James Garcia Souza III

James Garcia Souza III

4.8
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 31 years

Personal injury Lawyer at Tampa, FL
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Expungement

1580 West Cleveland Street, Tampa, FL

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Personal Injury 55%

I help injured people and their families obtain legal and lawful recoveries for injuries that are permanent and life changing. My office has extensive experience in Wrongful Death cases, which include cases where people are killed in auto accidents or through medical negligence.

32 years

55%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Contingency

33%-40%

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 31 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1994

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of James G. Souza III, P.A.

1580 West Cleveland Street, Tampa, FL, 33606

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James Garcia Souza III's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

33 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Teresa | March 11, 2016 | Hired Attorney

Review of our experience with Mr. James G. Souza, III

Our experience with Mr. James Souza was very positive. He was able to attain the outcome that we were hoping for and worked hard to make sure that all available options were researched. Our phone calls and emails were answered promptly and he never failed to explain the details thoroughly.

James Souza

Replied last March 11, 2016

Thanks Teresa. It was an absolute pleasure helping you get across the finish line. If you need anything at all give me a call at 813-254-9205. Thanks for taking time to leave a review too.

Posted by Alex | September 17, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Absolutely your best chance of getting off probation.

I called five lawyers down in fla and everyone sounded negative. I live a thousand miles away and it's tuff to get back down there. Some lawyers wanted me to fly back, some said you probably will lose. Everyone was negative until I called James. He didn't promise me anything but he sounded confident ...in giving me fair shot and don't worry about coming down here he said. I should be able to care of it for you I'll call you when I get it done. Which is all you could really ask for. I decided to go ahead with James and let him do my case. It was the best decision I could've ever made. He was very professional kept me up-to-date told me everything that was going on. Got me off from doing an additional three years of probation. I am so happy I went with him he stacked all the odds in our favor and got me of Scott free. I also told him of my friend who was arrested at the same time I was and he got him off Scott free to. His rates was competitive with every other lawyer I'd spoke too. In fact he quoted me a little higher price I accepted his price cause it was in line with the rest of the quotes I got and he called me an hour later and said he had made a mistake that it was actually a cheaper price. I had six years of probation and he got me off at three years I wish I would have called sooner. I feel confident in saying that he could have got me off sooner. Best part was I called him less than two weeks ago and now I am Scott free. It was really fast efficient and honest which is the most important thing to me. I am no way affiliated/related to him I'm just estownded by how efficient he was for my friend and I. I told James to use me as a referral so if you call his office he can give you my phone number and I'll tell you all the details of how great he was. I have passed his phone number out to anyone I can cause he deserves the work he's a great lawyer. I type with two giant thumbs so he had to be a wizard to get this long of a review out of me.

Posted by JOE - S.H. | February 26, 2012 | Criminal Defense

If You Want The BEST ====Then Bypass The Rest

I wanted to put this review in a few months back but have just not had time till now. Mr. Souza came highly recommended to us from another attorney that had some medical problems at the time and could not take on our case. Jim did an "outstanding" job representing my son in 2 different situations. ...One of those (although not majorly serious) went to a jury trial and naturally you get nervous on these types of cases. Jim kept us re-assured that we should prevail in the end which we did. He did an "excellent" job of representation in the court room and my son was acquitted of the charges. He takes time initially to go over the situation and get to know his potential client (and vice versa) during this interview. He then tells it like it is before he even takes the case on (good or bad.) If you retain him he then gives it 100% to do the best job possible. Again === If you want the BEST - Then bypass the rest !!! NOTE: Jim has our OK for anyone who would like to conhtact us personally before hiring him

Posted by anonymous | December 28, 2011

Mr. Souza

Mr. Souza was an excellent attorney to work with . He handled my case very diligently and was very easy to communicate with. He kept me very informed and up to date on my case. I would use him again and recommend him to family and friends if needed. Thank you.

Posted by anonymous | December 28, 2011 | Criminal Defense

Best criminal defense attorney in town

Mr. Souza represented my husband for several criminal offenses and did the best we could have ever hoped for. He was knowledgeable and had an amazing rapport with the prosecution and judges. He is very highly respected among his peers. I have recommended him to friends and family.

See All Client Reviews

James Garcia Souza III's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Personal injury lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

David Paul Flanagan headshot
David Flanagan

Personal injury lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Charles Salvatore Spinner Jr. headshot
Charles Spinner

Unknown lawyer | Dec 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jim is an outstanding criminal and personal injury lawyer with a strong work ethic and knowledge of the law. He goes the extra mile and any client would be lucky to have him as their counsel."

Gerald Anthony Perez headshot
Gerald Perez

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim is a very fine attorney and is always knowledgeable, prepared and friendly. He has high energy for his clients and sincerely wants to do a good job for them. I heartily endorse this lawyer."

Dean George Tsourakis headshot
Dean Tsourakis

Personal injury lawyer | Sep 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is an excellent lawyer and always prepared. He is also a great human being and very caring."

John S. Castro headshot
John Castro

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is a great asset to the legal community. His experience, knowledge of the law, and dedication to his clients are just a few of his positive attributes. I highly recommend him for any personal injury or criminal matter."

Bryce A. Fetter headshot
Bryce Fetter

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jorge Leon Chalela headshot
Jorge Chalela

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Wow, i cannot say enough positive things about this lawyer. He is unbelievably energetic in preparing his clients' cases and defenses. He is always friendly, compassionate, and extremely helpful. He is always fully prepared, and presents a very effective and intelligent argument on behalf of his clients. I fully endorse this super fine advocate."

Richard M. Rocha headshot
Richard Rocha

Personal injury lawyer | Dec 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is one of the most passionate lawyers I have ever known. If he takes on a case , he will use all his skills to succeed for his client."

Claudia Patricia George headshot
Claudia George

Personal injury lawyer | May 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Jim for some time now. I met him when I worked for the state as a prosecutor. I have always admired his integrity, work ethic and tenacity. He is an extraordinary attorney and human being. I higly recommend him to anyone who is in need of legal representation."

Michael Ray Herron II headshot
Michael Herron

Personal injury lawyer | Oct 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Jim is a talented and detail oriented lawyer who fights for his client's rights with passion and professionalism."

Darrin T. Mish headshot
Darrin Mish

Personal injury lawyer | Jul 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Jim Souza is absolutely brilliant! His take on the law and his out of the box thinking is truly astounding. If you have a personal injury case and live in Florida, you must give him a call."

View All Endorsements
Gerald Anthony Perez headshot
Gerald Perez

Personal injury lawyer

Charles Salvatore Spinner Jr. headshot
Charles Spinner

Personal injury lawyer

Dean George Tsourakis headshot
Dean Tsourakis

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael P Maddux headshot
Michael Maddux

Litigation lawyer

John S. Castro headshot
John Castro

Criminal defense lawyer

Bruce Howard Denson headshot
Bruce Denson

Criminal defense lawyer

John Audley Grant III headshot
John Grant

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph Gardner Dato Jr. headshot
Joseph Dato

Criminal defense lawyer

Bryce A. Fetter headshot
Bryce Fetter

Criminal defense lawyer

Keith Adam Warshofsky headshot
Keith Warshofsky

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Jorge Leon Chalela headshot
Jorge Chalela

Criminal defense lawyer

E. Michael Isaak headshot
E. Isaak

DUI and DWI lawyer

Nilo Jose Sanchez Jr. headshot
Nilo Sanchez

Family lawyer

Michael Ray Herron II headshot
Michael Herron

Personal injury lawyer

Warren Kenneth Sponsler headshot
Warren Sponsler

Workers compensation lawyer

Rick Silverman headshot
Rick Silverman

DUI and DWI lawyer

Stephen Ashley Barnes headshot
Stephen Barnes

Litigation lawyer

Christopher Mark Shulman headshot
Christopher Shulman

Mediation lawyer

Lori Doganiero Palmieri headshot
Lori Palmieri

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2015

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

Tampa Bay's Top Lawyers, Tampa Bay Magazine

2009

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2008

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2007

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2006

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

1995 - Present

Managing Lawyer, The Law Offices of James G. Souza III, P.A.

Associations

2015 - Present

Hillsborough County Bar Association

Member

1994 - Present

Florida Bar

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Automobile Accident with Broken Back

This case was settled for insurance policy limits.

Cell phone distraction causing collision with motorcycle

This case was settled for insurance policy limits just 23 days after the accident.

Wal Mart dirty floor caused slip and fall

The case settled prior to trial after an unsuccessful mediation.

Senior citizen wins against body shop that had him falsely arrested

Settled on the eve of trial

Letter Carrier and boy attacked by vicious dogs

These case was settled for insurance policy limits prior to litigation.

Woman raped by a 12 year old boy in a city park

City settled at mediation

UNSAFE APARTMENT CAUSED SEXUAL ASSAULT

Insurance company paid policy limits

Cancer Center gives patient wrong Chemo

Cancer Center paid a fair and just settlement

Improper placement of dumpster key to settlement

settled on the eve of trial

Clergy Abuse

pre-suit mediation

See More Legal Cases

Education

1994

Samford University, Cumberland School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1987

University of Florida

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2013

Florida State Convention

Letter Carrier Safety

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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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