(352) 271-8100
Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer since 2006 - SuperLawyer, 2010
Introduction
After graduating law school in 1994, I began working as a Public Defender helping those unable to afford a private lawyer. Three years later, I started in private practice, helping people with both civil and criminal matters. Nearly 30 years later, I'm still practicing law in Gainesville and surrounding communities.
You deserve to be treated with respect and compassion during this difficult time. You deserve to have your phone calls and emails returned promptly, and to be kept apprised of developments in your case. You deserve to have a skilled and experienced advocate right at your side.
I am happy to discuss your matter briefly with you for no fee. If I take your case, I will personally put in the time necessary to ensure your case is handled properly.
In personal injury matters, you are not charged attorney fees or costs unless there is a recovery.
Experience
Civil matters tried to jury or litigated:
Car crash
Wrongful Death
Slip and fall
Product liability
Nursing Home Negligence
Breach of Contract
Insurer Bad Faith
Insurer Refusal to Pay
Criminal matters tried to jury:
1st Degree Murder
2nd Degree Murder
DUI (Impairment and DUBAL)
Aggravated Stalking
Domestic Violence
Cocaine Trafficking
Possession of Cannabis
Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer
Robbery
Escape
Resisting or Obstructing an Officer
Scheme to Defraud
Witness Tampering
Sexual Battery
Kidnapping
Aggravated Battery
Theft
Trespass
Driving with Suspended or Revoked License
Education
University of Florida Levin College of Law, J.D. (1994)
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, B.A. (1991)
Bar Admissions
Florida Bar (1994)
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida (1997)
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida (1997)
Certifications
Board Certified Criminal Trial Law
Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator
Memberships
Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association (President, 2001)
Eighth Judicial Circuit Chapter FACDL, Past President
Gerald T. Bennett American Inn of Court
Florida Bar Sections: Trial Lawyers; Real Property, Probate and Trust Litigation; Criminal Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution
Teaching and Mentoring Activities
Former Adjunct Professor of Trial Practice, University of Florida College of Law (2016-2020)
Faculty, Gerald T. Bennett Prosecutor/Public Defender Trial Training Program (2006-present)
Florida Bar Grievance Committee 8A (Chair, 2006)
