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A. Jay Fowinkle
also known as AJ
About A.
Biography
A. Jay is an established family law and criminal defense attorney with more than 15 years of experience in Seminole, Orange and Osceola Counties.
A. Jay is passionate about representing his clients and takes very seriously the vulnerability clients find themselves in when dealing with a legal crisis. He is committed to providing excellent legal guidance and walking with his clients through their time of need.
As a prior US Navy Veteran and son of a decorated Navy Commander Aviator, A. Jay understands the difficulty military life can have on families and is driven to represent veterans and/or their families. It is for this reason A. Jay has volunteered his time as a mentor and attorney in Veterans Court. A. Jay has also volunteered his time providing speeches to various groups focusing on self-help and addiction issues.
In law school, A. Jay was selected to be a member of the Moot Court Honor Society based on his oral advocacy skills. Through competition, he won the opportunity to represent his school as a national competitor in Washington D.C. This litigation prowess continues with A. Jay in private practice where he has conducted over 50 trials in criminal defense and family law cases.
He is an active member of Journey Church. A. Jay and his wife Jennifer have two children, JT and Ashlynne.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Family
65%
18 years | 100 cases
Criminal Defense
35%
21 years | 3,242 cases
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 20 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2005
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2011
Location
The Marks Law Firm, P.A.
733 N. Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL, 32803
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A. Jay Fowinkle's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
16 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 16 reviews
Posted by Mary | March 18, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Extremely Unprofessional and Costly Experience
My experience with a AJ Fowinkle in my divorce case was extremely disappointing, which began with his critical failure to transfer my case from Brevard County to Orange County, which ultimately cost me tens of thousands of dollars. Throughout my case, he and his office, failed to keep me informed, mi...
Posted by anonymous | June 18, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Child Protective Services
Mr. Fowinkle Was the best lawyer to help me in one of my darkest time of my life. Not only did he provided his services as an attorney but many times he just listen in to my frustration. He was always available or had his team assisting me with any questions or concerns. My case went from being one...
Posted by Robert | March 26, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
A Jay Fowinkle reference
Mr Fowinkle is the one of the best attorneys I have ever worked with. He was initially referred to us by Mr Mark Nation who owns a very large firm in Orlando. Mr Nation said A. Jay was the man for our particular case and he could not have been more spot on. A. Jay jumped on it and stayed with it unti...
Posted by Jim | June 12, 2015
Very knowledgeable and trustworthy.
My family and I have used A.J. for three different legal matters and in each case that he helped us with I was very impressed with his knowledge and dedication to our needs. He was most helpful with helping my mother through a very emotional legal situation when we needed him the most , he was there ...
Posted by Chad | June 11, 2015 | DUI & DWI
Excellent Defense Attorney
When I was facing a DUI charge I didn't know what to do. I asked around and was given Mr. Fowinkle's name as a person to consider in representing me. I found him to be very authentic and caring. He took the time to explain things to me so I could understand them and was available when I had addi...
A. Jay Fowinkle's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known AJ for years. He is a hard working attorney who is dedicated to serving his clients in the best way possible. I endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Fowinkle is a hard working attorney and well respected by his pears. I would recommend Mr. Fowinkle to anyone seeking an attorney for a criminal or family law matter."
"He is caring, loving and not a person practicing law focused on the financial rewards. He has a heart of gold and his love of people propel him to go beyond the ordinary."
"I endorse A. Jay Fowinkle. He is a very driven, knowledgeable, professional & ethical attorney. I've known him my entire legal career of almost 15 years & would want him on my side in a case. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer for being a top-notch attorney in the community."
"I've known Ajay, both personally and professionally, for 15 years. He is very knowledgeable and I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking an attorney."
"AJ is a great lawyer who cares about his clients. I would recommend AJ without hesitation"
"Jay is a dedicated attorney who serves his clients diligently, and knows thoroughly, the ins and outs of the judicial system. He is also a pleasure to work with as an individual."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr Fowinkle is an excellent lawyer and I have had the privilege of trying a criminal case with him. I make this endorsement without any reservation."
"I have known A. Jay for many years, and he has a passion for justice, and a great love and respect for the law. He is very hard-working and has a brilliant legal mind. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for not only a great attorney, but a true advocate."
"A. Jay Fowinkle is an excellent attorney and a great guy overall. I have known him for 15 years. He truly cares for his clients and aggressively fights for the best results on their cases. I highly recommend A. Jay Fowinkle."
"I have known Mr. Fowinkle for 15 years, and he is a hard-working and knowledgeable attorney. I have recommended his legal services to many of my acquiantances. He will be on your side, as your advocate, and will follow through until the case is over. I can proudly recommend Mr. Fowinkle."
"I endorse this fellow lawyer and friend. If I ever got into trouble with the law, A. Jay would be my first call."
"I used to work with Mr. Fowinkle, and I have always known him to be an excellent advocate for his clients. He is knowledgeable and compassionate, and I recently watched him argue several issues for an upcoming trial that you would have thought was going to be televised, but in reality, was a misdemeanor case that meant the world to him and his client, but was never going to be an article in the newspaper. He puts his best effort into his cases, and there is truly no case too big or too small, and this is why I endorse him."
"Mr. Fowinkle is a fine lawyer who gets to know his clients and understand their needs. They are not just a number. From working with Mr. Fowinkle in the past, I have gained the utmost respect for his work and integrity."
"Mr. Fowinkle is a caring, compassionate, and knowledgeable Attorney. I have known Mr. Fowinkle for over a decade. In that time he has dedicated himself to serving his clients and his community. I would highly recommend Mr. Fowinkle for any matter where a trial lawyer is needed."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr Fowinkle is an outstanding litigator. It is important to note that he is excellent with the Central Florida Judges , prosecutors and court personnel, I highly recommend his services."
"A.J. is an excellent attorney who knows the law inside and out and obtains the best outcomes for his clients. I firmly endorse him."
"I have known Mr. Fowinkle for over ten years. I consider him a great attorney and a good friend. We handled hundreds of cases together at the Public Defenders Office. He always took his time with each client. He listened, answered their questions and cared. A. Jay is a very passionate attorney and works hard for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2011.
Public Reprimand - with Conditions issued in FL, 2011
updated on 04/16/2014Public 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 and places conditions on the lawyer's license.
A.’s comment:
“I learned many things through the grievance process and am a better attorney because of it! The complaint was started by a client serving a life sentence for home invasion robbery, but was made worse when I took bad advise from a senior attorney. I know I made mistakes, but I had legitimate defenses as well. I now pride myself on my availability and communication skills. This experience in no way hinders my ability to practice law, nor diminishes my skill and expertise in criminal defense.”
Honors
2003
Moot Court Honor Society, Nova Southeastern University
2002
Semi-Finalist; 2nd Place Winner, Feinrider Moot Court Competition
2002
Moot Court Honor Society, Nova Southeastern University
1995
National Defense Service Medal (as Legal Yeoman), United States Navy
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Attorney, The Marks Law Firm
2012 - 2018
Owner/Attorney, The Fowinkle Law firm
2011 - 2012
Attorney, The Nation Law Firm
2009 - 2011
Owner/Attorney, Law Office of A. Jay Fowinkle
2008 - 2009
Associate Attorney, Checchio & Stone
2005 - 2008
Assistant Public Defender, Public Defender's Office
1992 - 1995
Legal Yeoman, US Navy
Associations
2021 - Present
Central Florida Soccer ClubBoard of Directors and Secretary
2020 - Present
Federalist SocietyMember
2018 - Present
Christian Legal SocietyPresident
2017 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2016 - Present
The Central Florida Christian Chamber of CommerceBoard of Directors (2021 - Present)
2012 - Present
Seminole County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Volie A. Williams American Inn of CourtMember
2011 - Present
United States Concealed Carry AssociationAttorney Representative
2008 - 2013
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2005 - 2008
Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2005 - 2008
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
2002 - 2003
PULSE! - The Health Law Students SocietyPublic Relations Director
Sample of Legal Cases
Lewd & Lascivious Battery; Lewd & Lascivious Molestation
Plea to Lesser Offense of Felony Battery with a Withhold of Adjudication. No Sexual Offender Status; No felony conviction; No jail; 8 years probation with option to early terminate.
Injunction - Repeat Violence & Stalking
Dismissal of both Injunctions
Aggravated Child Abuse by Malicious Punishment
Trial - Not Guilty
Juvenile Lewd & Lascivious Battery
Deferred Prosecution (to result in dismissal)
Driving While License Suspended (Habitual Traffic Offender)
Withhold of adjudication and a fine.
Burglary of a dwelling (with a firearm) + more
Not Guilty on 4 of the 6 charges
Lewd & Lascivious Molestation
Not Guilty
DUI on a bicycle
Not Guilty
Insurance Fraud case
Dismissed
Burglary of a Dwelling
Not guilty on the Burglary charge.
Education
2003
Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor
1999
University of Florida
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2018
TV45 Interview - Coming Home
From Rags to Riches
2017
Panelist for Dinner & Dreams Fundraiser
Overcoming Struggle to Find Success
2017
Keynote Speaker
Unmerited Justice
2017
Commencement Speech
Don't Let Your Past Define You
2015
Drug Court - Osceola County
The Harm of Addiction
2014
Teen Challenge International of Florida
Overcoming Addiction
2014
His Way - Northland Church
Sick and tired of being sick and tired
2014
His Way - Northland Church
Came to believe
2014
His Way - Northland Church
Giving Up Control
2011
University of Central Florida Panhellenic Council
Alcohol & DUI Awareness Seminar
2007
New Attorney Training - Public Defender
Attorney Case File Management
Publications
1996
Seawolf Association Education Scholarship
Morality in Modern Warfare
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can you be 17 yrs old and get apartment In Kansas City , Missouri ?
03 Jun 2015
Q&A
Can my mom press charges on my boyfriend (19) , I am (17) , because she doesn't want me with him or doesn't like him?
03 Jun 2015
Q&A
Can I file a motion to get my driver's license back?
01 Jun 2015