Ms. Coffman and I would not hesitate to refer any of my clients or potential clients to her if the need arose."
"Sherlock Holmes said about Professor Moriarty, "You can tell an old master by the sweep of his brush." No comparison to the evil old professor intended, but I can tell a superb appellate attorney by the thorough and knowledgeable way she analyses and answers questions here on Avvo. I have not yet had the pleasure of working with Paula Coffman but I would, without hesitation, refer to her any case involving appeal work in Florida."
"I have known Ms. Coffman for many years, both as an appellate attorney and as a criminal trial attorney, and I highly endorse her for both areas. She and I did a trial together, and I was pleased to be in trial with her, because I knew she is extremely intelligent and knowledgeable, and would be thorough and tenacious in her representation. Ms. Coffman has also freed an innocent woman who had been wrongly convicted, releasing the woman from jail and out from under the criminal charges. I wouldn't hesitate to hire Ms. Coffman for any aspect of a criminal case."
"I have known Paula for almost a decade now and find her to be one of the most knowledgeable and competent appellate and post-conviction attorneys in Central Florida. I have referred her several potential appellate and post-conviction cases and will continue to do so in the future. I strongly endorse should you be looking for a criminal appellate or post-conviction relief lawyer."
"I endorse attorney Paula Coffman. We were on opposing sides on a criminal case while I was still a prosecutor, and we now both answer questions on Avvo. She always provides thoughtful insights and excellent advice. Ms. Coffman is an experienced attorney, who handles herself very professionally. Attorney Coffman is extremely knowledgeable in the area of criminal law, and her experience is invaluable. I will be referring her my criminal appeals in the future, and trust her to do wonderful work!"
"I have known Paula Coffman since my early days at the State Attorneys Office. She taught me everything I ever knew about appeals. She is a brilliant lawyer and an honest advocate. I refer her clients and gladly endorse her legal skills."
"I endorse Ms. Coffman for her hard work and the dedication she has to her clients. She is a respected member of the legal community."
"Paula Coffman is a very dedicated and detail-oriented legal advocate for her clients throughout all phases of the criminal justice process."
"I do not know Mrs. Coffman personally but I have had the pleasure of co-answering many AVVO questions with her. I find Mrs. Coffman to be extremely knowledgeable, professional and complete in her responses, so much so that I am confident in both endorsing her and recommending her services for any and all sorts of criminal appeal and constitutional related issues."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Paula for over 10 years. She is an ethical and excellent attorney in appellate matters. I highly recommend her."
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Experience
Honors
2022
Top Contributor, Avvo
Work Experience
1998 - Present
Solo Practitioner, Law Office of Paula Coffman
1989 - 1998
Advanced Felony Specialist, Office Of The State Attorney, 9th Circuit
1985 - 1989
Assistant Attorney General, Office Of The Attorney General Florida
1984 - 1985
Assistant State Attorney, Office Of The State Attorney
1983 - 1984
Associate, Law Office of Piccin, Atkins, Krehl & Forman
Associations
1984 - Present
Florida Bar
Florida Law Related Education Association
Sample of Legal Cases
Jones v. State, 5D19-2945
Convictions and sentences on drug and weapon charges reversed.
State of Florida vs. George Brown
After serving half of a 30-year sentence for second-degree murder, George Brown was granted a re-trial based on newly-discovered evidence.
(Dorothy) Singer v. State, 5D18-1783
First-degree murder conviction and sentence of life imprisonment were reversed on appeal. Singer has been granted a re-trial.
State of Florida vs. Mario Wilson
After being denied relief twice, Mario Wilson finally received a reduction of his 20-year sentence.
Fletcher v. State, 5D17-432
Re-Trial granted in child sex crime prosecution.
Evans v. State, 210 So. 3d 704 (Fla. 5th DCA 2017)
Summary denial of post-conviction relief reversed.
State of Florida vs. Gregory Deshon Anderson, 5D15-962
Per Curiam Affirmed
State of Florida vs. Amber Elizabeth Wright, 5D14-4407
Per Curiam Affirmed
Wright v. State, 161 So.3d 442 (Fla. 5th DCA 2014)
Defendant's conviction for first-degree murder reversed for retrial.
Batista v. State, 104 So.3d 1217 (Fla. 5th DCA 2012)
Lewd or lascivious conduct conviction reversed on double jeopardy grounds.
Wilbur v. State, 64 So. 3d 756 (Fla. 5th DCA 2011)
Reversed and remanded for retrial
Hubbard v. State, 6 So. 3d 712 (Fla. 5th DCA 2009)
Conviction and sentence for child sex crime reversed.
Drew v. State, 773 So. 2d 46 (Fla. 2000)
Removing hubcaps or tires from vehicle is only theft and no longer burglary of a conveyance.
Education
1983
University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1980
University of Florida
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
1989
Annual Education Meeting
Post-Conviction Relief
N/A
Various Seminars
Appeals, Post-Conviction Relief
N/A
In-House Lecture
Appeals
Publications
1997
Jury Selection Notebook
Appellate Remedies Available to the Prosecution to Redress Error Occurring During Jury Selection
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Appeal after Judge Ruled on a Civil Theft Case in Florida ?
25 Jun 2024
Q&A
If a Judge denies a Motion, do they have to give you a reason on why or an Order that they indeed denied it?
01 Jun 2024
Q&A
Questions?
07 May 2024