Clearwater Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Florida

An experienced trial attorney protecting your interests

If you have been charged with a crime in Florida, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. My name is James L. Slater, and I am a criminal defense attorney with more than 30 years of experience handling criminal cases throughout the Sunshine State.

As a former Assistant State Attorney who prosecuted misdemeanors and serious felonies before going into private practice, I know what it takes to protect your rights and prevent you from going to jail. From my office in Palm Harbor, I represent clients throughout Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties who have been charged with various state and federal crimes, including:

Throughout the course of my career, I have litigated 168 jury trials, winning 159 of these cases.  Let me put more than three decades of experience to work and provide you with the justice you deserve.

Clearwater criminal attorney dedicated to defending your rights

Being charged with a crime can be a terrifying experience. I make it my goal to be there for my clients, listening to their questions and concerns and helping them understand their options. I thoroughly investigate every detail of your case for evidence that can set you free. I often interview the police officers that made the arrest, as well as any witnesses that were allegedly present at the scene of the crime.  I use this information to evaluate your claim and seek dismissal of your charges.

My experience as a former prosecutor provides me insight into what the government needs to prove their case against you, and lets my clients know their likelihood of success at trial. If I cannot get the case dismissed, I work closely with clients to determine whether a plea agreement would be in their best interest.  If you choose to accept a plea bargain, I make every effort to negotiate a favorable plea agreement with the prosecutor. If you decide to go to trial, I have the skills in the courtroom needed to help you avoid spending time behind bars.

Have you been falsely accused of domestic violence?

Domestic violence laws are designed to prevent abuse, but these laws can be taken advantage of. Innocent men and women can be falsely accused of domestic violence by an angry spouse or former sexual partner. Moreover, people are not required to tell their significant others they have domestic violence charges or restraining orders against them, which can lead to them being arrested simply for returning home or visiting their child.  These charges can also affect your standing in family court, particularly in child custody matters. If you have been falsely accused of domestic violence, I can help you defend your rights in court.

If you have already had a domestic violence injunction entered against you, it is wise to comply with its terms. Violating the injunction often comes with serious penalties, and only serves to make you look worse in later proceedings. Let me help you fight these charges and prove your innocence.

Get the justice you deserve today

If you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side, call James L. Slater, Attorney at Law today at 727.493.4148 or contact me online to schedule a free consultation. From my office in Palm Harbor, I represent clients throughout Pasco County, Pinellas County and Hillsborough County.