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Michael Perry
About Michael
Biography
I was born in Philadelphia and moved to Sarasota with my family when I was 13 years old. I went to Cardinal Mooney High School and graduated with honors earning an academic scholorshiip to Manatee Community College (now named State College of Florida). After earning my Associates Degree, I moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida. Therafter I graduated from UF's College of Engineering with honors. I then accepted a job as an engineer with Unisys Corporation in Southern California. After several years working as an egineer I decided to enter law school at Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles, California. During law school, I worked as a law clerk for Justice Norman Epstein, at the California Court of Appeals, Second District, learning much about criminal law and appellate issues. After working for Justice Epstein, and while still in law school, I began working at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Las Vegas, Nevada, prosecuting federal crimes.
After graduating law school with honors and passing the California Bar Exam, I moved to San Diego where I worked for Miller, Milove & Kob practicing securities law. While working at that firm, I realized I missed doing criminal law and wanted to spend more time in the courtroom. Having family and friends in Florida, an opportunity arose in Pinellas County to work for the Public Defender's Office, so I decided to take the Florida Bar Exam. After passing the exam, I moved back to Florida and began working at the Public Defender's Office. Shortly thereafter, I moved to Sarasota and worked as a prosecutor for the City of Sarasota. At the City Attorney's office, I not only prosecuted city crimes, I also prosecuted forfeiture cases and defended the Sarasota Police Department in civil rights lawsuits. In addition I argued several cases in front of the Second District Court of Appeals. After leaving the City Attorney's Office, I began working for a local firm, Walters, Levine, Klingsmith & Thomison. While there I practiced civil construction law and defended many criminal clients. Realizing criminal defense was my real pasion, I opened my own firm to practice exclusively criminal law.
Over the years I have worked tirelessly to protect the rights of the accused. All my life I have tried to improve on my passion to practice law, and have gone so far as to recently attend the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyer's College in Wyoming. There I worked with attorneys from all over the country to sharpen my trial skills and discover new ways to defend my clients. You can be assured that should you hire my firm I will use all my experience and skills to aggressively fight for you. With the relationships I have built with the prosecutors and judges in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, the experience my firm offers, and the attention we give to each of our clients, I truly believe you will get the best result in your case with my firm.
I am currently licensed to practice law in Florida, California and Arizona. I maintain offices in both Sarasota and Manatee.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
31 years
DUI and DWI
35%
31 years
Federal Crime
10%
31 years
Speeding and Traffic Ticket
5%
31 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 29 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Licensed in Arizona for 26 years
State: Arizona
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Licensed in California for 31 years
State: California
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
Michael S. Perry, PA
1962 Main Street, #217, Sarasota, FL, 34236
Michael S. Perry, P.A.
1101 Ninth Avenue West, (By Appointment Only), Bradenton, FL, 34205
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Michael Perry's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 23 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by William | December 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Exceptional Council
Michael Perry was exactly the type of council I needed. Straight forward, hard working, well respected in the community and by other attorneys. Great communicator and a tremendous asset in dealing with the intricate complexities of my situation. Absolutely recommend his services.
Posted by anonymous | July 21, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Quick Response
I hired Mr. Perry to represent me recently. It was a quick and speedy process. His office worked efficiently with me in requesting documentation and completing tasks on time. If needed, I would use his representation again and would recommend his services.
Posted by anonymous | December 16, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent! :)
I had my case handled, and closed in a speedy manor. I paid no fines. I appreciate the hard work, and professionalism! Thank you!
Posted by Hunter | June 15, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Exceptional Representation
Mike made me feel comfortable during the entire process. Mike always takes the time to answer any questions you may have and believe me I had a lot. He will fight for you and make sure you receive the best deal and outcome possible. I would highly recommend Mike.
Posted by Michael | May 4, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly recommended
Mr Perry was very professional and thorough with my case. I am very pleased with the results. So glad I made the decision to hire him. Thank you Mr Perry and the team at the law place.
Michael Perry's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Michael for 22 years. He is an excellent criminal defense attorney. Michael is extremely well-respected in the criminal defense community, knowledgeable of the laws and conducts all of his work with honesty and integrity."
"Michael is a highly respected, caring, and skillful attorney. He is smart, knowledgeable, and a hardworking attorney. I endorse Michael without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer. I endorse Mike Perry. I have the honor of working alongside Mr. Perry everyday and handled a number of cases with him. You won't find a better attorney, negotiator or advocate in the area. Mr. Perry is very knowledgeable and obtains amazing results!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Perry is a highly skilled, professional and knowledgeable attorney. A true asset to the legal community."
"I have worked with Michael on several criminal matters that also involved immigration issues. If I were facing criminal charges, I would definitely speak with him. Very good and experienced."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Michael for 15 years and I was opposing Counsel on a few of his cases when I was a prosecutor. Michael really goes the distance for his clients. He handles his client's immediate needs while looking out for their future needs."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Michael wholeheartedly. I have known Michael for over 10 years. He is a stong advocate for his clients and will stop at nothing to get the best result. I often refer conflict cases to him with great confidence that he will give them the best representation in all criminal and traffic matters."
"I recommend Michael for anybody who has a dwi in South Florida. He knows his stuff and really cares about his clients. He gets great results!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I've known Michael for a number of years and absolutely know he's more than capable to handle any criminal defense matter. He's quick to respond to the client's needs and strongly advocates for them leaving no stone unturned."
"I endorse Mike Perry. I worked in his firm and handled a number of cases with Mike. You won't find a better negotiator in the area. He is a zealous advocate, who knows the law and gets amazing results."
"I endorse this lawyer. I feel comfortable sending my clients to Mr. Perry. I fully endorse his work."
"I endorse Michael Perry. I refer all of my client with pending federal charges to him and they have all been pleased with his representation. Mr. Perry is a very competent attorney and fights aggressively for his clients. I highly recommend him."
"Nobody cares more his clients than Michael. He is charismatic and passionate, and it shows in the courtroom. Among lawyers, Michael is highly respected for his skill, preparation and willingness to take a case to trial. If you are in trouble in Florida and need a great trial lawyer, Michael's the man for the job!"
"Mike is a great lawyer always trying to come up with unique ways to defend his clients. Mike doesn't give up and is always fighting for his clients' best interests until he gets what he wants. He is true advocate!"
"Mike is a hard working and very competitive attorney. He prides himself on winning and obtaining favorable results for his clients. I have sent clients to him in the past and he has always taken good care of them and got them out of trouble. In short, I highly recommend this lawyer."
"Michael is a tireless advocate for his clients. He takes a hands on approach and isn't afraid to mix it up with the state. He is definitely a fighter who gets good results for his clients."
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Experience
Honors
2011
Best Program Award, Judge Schebb John M. Schebb American Inn of Court
2011
Graduate Award, Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College
2006
BV, Martindale-Hubbell
1990
Certified Scuba Diver, PADI
1982
Black Belt Tae Kwon Do, Grand Master Jung Soo Park
1981
Selby Academic Scholarship, Selby Foundation
N/A
Deans List, University of Forida
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Attorney/Owner, The Law Place
2002 - 2015
Attorney, Michael S. Perry PA
2000 - 2002
Attorney, Walters, Levine, Klingensmith & Thomison
1996 - 2000
City Prosecutor, Sarasota City Attorney's Office
1995 - 1996
Attorney, Office of Public Defender, Sixth Judicial Circuit
1994 - 1995
Attorney, Miller & Milove
1993 - 1994
Clerk, Judge Norman Epstein, Second District Court of Appeal, California
1993 - 1993
Clerk, United States Attorney's Office, District Of Nevada
1987 - 1991
Engineer, Unisys Corporation
Associations
2011 - Present
Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers CollegeAssociate Member
2003 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember
2002 - Present
Sarasota Association of Criminal Defense LawyersAssociate Member
2001 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Sarasota chapter)Member
2000 - Present
United States District Court for the Middle District of FloridaAttorney
1999 - Present
State Bar of ArizonaMember
1998 - Present
Sarasota County American Inn of CourtBarrister
1996 - Present
Sarasota County Bar AssociationMember
1995 - Present
State Bar of FloridaMember
1994 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
1994 - Present
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaAttorney
Sample of Legal Cases
Sarasota County Case # 2012 CT 12799
DUI reduced to reckless driving. No conviction and no court license suspension.
Manatee County Case # 2012 DR 7845 AX
Dismissed
Sarasota County Case # 2011 CF 12905 NC
No jail
Sarasota County Case # 2012 CF 009800 NC
Dropped
Sarasota County Case # 2012 MM 003700 NC
Not Guilty
Sarasota County Case # 2010 CT 005982 NC
Reduced Charge to Reckless
Sarasota County Case # 2004 CT 018216 NC
Not Guilty
Education
1994
University of Southern California Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1986
University of Florida
Bachelors of Science
1983
Manatee Junior College
Associate of Arts
1981
Cardinal Mooney High School
Diploma
Speaking Engagements
2011
Law Week
Moot Court
1999
Public Records Law
Public Records Law
Publications
2000
Appellate Court Decision
Daley v. City of Sarsaota
1999
Appellate Court Decision
City of Sarasota v. Windom
1998
Appellate Court Decision
City of Sarasota v. 35 S. Lemon, Inc
1997
Appellate Court Decision
Johnson v. City of Sarasota
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides