James Anthony May's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

134 Client Reviews

Showing 11 - 15 of 15 reviews | DUI & DWI

Posted by Allen | October 04, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

The Best Attorney in the business

I hired James for a DUI charge on the recommendation of a person very close to me that used to work with him. I always heard great things about him in the past and when the time came I needed representation, I was advised to contact James. That was the best advice ever. In my opinion, James is hands ...down the best attorney in the Tampa area. From the moment we spoke he was understanding, confident and engaged in my case. I know as good as he is, he has a full case load, but he really makes you feel you are the only client he has. The outcome of the case was so much better than I ever expected as the charges were drastically reduced with minimal additional requirements, all due to James. I say it again, there is no better attorney in the Tampa area and he will be the only name I will ever recommend to anyone in need. Thank you for everything my friend!

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Posted by Dino | April 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Amazing Attorney

I was charged with a DUI and this would have been my second one 5 years. On top of that I don't have an appealing driving record to say the least. I did not make James job easier by my past. I was looking at jail time, license revocation for 5 years, and my losing my job, a great job. I had other la...wyers look at the case and was basically told "No Chance". I scheduled a consultation with James May and it was the best decision I have ever made. He worked with me, he was sympathetic to the other issues that were caused from the DUI charge, and constantly reassured me it's going to be OK, and that he will do anything and everything for me. He was persistent, determined , and tenacious. He's not just your lawyer, he's your friend. He always responded to me when I emailed or called. James refused to take NO as an answer. He went above and beyond to make sure my charge was reduced and for the first time since that horrible day I was arrested I can breathe and move on. I have a license, (which is crucial for my job), still have my job, and my life back. I definitely would recommend James as representation for any legal issues. He's not just your lawyer, he's your friend. Great guy, Amazing Lawyer, and I am forever grateful to him. Thanks, James

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Posted by anonymous | December 04, 2014 | DUI & DWI

Dignity in Defense

No mother in the world can ever imagine that they will be charged with DUI involving their children. This was absolutely where I found myself when I employed James May. I was facing 90 days in jail minimum leaving my children behind in the care of others. I would have missed the start of 2nd grade..., their 8th Birthdays’ and all of the growing up that kids do in 90 days not to mention the immeasurable impact of two little girls losing their mother for that long . This was devastating! I had just lost my father to cancer, I was depressed and hating myself for all of it. I was crying over the phone and James told me that I was not a bad person for what was going on in my life at that time. He reminded me that I am an excellent mother. He honored my family by attending my father’s funeral and sharing my loss with the judge during my defense. He helped me immensely by getting me into intensive outpatient rehab. This was so beneficial to my mental health and also showed the judge that I was taking the situation very seriously. James not only advised me of exactly what to do to please the judge, he encouraged me to get the help I needed and allowed me to retain my dignity in this horrible situation. The judge showed mercy on me keeping me with my family and insisting that I complete my rehab. James’ advice and defense were priceless and I am so thankful that I hired him!

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Posted by LEL | March 09, 2012 | DUI & DWI

Great attorney

I hired Mr. May to represent me when I was charged with a DUI related to an accident in Pinellas County. He was always available to answer my million questions when I was scared and insecure. He negotiated a great deal and I would recommend him to anyone.

Posted by anonymous | August 31, 2022 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Horrible experience don’t waste your money

As soon as I paid James it was impossible to get a hold of him. He was always busy with a more important felony case which he made clear and wanted me to accept the first plea deal possible even though I wasn’t happy with it nor did I ever receive any clear explanation as to what it meant for my driv...ers license. If you got arrested for a DUI do not.. I repeat DO NOT use James May he knows very little about dui laws and will consider it miniscule to his more important felony cases.. or maybe he was just playing golf and lying the whole time. Either way don’t waste your $. I wish I saw some thing negative written about him on here before I hired him.

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James May

Replied last September 01, 2022

As this negative review was left anonymously, I'm forced to leave a general response. First, I'm very sorry that you feel this way. I believe that I always professionally complete representation for the absolute best results for my client possible as evidenced by my many past reviews and referrals by former clients and other attorneys. We, as lawyers, have to work within the parameters that our clients provide us with such as; the facts, evidence, how they appear on video, the amount they blew and priors convictions. We do not get to pick and choose, nor can we file a "Motion for New Facts". In general, my goal from the start is to always keep my clients out of jail, as that would usually result in being separated from family/children, loss of employment, loss of housing, and a traumatic experience for them. In general, under Florida law, a driver with multiple DUI convictions within a certain time frame, is required to do mandatory jail time. The last several cases that I've had, that came with such a condition, I have been able to do just that and get the State to reclassified the charge, allowing those clients to avoid any jail time whatsoever. A huge feat in itself. This would not of been your first offer, as that would have included the mandatory jail time, higher fines, and no automatic early termination; results that I also obtained for those clients. The vast majority of people in those same shoes are very grateful and appreciative of that accomplishment, based on their own sense of accountability and self-reflection that I was not the one that placed them in that precarious situation in the first place. Regarding driver's license in general, the DHSMV has its own rules that aren't governed by the courts. Theoretically, the DHSMV considers multiple DUIs arrests/ convictions a serious problem because DUIs are dangerous to the general public, the driver themselves, and their passengers. My clients have complete and unfettered access to me, even to my personal cell phone which they often use after business hours and on weekends without regard to my family's and my private time, yet they still receive my sincere consideration and response. I never place one case over another based on their degree, as I know every case is very stressful and the most important thing in that specific client's life, so I do not know or understand where that complaint stems from. Yes, I do have a very busy practice, a byproduct of my hard work and dedication to my clients' best interests. I handle a multitude of different clients with their respective charges, but each and everyone receives a personal treatment and access to me, such as you would have. This review clashes with every other review that I have ever received over my long and proud career, in fact this is my first negative review and the only one that I have had to respond to based on some of the inaccurate and untrue allegations stated. If a client ever conveyed or communicated directly to me that they were unhappy or did not want to enter into a plea, I would of explained that there is always an option of a jury trail, to have a jury of their peers hear and review the evidence and consider the respective argument of counsel and state, and have them make the ultimate determination whether the client is guilty or not. As my alleged client, you must of opted not to go to jury trial and accept the stipulated plea agreement that I was able to obtain for you which would of came with a plea colloquy by the Judge. During that colloquy you would have answered, under oath, that you were entering such plea freely and voluntarily, that you fully understood the terms of the plea, and that you were satisfied with your counsel. If you are truly unhappy with my representation, please contact me directly and I will explain to you options available to you. Best of luck to you!

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James Anthony May's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James

Melissa Wilson

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 02

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. He is a phenomenal person and attorney. James and I went to law school and then worked together for many years at the Public Defender's Office. Over the years, I've had ample opportunity to witness Mr. May in action. He is always well prepared and a great advocate."