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James Kevin Hayslett
also known as Kevin Hayslett, J. Kevin Hayslett
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About James
Biography
I grew up in Clearwater Florida with my brother and sister. I attended St. Pauls
prepatory school after graduating in 1977 i attended and graduated from Clearwater High School in 1980. I recieved my BA degree from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina in Political science where I also played varsity tennis under NCAA coaching legend Paul Scarpa. While at Furman I studied abroad and attended the Royal Shakespeare Institutue in Strattford upon Avon. Upon graduating I entered Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham Alabama where I graduated in 1987. While at Cumberland I participated in their nationally recognized mock trial program where I won the Southeastern Regional & then the National Mock trial championship sponsored by the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.
After graduation I accepted a postion as an assistant State Attorney with the 6th Judical Circuit in Pinellas County Florida. There I participated in over 150 jury trials ranging from DUI's to First Degree Murder charges.
J. Kevin Hayslett, Esq.
Member AV Rated
250 N. Belcher Rd.
Suite 102
Clearwater, Florida 33765-2622
Phone: (Toll Free)
Fax:
Contact Kevin
Position | Areas of Practice | Professional Associations and Memberships | Education | Classes / Seminars Taught | Honors | Past Employment
Biography: J. Kevin Hayslett is a graduate of Clearwater High School. He and his wife, Melisa have three sons. They enjoy playing tennis, baseball and watching seasonal sports. Kevin is an avid tennis player and is currently nationally rated in singles and doubles.
Position: He is an attorney practicing in the areas of Criminal Defense and DUI Defense from the Clearwater office and Hillsborough office.
Areas of Practice:
Criminal defense
DUI defense
Professional Associations and Memberships:
Admitted to the Florida Bar, 1988
U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida, 1988
U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 1995
Clearwater Bar Association (Past Board Member)
Barney Masterson Inn of Court (Past Member)
Mote Marine Scientific Labs (Past Board Member)
YMCA of Suncoast (Board Member)
Pinellas County Trail Lawyers' Association (Former Member)
Festival of Trees (Former Gala Ball Co-Chair)
Tampa Bay Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes (Former Board Member)
Education:
J.D., Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama, 1987
B.S., Political Science Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina
Classes / Seminars Taught:
Teacher, Criminal Justice Institute
Teacher, St. Petersburg Junior College
Speaker, Community Organizations
Honors and Awards:
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Past National & SE Mock Trial Championship Team, American Association for Justice
National College of DUI Defense, Harvard University.
Past Employment:
Office of the State Attorney, 6th Circuit FL, Assistant State Attorney
Criminal Justice Institute, Facilitator
SPJC, Facilitator
For 30 years I've been helping people just like you. Call me now.
Arrested for DUI? For over 30 years I've been helping people just like you.
Arrested? Early attorney involvement can dramatically affect the outcome of you case. Call me now
Sometimes bad things happen to good people. I can help
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
70%
39 years
Criminal Defense
20%
39 years
Domestic Violence
4%
Expungement
3%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2020 2019 2018
...
+
4
2012
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 37 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1988
No misconduct found
Licensed in Colorado for 26 years
State: Colorado
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett P.A
(727) 474-0343
Mobile
2002 West Cleveland Street, Tampa, FL, 33606
carlsonmeissner.com/our-attorneys/j-kevin-hayslett/Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett PA
250 N. Belcher Rd., Suite 102, Clearwater, FL, 33765-2622
carlsonmeissner.com/our-attorneys/j-kevin-hayslett/Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett
7614 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey, FL, 34653
carlsonmeissner.com/our-attorneys/j-kevin-hayslett/Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett
1 Appointments upon request, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33710
carlsonmeissner.com/our-attorneys/j-kevin-hayslett/Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett PA
5323 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, FL, 34606
carlsonmeissner.com/our-attorneys/j-kevin-hayslett/Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett
1103 14th Street W., Bradenton, FL, 34205
carlsonmeissner.com/our-attorneys/j-kevin-hayslett/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find James online.
James Kevin Hayslett's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
277 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (168)
DUI & DWI (83)
Lawsuits & Disputes (30)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (28)
Expungement (14)
Drug Crime (13)
Family (3)
Litigation (3)
Administrative Law (2)
Car Accidents (2)
Domestic Violence (2)
Violent Crime (2)
Appeals (1)
Business (1)
Child Custody (1)
Civil Rights (1)
Contracts & Agreements (1)
Debt Settlement (1)
Divorce & Separation (1)
Estate Planning (1)
Landlord & Tenant (1)
Personal Injury (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (226)
Advocacy (118)
Recommendation (118)
Professionalism (72)
Practice Area Knowledge (58)
Communication Style (55)
Cost of Services (50)
Character & Conduct (48)
Compassion (44)
General Knowledge (38)
Responsiveness (36)
Trustworthiness (26)
Staff & Support (22)
Payment Plans (4)
Free Consultations (3)
Punctuality (3)
Showing 1 - 5 of 55 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Kameron | December 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
THE BEST ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I cannot thank Attorney Kevin Hayslett enough for what he has done for me. I was facing multiple felony charges, and when I first met with my public defender, I was told the maximum sentence I could receive was life imprisonment. I knew I had a defense, but no one would listen to me—until I met Kevin...
Posted by LIsa S. | September 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend!
Kevin is not only a brilliant attorney, he goes above and beyond his scope to ensure his clients are well taken care of. He is quick to answer questions and explains EVERYTHING thoroughly and to the point. He will ensure that he gets results. Kevin is not only a superb attorney, he is also genuinely ...
Posted by Charles | July 21, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Highly Recommended
Kevin and his team made it easy to get through the process of dealing with my alleged DUI. He took an hour of his time (for free) to walk me through the process and set my expectations for how things would proceed and what would be required. His fees were reasonable and well worth it based on my ...
Posted by Tim | February 18, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Against all Odds:
I hired James (Kevin) Hayslett's and to completely be Honest I had no hope or expectation of success. Kevin was straight forward and said to me this is the best and worse - case scenario. Expect the worse and hope for the best. Month 3 I received a call from Kevin in a calm voice saying we won th...
Posted by Emily | February 16, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Best Attorney in the Bay
Kevin Hayslett was recommended by a couple friends whom had the utmost trust in him. When I contacted Kevin, I immediately knew he would handle my situation with just a few words we exchanged. He explained the process to me and was very honest with me. We communicated before, in between and after my ...
James Kevin Hayslett's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Kevin is an excellent Attorney. His attention to detail is unparalleled. Preparation is where Keven really shines. He is always extremely well prepared and he will be ready to confront anything that happens in the Courtroom. Kevin is also very enthusiastic and and genuinely concerned about his clients."
"I had the pleasure of having Kevin Hayslett on the opposing side of many criminal cases while I was a prosecutor. I know first hand how he deals with prosecutors inside and outside the courtroom. Kevin has a reputation for being well prepared, well versed in the law, and articulate in his presentations before judges and juries. He is always professional and respectful when he zealously advocates his clients' position and defends their rights. I know he had the respect of the other prosecutors in my office as well. I recommend Kevin Hayslett with the first hand knowledge of seeing his efforts and results as my adversary. He has my highest respect."
"I met Kevin at a training not too long ago & was sincerely impressed by his wisdom, advice, & character. Kevin is an inspiration to attorneys, sets a solid standard in the legal field, & strives to do the right thing. Kevin is knowledgeable, has been around the block, & compels respect. He is passionate about his work and has grit, which I think makes him a quality advocate for those needing a voice."
"As a prosecutor I would cringe when I came across a case where Mr. Hayslett was representing the accused. I knew he was going to skillfully argue motions and do whatever was needed to best represent his clients. I highly recommend Mr. Hayslett for any criminal law needs."
"Kevin continues to be a great mentor to me. His knowledge of the law seems never ending, and his presence in a court room is second to none. He radiates confidence. He gets favorable results for clients, and you become his friend while he does so. I absolutely endorse and recommend Kevin, and it is truly a dream come true to continue to work with him at Carlson & Meissner."
"I highly endorse Mr. Hayslett. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who gets great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first."
"A top notch attorney who has great knowledge of the law. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Attorney Kevin Haslett for many years. His repuation in the community as well as with the judiciary is second to none. He is recognized as the go to guy when you have been charged with a crime; especially but not limited to driving under the influence charges, whether they be misdemeanors or felonies. There a few areas of the law that change so rapidly; almost every year when the legislature meets. For this reason among many others that's why it's so important when accused of a crime you retain Kevin as his work ethic and knowledge of the law are second to none. Kevin receives my strongest endorsment."
"Attorney Hayslett knows the law and how to make it work for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is an excellent and focused lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Hayslett is simply an exceptional attorney who I would recommend to everyone and anyone. I am a former judge, former magistrate, former prosecutor, and an attorney with 24 years of experience. I still learn from his answers on Avvo on a daily basis and I am constantly impressed."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Hayslett has a Superb rating on AVVO and has a great reputation in the community as a defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have kinown Kevin since he graduated law school. He is a superb lawyer."
"He is fantastic in the courtroom. I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2010
Shark Award, Carlson Meissner Hart And Hayslett
2004
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1998
AV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1987
National Trial Team Champion Washington DC, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
1987
South Eastern Mock Trial Champion, American Trial Lawyers Association
Work Experience
1987 - 1992
Assistant State Attorney, State Attorney''S Office
1986 - 1986
Assistant Tennis Professional, Calloway Gardens
1986 - 1987
Legal Intern, Shelby County District Attorney's Office
1985 - 1986
Law Clerk, Federal Court Judge
1982 - 1984
Assistant Tennis Professional, Countryside Country Club
Associations
1998 - Present
YMCA of the SuncoastBoard Member
1988 - Present
Florida BarMember
Colorado Bar Association
Member
Barney Masterson Inn of Court
Member
Pinellas County Trail Lawyers' Association
Member
Mote Marine Scientific Board
Board Member
Clearwater Bar Association
Board Member
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Session Member
2007 - 2009
Country Oaks Homeowners AssociationPast President
Sample of Legal Cases
State v Demato
Reversed in favor of the Defendant
Education
1987
Samford University, Cumberland School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1984
Furman University
BS - Bachelor of Science
1980
Clearwater High
Speaking Engagements
2017
DUI Case Update
DUI case update
2015
Diving into a DUI case
DUI Motion Practice
2014
Television News Cast
Breaking News
2013
Hillsdale County Bar Association
DUI Law update
2013
Bay News 9
George Zimmerman trial
2012
Kevin's Law
Host of a National Radio Show
2012
Hillsborough County Bar Association
DUI Legal Updates
2012
FM 102.5
Ask a Lawyer
2012
Ada Poza Radio Show | SiriusXM
Legality of Life Sentec
2010
Criminal Law Section
DUI LAW CASE Update
2010
Criminal Law Section
DUI LAW UPDATE
2007
Pinellas County Police Academy
Shoot or don't Shoot- Police liability training
1997
Meeting
The Power of an Opening Statement
1994
Meeting
OJ Simpson Case
1993
Police Academy
Legal Concepts
Publications
2012
Carlson Meissner Hart and Hayslett Blog
Kevin Hayslett named 5th most followed lawyer on Twitter
2012
Carlson Meissner Hart and Hayslett
Taser is it Truly Non-Deadly Force
1994
Corrections Academy
Legal Concepts
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
James earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Legal Answers
Q&A
How do I get my expunged record offline?
21 Jan 2015
Q&A
Will i get drug tested a a jury pre trial hearing?
05 Nov 2012
Q&A
Do I have to enroll in Maryland's 26 week treatment program?
06 Nov 2012
Legal Guides
Video Legal Guide
Top 4 reasons why you wouldn't be able to get your record sealed or expunged?
18 Oct 2012
Video Legal Guide
Will you have points on your license because of a red light camera?
18 Oct 2012
Video Legal Guide
Should you fight a red light camera ticket?
18 Oct 2012