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Jonathan Jay Kirschner

Criminal defense Attorney at Fort Pierce, FL

4.8   21 reviews
  • Licensed for 39 years
    State FL
    Acquired 1984
    Status
    Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Jonathan

Learn Jonathan’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    50%
    Ninety (90) percent of the practice is geared to criminal defense work. The remaining 10% is split among serious personal injury plaintiff's work; complex property distributions in family cases, and assorted civil litigation

    38 years, 1,700 cases

  2. Sex crime
    20%
    Representing the innocent and wrongfully accused in Capital Sexual Battery, Lewd and Lascivious Molestation, and child sexual abuse. Trials and appeals. Last Capital Sexual Battery trial resulted in 29 minute not guilty verdict after six (6) day trial. Team and multi disciplinary approach to defending these difficult, complex cases.

    38 years, 200 cases

  3. DUI and DWI
    10%
    DUI practice includes "standard" DUI's; DUI'S with property damage; DUI Manslaughter cases, and vehicular homicides with EtoH involvement. I am a member of the National College of DUI Defense, an elite organzation of serios and extremely experienced DUI lawyers nationwide.

    33 years, 300 cases

  4. Federal crime
    10%
    Drug prosecutions, including simple possession cases, purchasing charges, sale/delivery case and trafficking allegations.

    35 years, 50 cases

  5. Violent crime
    10%
    Internet solicitation. Felony and Misdemeanor battery prosecutions. Assault. 1st degree premeditated murder as well as all subcategories of murder. Assaults.

    38 years, 500 cases

Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer Jonathan Jay Kirschner.... Over 20 Years Criminal Law Experience In The Treasure Coast of Florida. 

Fort Pierce Criminal Lawyer Jonathan Jay Kirschner, Esq., offers the experience you need in defending your criminal case.  Jay Kirschner is a Florida Supreme Court Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer, and perhaps just as importantly, has been Board Certified in Criminal Trial Practice since 1994, and has actively defended criminal cases for over twenty (20) years.  

 

In Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart and Vero Beach, Criminal lawyers know "DUI's", "Drug Possession", "Drug Trafficking", "Prescription Fraud", "Unjust Battery", and "Internet Crime" cases dominate the headlines. If you are charged with these or any other crimes, you must find the most talented, experienced team of legal professionals to obtain optimum results.

A Fort Pierce Law Firm With A Personal Support Staff To Help You.  A Firm That Maintains the Contacts, Relationships, and Resources To Assemble The Right Team to Defend Your Unique Criminal Case. 

In addition to  retaining a talented, experienced and properly credentialed lawyer, successfully defending a criminal case in 2009 and beyond, mandates an experienced support staff, working in tandem with the lawyer as a team, and in conjunction with experts from a variety of fields.  

 

The practice of criminal law has evolved into discreet and specialized areas, including DUI, Internet Crime, Drug Possession and asportation cases, embezzlement, homicide, etc., -----with the developing tendency of Florida's legislature to criminalize all manner of proscribed conduct--- the list grows longer each year.  Criminal cases routinely require astute counsel to assemble a  winning defense team, which may include Physicians, Psychologists, Accountants, Laboratory Analysts, Arson Investigators---- this list expands each year as well.  Knowing , and being able to access, the right experts and consultants, and being able to work effectively with them, can  and does make the difference between winning and losing your case.

 

JJK/LLC maintains a talented support staff including; Juanita F. Dunn, Staff Assistant to Jay Kirschner, who specializes in client relations, coordinating and scheduling with judicial assistants, co-counsel and opposing counsel and their staffs, as well as legal research and writing.  Ms. Dunn has been working with Mr. Kirschner for over fifteen (15) years.

 

Bradley Perron has been working in close association with Jay Kirschner for over fifteen (15) years.   He is a Florida Licensed Private Investigator, and has testified as a court qualified expert in a number of fields, including 'blood spatter' testimony.... in sum, the kind of investigator/expert who may well prove indispensible in building a winning defense team.     He is part of the talented, innovative, and experienced team of investigators at Investigative Support Specialist, Inc.,( ) an Investigative firm with demonstrated excellence, as well as a national reputation.

 

Robert McCarron, M.D., is the firm's consultant for medically related issues, which arise in both criminal and family matters on a frequent basis.  His individual practice, in Vero Beach, Florida (in Indian River County----the northernmost county in the 'Treasure Coast') specializes in the practice of Internal Medicine.  He also is well schooled in medical and scientific forensic issues, and has access to talented members of the medical and scientific communites.

 

B.J. Dunn manages the office, and is also in the process of obtaining her Florida Licensed Private Investigator license.  Having "in-house" investigative capability lowers collateral costs to the client, and maximizes efficiency when investigative work requires prompt attention.  B.J. has been associated with Jay Kirschner/JJKLLC  for six (6) years.

 

This eclectic grouping of talented, experience professionals, individually and collectively, gives  JJK/LLC clients nearly instantaneous access to virtually any area of expertise necessary to commincate with, and  ultimately assemble the right "team" to help win your case in the legal system, whether the matter lies in the the criminal or family divisions.

 

The practice is in both State and Federal courts, representing the innocent and falsely accused in DUI and all other manner of Criminal Matters, including unjust Battery and Spousal Battery charges, Prescription Fraud cases, Possession of Narcotics and Trafficking issues, Forfeiture and Conspiracy matters.

We Also Assist Clients in Divorce and Personal Injury Law 

We also provide representation in Dissolution Actions (including complex property distribution matters), and in Personal Injury matters. 

The firm is AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell,  one of the nation's oldest and most respected lawyer rating and referral service.

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Contact Jonathan

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Jonathan Jay Kirschner
200 S Indian River Dr Ste 200
Fort Pierce, FL, 34950-4330

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  21 customer reviews
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Posted by Spencer | October 4, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommend
Kirschner and staff has been amazing. They provided clear and specific communication, clear expectations and timely follow up. This was not normal experience for us and they understood that. They were always available to answer or follow up via phone or email. During a very stressful situation I felt confident with Mr. Kirschner representing us. He was very easy to work with and he went beyond what he was hired to do for my family.
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Posted by Cam | March 29, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Criminal Defense Case with Jay
Throughout the entire process, Jay did a good job making me feel informed and comfortable, considering the potential consequences I was facing. I would absolutely recommend him to any person who finds themselves needing legal counsel in this county. Jay and his associates really went to bat for me, and I couldn't be more thankful. Humbly and Sincerely, Cam
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Posted by Tamara | December 23, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding attorney and team of professionals
I reached out to Mr. Kirschner about 10 months ago. I live in Kansas and my ex husband lives in Florida and I needed to take my ex-husband back to court to amend child support. Mr. Kirschner and his staff provided excellent communication, detailed information of what they needed me to provide and was able to resolve the issue without me or my ex-husband having to go to court. They are a very knowledged staff, very helpful and in my opinion very entertaining I truly enjoyed the experience as in most cases dealing with legal issues with child support is not. I appreciate all they have done and will use Mr. Kirchner and his staff in the future and would highly recommend them to anyone.
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Posted by Pam | May 23, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best, honest, sincere and thorough
Well, once again I had the need to contact Mr. kirshner with my son's heroin legal problems. He was honest, upfront, kind and honest. I have used Mr. Kirshner twice before where he was able to plea the case in my son's best interest. If I had not known better, I would have thought he was magic. As of this writing Mr. kirshner will have some more magic to perform. He is simply the best. Second to none.
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Posted by Craig | April 15, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in FL
Jonathan Jay Kirschner and his legal team represented my wife in two criminal defense cases in Hillsborough County (Tampa). Him and his legal team were extremely versed in the legal process for these offenses and were also well equipped to guide us through the difficult process with the Hillsborough County Circuit Court (notoriously difficult to deal with). They were able to get one offense expunged after time and represent my wife in the second case as we moved out of state. They are very professional and a joy to work with. I am very please in our decision to hire their representation and would recommend them to anyone no matter the size/difficulty of the offense or case.
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Posted by anonymous | April 6, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Honest, Empathetic, Professional, and Experienced Attorney-truly the Best!
After consulting with other attorneys, Jay Kirschner stood out as the most empathetic, honest, and professional that I needed on my side. After being falsely accused on a battery charge, I came to the best attorney that was not afraid to investigate and speak the truth on my behalf and defense before the State and the City of Port St. Lucie police department bringing about a justly non-guilty verdict. Jay Kirschner and his staff including Collette and Kim truly cared for me and the suffering this false accusation brought upon my family and myself. They all took our case personal and we felt supported as if we were family. Jay Kirschner and his staff were very patient, kind, honest, empathetic, and dedicated extra time explaining to me the judicial system, the laws, and really listening to my case. Look no further...if you want the best attorney and team, Jay Kirschner gets the five stars and beyond!!
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Posted by Diana | March 31, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
An attorney to trust during difficult times
Jay Kirschner is an experienced, knowledgeable and creative attorney. His responsiveness, intelligence and sense of humor were helpful during very challenging circumstances. Mr. Kirschner and his staff were caring, professional and available when needed. He was recommended to me by a friend who said I needed a strong advocate. His performance exceeded my expectations.
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Posted by STEVE | January 19, 2015
GREATNESS
AWESOME guy,very upfront and honest even if you don't like what he has to say,i was a facing a mandatory prison sentence for a felony firearm charge he was able to get adjudication withheld and probation for me,worth every penny! don't cheap out when it comes to your freedom!
Posted by LLR | January 13, 2014
"HE'S THE MAN!"
Of the many lawyers that I have dealt with over the years, Jay Kirschner stands out as being the best! I was looking for an attorney in St. Lucie County on this web sight. Jay had the credentials and the experience. During our initial conversation, I felt that he knew what he was doing and would do his best. He was not full of himself or talking to me condecendingly; we became friends immediately. He knew the charges. He knew the law. We discussed all the weaknesses of the prosecutor's case at length. Jay had been working in St. Lucie County for nearly 30 years so he knew most of the prosecutors and judges. He told me exactly how the case would be prosecuted and that he would initially try to get the charges dropped. Due to Jay's diligence, the charges were dropped right out of the gate and life went back to normal. In St. Lucie County, you can count on Jay Kirschner to give you the best representation avilable. He's the Man!
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Posted by Brandon | January 9, 2014
ATTORNEY BEYOND EXPECTATIONS
I was desperate. I had been arrested and charged in St. Lucie County (2 felony, 2 misdemeanor). I do not live there but wanted local representation. From this site I found Mr. Kirschner. I called and explained my situation, even during the initial call he took his time with me and answered any questions. I set an appointment to meet him. His assistant Colette, was fantastic. Mr. Kirschner being very personable and patient spent hours with me, discussing things and this was into the early evening of a Friday. Long story short, Mr. Kirschner was able to get all my charges DROPPED. I could not of dreamed of a better result or a more well rounded, qualified, expert attorney. I know personally how difficult it is to KNOW if you have the right attorney. I promise you, if you are seeking legal counsel and RESULTS, NOT calling Mr. Kirschner would be a huge mistake.
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Posted by Bob | April 19, 2013
Family Law
Jay Kirschner is an excellent Advocate. His knowledge and professionalism are unmatched. He helped me through my initial divorce proceedings and through many subsequent motions and mediations over a twelve-year period. It was impressive to observe Jay in the courtroom environment. His preparation and attention to detail in all things was fantastic. He also has a great capacity to listen to and understand the needs of his client. In my opinion, Jay is truly a credit to the legal profession.
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Posted by anonymous | March 4, 2013
THE BEST
I can not thank, nor recommend Mr. Kirschner enough!! I was informed he was one of the best by friends and associates, but I now know he indeed is. He helped me during a very difficult trial when the "odds" were not in my favor. He prepared and collected information, and thoroughly presented the facts to show my concerns and gain an INCREDIBLE outcome. I could not have asked for a better ending. It would not have been possible if Mr. Kirschner and his office had not stood beside me, personally and professionally. I will never be able to express my appreciation enough.
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Posted by Shannon | March 3, 2013
Highly Recommend
Mr. Kirschner and his staff are extremely professional. I have been a client for the last three years and have been very pleased with the work they have done on my behalf. I have recommended Mr. Kirschner's services to friends and family, and would most certainly hire him again in the future if the need arises.
Posted by Barbara | May 10, 2011
Excellent Attorney
I had a very litigious, emotionally charged, and complex family law case. Mr. Kirschner is extremely skilled and well versed in the law. He kept me updated on a regular basis and explained his strategy and discussed all options with me. His fees were very reasonable. If you need a conscientious, skilled, extremely knowledgeable attorney, then Mr. Kirschner is the attorney you need to hire.
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Posted by Dr. Ann | May 2, 2011
Phenomenal Caring Brilliant Criminal Defense Attormey (not oxeymoron)
Jay stepped into a disorganized pending trial and made all the difference in the outcome (a 29 minute not guilty on sex offense).He was thoughtful, perceptive, organized, and able to rescue the case from a certain conviction to a successful conclusion. He was able to think outside the box, dedicated to tracking down trailing details, and dogged in his depositions for needed information. His overall strategic decision making during the course of the trial allowed the Judge to accept evidence whereas prior attempts had been unsuccessful. Thus he not only managed the client and his very emotional family but he also skillfully managed the Judge and the jury. His style with the jury matched what they needed and he was in control the entire time. Without his brilliance, common sense, and dedicated determination the verdict would have condemned this client to life in prison and registration as a sex offender. The complainant was six years old and the motivation from the family was persistent. The prosecutor was skilled and experienced and graciously admitted defeat. Jay should be the first one on your list to call.
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Posted by Kim Hart | April 25, 2011
Hero Lawyer
I was working as a trial consultant for a child sexual abuse case with a lawyer that just didn't understand how to defend it. At a point of crisis with the uninformed & unwilling to learn lawyer, Jay was brought in as co-counsel. As I expected, Jay took charge of the issues the other lawyer did not understand. Jay, myself and our expert all worked together as a team and enjoyed a stunning 29 minute deliberated "Not Guilty" verdict. Working with lawyers all around the country, Jay is extremely competent and detail oriented. Without hesitation, I would recommend Jonathan Jay Kirschner again and again!
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Posted by Claudia | August 30, 2009
Truly Masterful Attorney
Mr. Kirschner was attentive--always keeping me "in the loop" during the pretrial period. He even gave me his cell phone number in case I got nervous or had questions after hours. During the trial he was amazing in the court room, reminding me that Perry Mason still exists!
Posted by anonymous | August 30, 2009
Review of Jay Kirschner
EXCELLENT, above reproach. I have had the unfortunate opportunity of employing many lawyers for my son's heroin addiction criminal actions and Mr. Kirschner was above reproach. Mr.Kirschner was always available by phone or email, he immediately responded to any questions or requests, went above and beyond in representing my son in two different cases on two different occasions, one of them out of the county where he is employed and I had been so satisfied with his in county performance that I again contacted him to represent my son, even though I was told over and over I needed a local attorney. Mr. Kirschner takes a personal interest in his clients. While my son was in jail, he also had the opportunity to talk to other inmates who utilized Mr. Kirschner and they too highly recommended him to my son.
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Posted by Eric | August 28, 2009
criminal defense
i have used Mr. Kirschner for last 16 years, at first in a criminal situation and then for other matters, i have recommeded to numerous friends and he has always done an outstanding job.
Posted by Alan | August 28, 2009
Honesty, Integrity and a dose of Humanity
Mr. Kirschner is one of those very few attorneys who removes the intimidation of the legal system from the equation. His legal knowledge is complimented by his communication skills. The importance of identifying and retaining a quality lawyer crucial to any legal action. Too many lawyers are removed and detached from the their client and the case. Mr. Kirschner and his staff display a level of empathy that is beyond reproach. Specifically, I would have to make note of his Paralegal Juanita Dunn. She is the point person and always makes the client feel at ease and represented by the firm. Look no further than Jonathan Jay Kirschner. He will fight for you but he will also be honest when it is difficult to hear the truth.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 375-375 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.9 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Managing Partner
  • Kirschner & Garland, P.A.
  • 1989 - 2007
  • Assistant, Chief Assistant, and Deputy Public Defender
  • Office of the Public Defender
  • 1984 - 1988

Education

  • Franklin Pierce Law Center
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1981
  • Florida State University
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1977

Legal Cases

  • Judge's ruling allows comedians to release video accusing Port St. Lucie man of molestation
  • INJUNCTION DISMISSED
  • State of Florida vs. Juan Jose' Farias
  • 15 Year Sentence and Conviction Reversed on Appeal
  • State of Florida vs. C.G.
  • DUI Reduced to Traffic Ticket
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Florida Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • N/A
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • Member
  • N/A

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • Board Certified - Criminal Trial
  • Florida Bar
  • 2014
  • Av Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2012
  • Board Certified - Criminal Trial
  • Florida Bar
  • 1994
View all awards

Publications

  • 4th District Court of Appeal Reporter
  • State of Florida vs. Juan Jose' Farias (4-DO-406)
  • 2010
  • 4th District Court of Appeal Reporter
  • R.N., a child, vs. State of Florida (4-DO-1194)
  • 2010
  • New Hampshire Bar Journal, Vol. 21, Number 3
  • The Probable Cause Requirement in Custodial Detentions
  • 1980

Speaking Engagements

  • Circuit-wide meeting
  • Current issues in trial tactics
  • 2016
  • Florida 19th Circuit Public Defender's Office Circuitwide Presentation
  • Trial Tactics and Methods
  • 2008
  • 19th Circuit Family Law Update
  • Equitable Distribution Developments
  • 2001
  • Building a Better Defense V
  • "Practical and Esoteric Chapter 893 Issues
  • 1998
  • Florida 19th Circuit Public Defender's Office Circuitwide Presentation
  • Double Jeopardy/ Evolution and Recent Developments
  • 1997
  • Florida Public Defender Association Summer Conference
  • Presenting Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Defense at Trial
  • 1995
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (12)
Given (5)
Endorse Jonathan
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Appeals Attorney | Mar 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Kirschner has great success and ability in criminal defense, divorce, civil, and appellate work. He has successfully argued cases before the appellate courts."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 01
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I highly endorse and recommend this lawyer. Jay is a great lawyer and a real fighter. He is Board Certified, extremely credentialed, and well versed in the law. He is well respected by other lawyers, judges, and those working in the legal profession. I was so impressed by his trial skills that I recently asked him to co-counsel with me on a complex racketeering case."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Let's face it. Lawyers in Florida are a dime a dozen. Cheap polyester suits, Big promises that always seem to fall short. How can you tell you're associating yourself with the right legal representative? Take a look at what his associates say. I've known Mr. Kirschner for over ten years, and have had the pleasure of working with him, and even working against him as a former prosecutor. Bottom line is the guy's an old school pro. Much smarter than the majority of the legal community around him, and with the respect of everyone in the courthouse from judges down to the cleaning staff. If my own mother were arrested, his office is my first stop. I heartily endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He is an exceptional advocate for his clients and is tireless in his pursuit of justice."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 06
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I highly endorse this lawyer. During the 18 years that I served as Criminal Trial Prosecutor / Assistant State Attorney for the State of Florida, I met and dealt with thousands of attorneys, and the truth is that Mr. Jonathan Jay Kirschner is amongst the very best attorneys. He is always well prepared, and his tremendous experience together with his excellent personality is the reason why he is one of the very best attorneys in the State of Florida."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jay since 1986 and he has always been, and continues to be a brilliant criminal defense attorney."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Mar 18
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. When I was a prosecutor, I always found Jay to be jovial, knowledgeable and reasonable. Now, as a fellow attorney in the same community, I find Jay to be a great resource of information and good spirits."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have been a criminal lawyer for about 30 years; eight of those as a prosecutor and about twenty as a criminal defense lawyer. I have known Mr. Kirschner for at least twenty years; as a fellow attorney and neighbor and friend. When my older son was charged with a minor criminal offense, I contacted Jay Kirschner and asked if he would represent him. My son and I were completely satisfied with the outcome of that case. I have had the opportunity to observe Jay Kirschner inside the courtroom and he is an excellent trial attorney. He has common sense and is able to have successful discussions with prosecutors prior to proceeding to a jury trial. I've retained him before and would not hesitate to retain him again. You can't do much better."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Mr. Kirschner since I began practicing in 1986, and he is one of the brightest legal minds in our area, both in trial and appellate litigation. He also genuinely cares about his clients, a missing attribute for most lawyers."
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