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Hillary Leigh Johnson
About Hillary
Biography
I was born and raised in Florida, and grew up in a family of law enforcement. My father was a major for the Florida Highway Patrol, and my brother is currently a trooper with FHP in Tallahassee. My dad was a large influence in my life, and I always knew I wanted to have a career in the law. I remember the stories my dad would tell me about people he arrested and how scared they were about what would happen to them next.
Before I decided to go to law school, I was very involved with softball while I was in high school in Fort Myers, and I was able to play in the high school championship game. I was also selected first team all state, a prestigious honor for softball players. As a result, I ended up receiving an athletic scholarship to play softball at Florida Gulf Coast University. Afterwards I went to Florida State University and earned my degree in Communication with a minor in Business.
After FSU, I decided to follow my passion for law and began law school at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama. While I was there, I got involved with different school activities by serving as the Chairman of the Board of Advocates and the President of the Jones Public Interest Law Foundation. I was also selected to compete in trial competitions across the nation and I had several top 5 finishes. I enjoyed the trial competitions so much that I decided to take an internship with the State Attorney's Office in Panama City, Florida. While I was there I got to try criminal traffic and other misdemeanor cases before I graduated. It was an amazing experience and from there I knew I wanted to devote my career to fighting for people in the courtroom.
After graduating from law school, I worked as a lawyer for the Department of Children and Families where I fought for children who were caught up in an abusive family situation. However, I missed the criminal courtroom, and decided to work for the State Attorney's Office in Sarasota and Manatee County.
During my time at the State Attorney's Office, I gained much more trial experience prosecuting criminal cases including theft, trespass, criminal mischief, DUI, battery and drug trafficking. I also served as the lead DUI Prosecutor in the Manatee County office where I handled defense attacks on the Intoxilyzer and litigated hundreds of DUI cases. While there, I also completed the Advanced DUI School hosted by the Florida Prosecutor Attorney Association and received extensive training in the areas of Jury Selection, Search and Arrest Warrants and Social Media Evidence.
After leaving the State Attorney's Office, I came to MSPerryLaw where I now use my skills learned as a prosecutor to help those accused of crimes. Having experience on both sides, I realize I have a much stronger passion helping those accused of crimes get through the system and fight for their rights than I ever had prosecuting those same cases. Like my father, I understand how scary it can be for someone being charged with a crime. However, unlike my dad, I have chosen a path to become involved with those people to help them get through the criminal justice system. I truly believe that most of us are good people who either have been unjustly accused or have made a poor judgment in our lives. I can assure you that I will use all my experience and skills to either beat your case, or minimize the consequences in order to restore your freedom and reputation.
If you have been charged with a crime, I would be happy to speak with you to see how we can help you get through this very difficult time. As former prosecutors at MSPerryLaw, I believe we have the skills and passion necessary to get the best results for anyone accused of a crime. As such, I hope you will consider our firm should the unfortunate situation occur in either your life or in the life of someone you love.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 13 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Location
The Law Place
1414 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34239
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Hillary Leigh Johnson's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
14 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (14)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Omelio Perez | January 04, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Excellent service, I recommend it 100%
Wonderful lawyer, she won my case without any problem, what I like most is the seriousness and good treatment that also gives you the guarantee that everything will be resolved and things will be fine. I am very glad that they have bilingual service, because my first language is Spanish, overall I w...
Posted by anonymous | November 25, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Excellent, Dedicated Criminal Lawyer
Hillary Johnson, a former prosecutor, reviewed my case and due to her skills and expertise was able to arrange a dismissal of the charge. She is highly motivated and exceptionally familiar with Florida criminal law and court procedures. She knows exactly where to go and how to get there. I could n...
Posted by Kayla | June 23, 2014 | DUI & DWI
She's a wonderful woman!
I initially hired Michael Perry as my attorney after being charged with a DUI. I believe Hillary joined the practice in the middle of my case, and thankfully she took over. As soon as I met her I felt calm and comfortable around her, she explained everything clearly and provided me with different sce...
Hillary Leigh Johnson's Lawyer Endorsements
"Ms. Johnson is a zealous advocate with integrity. She is easy to talk to and responsive. Working with Hillary is always a pleasure. I endorse this lawyer without hesitation."
"Without hesitation, I endorse Ms. Johnson. I had the pleasure of working with her on several criminal defense matters, and her tenacity and work ethic is unmatched!"
"I endorse this lawyer. I had the opportunity to work with Hillary as a prosecutor and then against her as opposing counsel. Hillary is a a tremendous advocate for her clients, and she is a highly-skilled litigator. Through working with her, it is clear that she is a very intelligent lawyer who is knowledgeable in all areas of criminal law, Because of her skills, personality, and professionalism, she is highly regarded in the legal community."
"I've know Hillary for several years and it is rare you find someone so dedicated to her profession and committed to her clients' cases. Her reputation among her peers is impeccable and she is constantly working to gain knowledge to assist in the defense of her cases. She is stubborn in the courtroom and refuses to back down to the prosecutors. I would highly recommend Hillary to anyone in need of an excellent criminal defense attorney."
"I first met Hillary several years ago when she was a state attorney. I immediately saw her tenacity and professionalism as I worked out cases with her on a daily basis. She then managed to become the lead state attorney within the DUI division and we realized that she was a rising "superstar". We hired her out of the state attorney's office and she has been a die-hard defender of the constitution in a way that is extremely beneficial to our clients. I endorse Hillary without hesitation."
"I first met Hillary when she was a prosecutor. At that time she was always very professional even though an adversary. Her legal talent was so impressive I remember coming back to my office suggesting we hire her. Before that could happen Hillary had accepted a position with a different law firm where she began her career as a criminal defense attorney. Her passion as a defense attorney is exactly how she was when she was a prosecutor. Fortunately for me our firms have now merged and Hillary and I are co-workers. She has great legal talent and confidence. I endorse Hillary Johnson."
"I endorse this lawyer. I had several cases against Hillary when she was a prosecutor in Sarasota/Manatee Counties. Not only was she a great attorney she was ethical and fair. She was so impressive we persuaded her to leave the State and bring her qualities to work with us."
"I have know and worked with Hillary as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney. She is highly skilled, knowledgeable, and a fighter for her clients. I highly endorse her."
"I endorse this lawyer. Hillary Johnson is one of the finest lawyers I have had the pleasure of working with. She is direct and results oriented. There are few lawyers I trust more to handle a case in a genuine and professional manner. I have the utmost confidence in her abilities as an attorney."
"I endorse Hillary Johnson. She works hard to obtain the best result possible for her clients. She is aggressive, yet professional, and has no fear in the courtroom!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Johnson is a skilled, knowledgable and professional attorney. A true pleasure to work with."
Michael Manning
Criminal defense lawyer
Robert Hoffman
Family lawyer
John Baez
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Perry
Criminal defense lawyer
Dana Moss
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2015
Certificate of Completion, Trial Lawyer's College Cross Examination
2013
Certificate of Completion, Advanced DUI Prosecution
2011
3rd Best Advocate, Faulkner University
2001
Scholar Athlete, Florida Gulf Coast University
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Attorney, The Law Place
2014 - Present
Attorney, MSPerry Law
2013 - 2014
Assistant State Attorney, Office Of The State Attorney, 12th Judicial Circuit
2012 - 2013
Attorney, Florida Department Of Children & Families
Associations
2015 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2015 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2015 - Present
Manatee County Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
United States District Court for the Middle District of FloridaMember
2014 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2014 - Present
Sarasota County Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
Inn of Court, Manatee County, FloridaAssociate Member
2014 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Sarasota chapter)Member
2014 - Present
Young Lawyers ClubMember
2012 - Present
Florida BarMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Florida v. Cutajar
NOT GUILTY
State of Florida v. Shaller
Pre-Trial Diversion
State v. Kona
Pre-Trial Intervention
State v. DeLosSantos
CASE DISMISSED
State v. Marquez
Misdemeanor Improper Exhibition of a Firearm
State v. Gaure
CASE DISMISSED
State v. Zimmerman
Pre-Trial Intervention
State v. Velasquez
Pre-Trial Intervention
State v. Byrd
Amended to No Valid Driver's License
State v. Duran-Arziga
Pre-Trial Intervention
State v. Zunner
CASE DISMISSED
State v. Bautista
CASE DISMISSED
State v. Ross
CASE DISMISSED
State v. Jackman
CASE DISMISSED
State of Florida v. Wilson
Case Dismissed
State of Florida v. Meyer
Case Dismissed
State of Florida v. Knies
Pre-Trial Diversion
State of Florida v. Ellis
Case Dismissed
State of Florida v. DeLosSantos
Case Dismissed
State of Florida v. Sutter
Case Dismissed
State of Florida v. Almaraz
Reduced to Trespass
State of Florida v. Phelps
Case Dismissed
State of Florida v. Svecova
Reduced to Reckless Driving
State of Florida v. Mackey
Case Dismissed
State of Florida v. Gison
Case Dismissed
State of Florida v. Stratman
Case Dismissed
State of Florida v. Wilke
Case Dismissed
State of Florida v. Kime
Case Dismissed
Education
2012
Faulkner University, Thomas Goode Jones School of Law
2009
Florida State University
BS - Bachelor of Science
N/A
Florida Gulf Coast University
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can my probation officer find out I flew out of state?
08 Sep 2016
Q&A
Recieved criminal violation for leaving the scene of hit and run
09 Aug 2016
Q&A
Can I apply for a public defender after I declined one at arraignment and before my next pretrial date?
22 May 2015