Jason S. Downs

Criminal defense Attorney at Melbourne, FL

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5 star experience

Excellent defense attorney

Jason was the first one to reach out to me after an unfortunate incident involving my arrest. He responded rapidly and saw me the same day. This was my first time dealing with the criminal justice system and Jason made sure to help me every step of the way. My interactions with him told me he took every client’s case very seriously. I was able to get a very favorable outcome on my case. Because of Jason, my charges were dropped. I would definitely recommend his services to anyone who needs them.

About Jason

Learn Jason’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Criminal defense

30%

Felonies, Sex Offenses, DUI, Drug Charges, Domestic Violence, Assault and Battery, Gun Cases, Misdemeanors, Cannabis and Marijuana Cases.
DUI and DWI

25%

Member of National College for DUI Defense, and completed NHTSA DUI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Course (the same course police are required to take)
Personal injury

15%

Auto accidents, slip-and-fall, workplace injuries, property injuries, negligence, intentional torts.
Appeals

10%

Author of prevailing appeals in Florida District Courts of Appeal and the United States Supreme Court
Sex crime

10%
Violent crime

10%

Stand Your Ground and Self-Defense

Attorney Jason S. Downs is a founding partner of Murphy & Downs Law Offices, P.A. (formerly Murphy's Law Offices, P.A.). Mr. Downs practices all forms of criminal defense, appeals, and select personal injury claims. Admitted to Practice in all Florida Courts, the Federal District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and the Federal Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 3 years

State FL

Status Member in Good Standing

Acquired 2019

Updated 02/23/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Jason

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Murphy & Downs Law Offices, P.A.

3682 N. Wickham Road

Suite A

Melbourne, FL, 32935

Message Get Directions

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Reviews

Write A Review

5.0 / 5.0

24 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Priscilla | January 13, 2023

5 star experience

I had an amazing experience with Mr. Jason Downs despite the fact that I am a terrible client! He didn’t give up nor leave me stranded. He did everything in my best interest and I am definitely happy with the outcome.

Posted by anonymous | January 6, 2023

Excellent defense attorney

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Response from Jason Downs January 6, 2023

Thank you for the awesome review. I’m very happy we were able to kill this BS case for you!

Posted by anonymous | January 6, 2023

DUI dismissed

Jason and his team did a great job for me. My case was totally dismissed! I absolutely recommend his firm.

Response from Jason Downs January 6, 2023

Thank you for the review! We knew the minute we read the arrest report something was wrong with this case!

Posted by Lorie | August 16, 2022

Attny Downs is a Total Rock Star!

I’m certain he never took a breath once we retained him until our case was dismissed. He’s passionate about what he does and keep us updated along the way by text and email. Don’t bother with anyone else. Jason is a rock star. You’re in good hands here!

Posted by anonymous | August 11, 2022

Excellent Attorney

Jason is an excellent attorney that will take time to guide you through whatever process you're going through, clearly explain risks and benefits to each decision along the way and most importantly fight for you.

Posted by James | July 5, 2022

In need of Great Attorney

I called several law firms and Jason Downs firm answered my. I needed advice and representation. Jason scheduled and appointment with me for the following afternoon. After discussing the details I felt that He knew how to best deal with the case. He seemed to know a great deal about the local courts and I retained him and his firm. I received very satisfactory closure in the matter and would if I every found myself in the need of an Attorney again call Jason Downs Firm. I recommend you do so as well.

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Posted by Bethany | March 31, 2022

Went above and beyond

Jason went beyond expectations and really truly cared! I can’t thank you enough for your professionalism and compassion.

Posted by Andy | January 21, 2022

Excellent service

Jason helped me navigate through a very tough and confusing time when wrongly accused of a crime. Sometimes law enforcement likes to embellish and overreach with their charges and Jason was able to get the case dismissed before formal charges were filed. The relief this brought my family and I is hard to really express through words. If you ever find yourself in this position don't hesitate to contact Jason at Murphy and Downs!!

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Posted by Yulisa | January 21, 2022

Lawyer

Great lawyer does is job amazingly and won’t stop till we win ………….. 100% recommend him to everyone if you want a fight lawyer he’s the one

Posted by Simon | January 21, 2022

The best ever

I really appreciate you guys taking care of me. I never even had to go to court or waste a day of work.

Posted by anonymous | January 21, 2022

Honest and Great

Jason Downs is very helpful and intelligent. He helped me in a case that I was put in a scary situation that I was not guilty of 3 out of 5 charges and he believed in me and did his job with integrity to find out the truth and represented me so that I was given the proper guidance for a great outcome. If you find yourself in a situation that you are being wronged and need good counsel and help, Jason Downs is the right Attorney for you. I highly recommend him and his firm.

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Posted by anonymous | January 21, 2022

Not enough stars

I cannot speak highly enough about Jason Downs as an attorney. He took my case and from the first conversation to the dismissal of my case was knowledgable, driven, honest and fully transparent. All these things are what I look for in an attorney and he was hands down and angel in disguise.

Posted by Alyssa | August 11, 2021

Highly Recommend.

I am very new to Florida and found myself in a situation that was a complete accident. I have NEVER been in trouble before so I didn't know my rights or Florida's Laws but with research, I came across Jason and his staff. From the moment I sat in the chair, Jason's attitude and demeanor made me feel secure. I was set on making him my attorney even though he was confident I wouldn't even need one. He was always available, responding to me almost immediately and updating me whenever he got updates himself. This has been the scariest situation of my life thus far, but he made it bearable. I pray to God I never ever have to hire an attorney again, but if I do it will definitely be him 1000%. I highly recommend him if you need someone to actually fight for you and win your case. Thank you again for believing in me, seeing my innocence and fighting for me. I am forever grateful for you. ❤️

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Posted by Steven | May 27, 2021

Defend yourslf

Jason is the best of the best. Let him help you understand your legal rights and your options. He gave me legal advice that protected me and know my legal options.

Posted by anonymous | April 9, 2021

Perfect blend of experience, professionalism, warmth, and zealous advocacy

I had no previous experience with the criminal justice system before recently needing a defense attorney. This made finding a felony criminal defense attorney all the more difficult. I love that Murphy and Downs have time to dedicate to each of their clients and the complexities of the individual case. I learned this is because they limit the number of active clients to less than 50. Public Defenders have 300 cases, and the “big” firms take every single case that comes along. Murphy and Downs’s perfect blend of experience, professionalism, warmth, and zealous advocacy is unique, and I am forever grateful for them.

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Posted by anonymous | April 7, 2021

Awesome!

I hired Jason to help me with my misdemeanor case. He was able to get me off of pre-trial release, and get my case dismissed altogether. He's a very personable guy, yet professional. If you want someone to fight for you, Jason is your man.

Posted by John | March 23, 2021

Grateful for my lawyer

He calmed me down and explained everything to me so I understood what was going on. He knew his stuff and was honest with me about the possibilities. He did everything in his power and gave me his honest opinion as well. I couldn’t ask for a better lawyer.

Posted by Mark | February 12, 2021

Saved my job, saved my life.

I can’t thank Mr. Downs enough. I’ve never gone through something like this, never dreamed I would. Words can’t express how grateful I am for his help. I was falsely charged and he was quick to jump on the action and get this resolved is very short order.

Response from Jason Downs March 9, 2021

Thank you for your kind words. It was our pleasure helping you and righting this wrong!

Posted by John | January 15, 2021

Doing the Job Right

Jason worked to fully understand my case and helped me understand the options I had. In the end I told them what I wanted to happen and he took it from there. In the end I got exactly what I wanted. If I ever need a criminal lawyer again, I will be calling MurphyDowns. Hopefully I will never need them again!

Posted by Devin | July 15, 2020

Was there for me in my time of need.

Went through a rough situation and he was very quick to handle it and the results were great. He's very professional and thorough at what he does.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Managing Partner
Murphy & Downs Law Offices, P.A.
2020 - Present

Designated Mentor
The Network
2020 - Present

Committee Member: Bar Preparation Mentor Working Group
Cooley Law Alumni
2019 - Present

Law Clerk
Murphy's Law Offices, P.A.
2019 - 2019

Partner
Murphy's Law Offices, P.A.
2019 - 2020

Legal Intern
Directed Legal Study under Retired Miami-Dade Judge
2018 - 2018

Legal Analyst and Brief Author
Independent Contractor
2012 - 2019

View all work experience

Education

Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Juris Doctor, cum laude
2019

Hodges University
BS-Legal Studies, summa cum laude
2013

Hodges University
AAS - Paralegal Studies, summa cum laude
2012

Brevard Community College Allied Health
Emergency Medical Technician
1999

View all education

Legal Cases

State v. T.R.
Case Dismissed

Stave v. Sharon
Case dismissed

State v. Jerry
Reduced charges to misdemeanor with no sanctions.

View all legal cases

Associations

Florida Supreme Court Mediator
Certified Family Court Mediator
2022 - Present

Armed Citizens' Legal Defense Network
Attorney
2022 - Present

Vassar B. Carlton American Inn of Court
Associate
2021 - Present

American Inns of Court
Member
2021 - Present

Firearms Legal Protection
Attorney
2020 - Present

Thomas M. Cooley National Alumni Association
Board Member
2020 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
2020 - Present

The Network
Designated Mentor
2020 - Present

National College of DUI Defense
Member
2019 - Present

WMU Cooley Outreach Committee
Executive Board Member
2019 - Present

Thomas M. Cooley Law School Alumni Association
Member
2019 - Present

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
2019 - Present

Florida Bar, Trial Lawyers Section
Member
2019 - Present

Florida Bar, Appellate Practice Section
Member
2019 - Present

Florida Bar, Criminal Law Section
Member
2019 - Present

Florida Bar, Young Lawyers Division
Member
2019 - Present

Florida Bar
Member
2019 - Present

Brevard County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division
Member
2019 - Present

Brevard County Bar Association
Member
2019 - Present

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Brevard Chapter
Member
2019 - Present

Melissa Mitchell Moot Court Board of Governors
Board Member
2017 - 2019

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Languages Spoken

English

American Sign Language

Honors and Awards

Clients' Choice
Avvo
2022

Super Lawyers Rising Stars
Super Lawyers
2022

Top 100
The National Trial Lawyers
2021

Clients' Choice Award
Avvo
2021

Top Contributor
Avvo
2021

Professional Involvement
Lawyer Legion
2020

DUI Detection and Standardization
NHTSA
2020

Top Contributor
Avvo
2020

Hilary Honors Scholarship
WMU Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2018

Trinity Honors Scholarship
WMU Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2018

Michaelmas Honors Scholarship
WMU Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2018

Appellate Advocacy
Book Award, Thomas M. Cooley Law
2018

Certificate of Merit, Trial Skills
Book Award, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2018

Certificate of Merrit, Florida Drunk Driving Law
Book Award, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2018

Winner, Melissa Mitchell Moot Court Competion
Cooley Law
2017

Michaelmas Honors Scholarship
WMU Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2017

Trinity Honors Scholarship
WMU Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2017

Hilary Honors Scholarship
WMU Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2017

Certificate of Merit, Torts
Book Award, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2017

Certificaet of Merit, Legal Research and Writing
Book Award, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2017

View all awards

Publications

Florida Defender (FACDL)
Circumvention of Actual Physical Control Element via Improper Crash Investigations
2022

Brevard Crim Law
8 Things to Know Before a DUI
2020

Brevard Crim Law
Actual Physical Control: DUI
2020

Brevard Crim Law
Cannabis Law: DUI
2020

Brevard Crim Law
5 Steps to Take After a DUI Arrest
2020

Brevard Crim Law
DUI Administrative Suspensions
2020

Brevard Crim Law
Understanding the Battery Domestic Violence Case
2020

Brevard Crim Law
The Most Common Penalties for Drug Offenses
2020

WMU Cooley Law School
WMU-Cooley Grad: Article Published in the Florida Defender
2020

Florida Defender (FACDL) Volume 32 No. 4
Restriction (Not Enlargement) of Police Authority Under the Florida Mutual Aid Act
2020

Florida Defender (FACDL)
Smoke and Mirrors: the Disambiguation of Dubious Lab Testing on Cannabis DUI Prosecutions
2020

Florida Defender (FACDL)
Exclusion of Partial DNA Specimens, Specimens from Multiple Contributors and the Lab-Created Phenomenon of Allelic Dropout
2019

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Speaking Engagements

FRT and Other Legally Questionable Triggers
Firearms Law
2022

Vassar B. Carlton American Inn of Court Team 4 Sports & the Law
Sports & the Law
2021

Firearms Legal Protection Seminar
Red Flag Firearms Seizures
2021

Law Office Management for New Lawyers
Attorney Panel
2020

Moot Court Competition
Judge
2018

Homeland Security Law
The Siege at Ruby Ridge as a Catalyst for Homegrown Terrorism
2018

Moot Court Competion
Judge
2017

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (22)

Given (49)

Endorse Jason

Heather Harwell

Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Downs consistently exemplifies his great deal of experience in his AVVO responses. His answers are on-point, concise and clear. He is definitely well-versed in his field."

Melissa Cefalu

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"It is clear from Jason's education, experience and responses on AVVO that he is a knowledgeable and capable advocate who cares about his clients. I endorse this attorney."

Sheila Lake

Unknown Attorney | Nov 30
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"It have known Attorney Downs for several years. We currently work together mentoring future attorneys. Attorney Downs willingness to give back to the community is admirable and promotes stability and professionalism within the legal community, at a time when most are becoming less formal and in return less professional. I have no problem giving Attorney Downs the highest endorsement I can."

Bruce Minnick

Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am endorsing Mr. Downs in the area of Criminal Defense , only because we can only chose one practice area. Jason has great comments about and advice to potential clients in Criminal Defense and other related areas of law. I endorse this lawyer."

Florian Tabaku

Unknown Attorney | Aug 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Caring and knowledgeable."

Rixon Rafter

DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jason offers clear, concise, straightforward, no-nonsense guidance anchored in the law and common sense. If any family member of mine were in need of a lawyer in Florida I would not hesitate to recommend they contact Jason. I heartily endorse Jason Downs."

Joseph Phillips

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brian Brijbag

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I had the privilege of appearing on a panel with Attorney Downs. I was highly impressed with the depth of knowledge he holds about the area of criminal law. His ability to communicate and develop an argument serves his clients well. I would recommend Attorney Downs without reservation for representation in the area of Criminal Law."

Tanieka Thompson

DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joni Bibler

Unknown Attorney | Aug 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ashley VanDyk

Unknown Attorney | Aug 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Travis Stock

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Anthony Cisneros

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 03
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joshua Bissoon-Dath

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 03
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jason Perash

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Doland

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"The answers of Mr. Downs are always accurate, full of analysis, and customized to the needs of the Avvo askers. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring a lawyer."

Byron Longworth

Appeals Attorney | Jul 31
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Jason and I worked together on a major appellate project during law school for a National Competition. Jason is a great writer and is extremely smart. You'll be in good hands!"

Jeffrey Snyder

Unknown Attorney | Jul 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Downs gives good sound advice to all of the questioners and I would be willing to bet he gives the same sound advice to his actual clients. I endorse Mr. Downs without hesitation."

Michael Haber

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I do not know Mr. Downs personally but I have had the privilege of cross-answering hundreds of questions with him here on AVVO over the past several months. I normally mind my own business here on AVVO (e.g. answering questions, only occasionally glancing at other lawyer's answers and rarely commenting upon the same) but Mr. Downs has so consistently impressed me with his well-thought-out, reasoned, compassionate and otherwise solid advise that a) I find myself publicly agreeing with him (actually clicking the "I Agree" button) and b) I am compelled to endorse his legal services. If you are on the Space Coast and find yourself involved with with cops, courts or constitutions then call Jason S. Downs, Esq... I know that I would. --> MAH/Esq."

R. Robinson

Unknown Attorney | Jun 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Downs is devoted to his clients and also to the practice of law. He is a complete lawyer in that he has the knowledge, experience, and work ethic to secure great results for his clients. Highly recommend!"

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Florian Tabaku

Child custody