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John S. Castro
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Biography
Mr. Castro was born in Memphis, TN, the youngest of four children to first American generation parents. At an early age, an employment opportunity moved the family to Irvine, California. It was during this time, Mr. Castro began to develop his diligent work ethic. He took on the local paper route at 9 years of age and worked in the school cafeteria for free lunch.
Another employment opportunity brought Mr. Castro and his family to Tampa, FL in 1991 where he quickly began to establish roots. He attended school at St. Lawrence and Tampa Catholic. While at Tampa Catholic, he played three varsity sports, enrolled in the honors program, was elected senior class president and ultimately graduated with a Bright Future’s Scholarship.
Mr. Castro left Tampa for Tallahassee and attended Florida State University for his undergraduate studies. He received a B.S. in Psychology with honors, posting a 3.72 GPA and finishing in only three years. While at FSU, Mr. Castro was a treasurer of Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity and worked as a substitute teacher with Leon County schools.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Mr. Castro was accepted to The University of Florida College of Law. As a student he was an active member of the John Marshall Bar Association and was accepted into the school’s study abroad program in Montpellier, France. He received in Juris Doctorate in 2004 and passed the Florida Bar exam on his first attempt in 2005.
Mr. Castro began his legal career with Bell, Leeper, & Roper, P.A. in Orlando, FL where he represented litigants in both state and Federal Court on matters of civil liability, personal injury, insurance defense, and wrongful death. The experience and knowledge gained in that position, has been vital to his success in his practice representing individuals.
Wanting to return home to his roots in Tampa, he accepted a position as an assistant state attorney with the State Attorney’s Office for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. In this capacity, he quickly rose through the ranks of the juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony divisions, bypassing several lawyers with longer tenure. As a prosecutor, Mr. Castro litigated over 300 trials, hearings, and motions. His extensive litigation and courtroom experience puts him in a very elite class of litigation lawyers.
In 2008, Mr. Castro joined former Thirteenth Judicial Circuit chief prosecutor Robin Fuson in his law practice, where he represented clients on matters of criminal defense and personal injury. His reasonable yet confident demeanor quickly gained him the respect of colleagues and opposition counsel alike, who described him as a knowledgeable, persuasive, and a skilled litigator. He received many letters of appreciation from clients expressing gratitude for his dedication, kindness and attention to detail in handling their cases.
In 2010, Mr. Castro joined family law attorney Christina Anton Garcia to form Anton Castro Law. His extensive knowledge of criminal law, personal injury, and litigation, represented major contributions to the firm. As a business owner, Mr. Castro was steadfast in his commitment to his clients and the Tampa Bay community.
In an effort to best serve his clients, Mr. Castro joined the firm of Ligori and Sanders in 2019. The move allowed for greater team collaboration with several well-seasoned attorneys all of whom are committed to exemplary client service and excellence in the practice of law on all matters of personal injury.
Mr. Castro and his family have been an active part of the Tampa Bay community since 1991. Mr. Castro is a member of the board of directors for the First Tee of Tampa Bay, a non-profit organization aimed at teaching youth positive life skills and lessons through the game of golf. Additionally, Mr. Castro volunteers with Lawyer’s for Literacy, which assists at-risk students improve reading and writing skills. He is an avid outdoorsman and loves spending time with his family and dog, Junior the Boykin Spaniel.
Arrested or Injured? Get a former state prosecutor and insurance defense attorney on your side.
Injured in Tampa? Get a former insurance defense attorney on your side.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Personal Injury
100%
22 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2015 2012 2011
2012
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 20 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
John S. Castro's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
22 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by anonymous | February 05, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence
Willing to answer all questions... big and small
I recently retained John to represent me in a domestic violence case. I had no prior incidents and no understanding of the legal aspects involved. John was prompt to call me after my initial inquiry, and he walked me through each step with confidence. I asked every question (some multiple times), but...
Posted by Alicia | September 24, 2012
Professional and top notch
During a trying time, I had the pleasure of retaining John Castro as my lawyer, based on the recommendation of a friend. He was able to achieve the best scenario in my case and kept me informed throughout the process. He was thorough and always available to answer my questions. I would highly reco...
Posted by anonymous | January 03, 2012 | DUI & DWI
Thank you, John!!!
John Castro’s legal expertise and level of commitment is matched by no other. As a young professional concerned with keeping a clean criminal record, I spent a fair amount of time doing my home work when looking for representation for my first (and only) DUI. Ultimately, I decided to hire Mr. Cas...
Posted by anonymous | July 19, 2011 | Criminal Defense
Dedicated attorney who will give you personal attention
John Castro is knowledgeable in criminal law and personal injury law, and works hard to advocate for his clients. He is extremely dedicated, gives personal attention to each case and routinely updates his clients on the status of the case. I would highly recommend John Castro to anybody looking for a...
Posted by David | March 16, 2011 | Expungement
Highly Competent and Professional Help
Mr. Castro handled the sealing and expungment of a case I had in Florida from many years ago. I live in New York and it was appreciated that he was able to handle everything long distance with ease. He was proactive in keeping me updated as things moved along, which is not something I have expe...
John S. Castro's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Castro is a fearless lawyer. I tried multiple cases with him as co-counsel. He will fight for you."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. John and I were opposing counsel on many cases while we both worked in the government sector. He was always well prepared and fair."
"John is a highly talented and knowledgeable attorney. I endorse him."
"John is extremely knowledgeable. I have even referred him family members. I trust him to represent my family."
"I highly recommend John. He is a skilled, seasoned professional that is very attentive."
"I endorse this talented and knowledgeable attorney, who is well-respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. John represents his clients with passion and commitment towards helping them achieve a favorable outcome. Great lawyer!"
"I have chosen to endorse John Castro because I have personal knowledge of his legal skills and his courtroom presence. John was an excellent assistant state attorney when he served the State of Florida. He has transitioned into one of the finest criminal defense lawyers in the Tampa Bay area. No suprise to those fellow lawyers who went up against him in court. John's clients are well represented because he cares deeply about every case that he works on."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a really smart person who cares about helping others. He will evaluate your case and give you the straight honest answers that a client should get. If you have a case he'll pursue it vigorously, if you don't he will tell you that as well without the sugar coating."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"John is an excellent attorney and total professional. It's a pleasure to have his firm in our community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Castro understands how to defend a case through trial as well as negotiate with Prosecutors to help secure a dismissal of your case."
"John is a wonderful attorney that knows how to obtain results. He can be trusted. One of the few attorneys that genuinely cares about your case."
"One of the sharpest attorneys I have worked with in my career. Consummate professional who is passionate about his practice and serving his client's needs."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Having worked with John at the State Attorney's Office, I can personally attest to the quality of his legal work. If you are arrested or injured, I would highly recommend that you consider hiring John."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2017
5 year Sustainer, Lawyers for Literacy
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Contributor, Lawyers for Literacy
2014
Contributor, Lawyers for Literacy
2014
Nominee, Top 100 Trial Lawyers
2014
Contributor, Lawyers for Literacy
2013
Contributor, Lawyers for Literacy
2012
Young Lawyers Division Award, Big Brothers Big Sisters
2012
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2012
Top Contributor Award, AVVO
2012
Young Lawyer Division, Big Brothers Big Sisters
2011
Young Lawyers Division, Big Brothers Big Sisters
N/A
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2019 - Present
Attorney, Ligori & Sanders P.A.
1900 - Present
Partner, Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law
2011 - 2019
Partner, Anton Castro Law, LLC
2008 - 2011
Partner, Robin Fuson P.A.
2006 - 2008
Assistant State Attorney, State Attorney's Office
2005 - 2006
Associate, Bell, Leeper, and Roper P.A.
Associations
2015 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2014 - Present
Hillsborough County Bar AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Florida Justice AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Meals on WheelsVolunteer
2011 - Present
Tampa Bay Chamber of CommerceMember
2011 - Present
The First Tee of Tampa BayBoard of Directors
2010 - Present
United WayVolunteer
2005 - Present
Florida BarMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Impulsive Youth
Charges dismissed after completion of diversion program.
Education
2004
University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2004
University of Florida's Levin College of Law
JD
2001
Florida State University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2014
College life and the law
Criminal Law
2012
Youth and Sexting
Criminal Law
2012
Business Law
2nd Amendment Rights
Publications
2014
Wordpress
The Daubert Standard
2014
Wordpres
Personal Injury Mediation
2012
Wordpress
The $10,000 Myth
2012
Wordpress
Crank Up The Music
2011
Wordpress
A lot of hot air
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
John earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Legal Answers
Q&A
My neighbor who is in florida sex offender system has a security camera posted on the outside of his property pointed on my home
23 Jun 2018
Q&A
Can I get a drivers license in Florida if they are revoked in Illinois for a DUI?
19 Jan 2017
Q&A
Its possible to get SCRAM monitor for refusal to submit breath test in Florida? I never hear about that
15 Oct 2016