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Leslie Sammis
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Leslie Sammis
Sammis Law Firm, P.A.
1005 N Marion St
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 250-0500 | Fax: (813) 314-9626
http://www.criminaldefenseattorneytampa.com
Exclusively Focused on DUI and Criminal Defense
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
I focus exclusively on defending men and women charged with crimes in the Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Polk County, Pasco County, and Manatee County.
Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense in Tampa, Plant City, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, Bartow, Dade City, or New Port Richey, FL, contact the Sammis Law Firm at (813) 250-0500 to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense lawyer today.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Environmental Violations
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Juvenile Crimes
- False Identification
- Truancy
- Military Crimes (UCMJ)
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Victims' Rights
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Parking Tickets & Towing
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Open Container
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DWI
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Medical Marijuana
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Public Offerings
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Tax Evasion & Fraud
- Trade Secrets
- Wire Transfer
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
FL, Sep 1999
Bar Number: 185825
Other Court Admissions
United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit.
Association Memberships
• Hillsborough County Bar Association
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
• Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL)
• Legal Committee for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)
Continuing Education
All of my continuing education hours are focused on criminal defense and DUI defense in Florida.
Papers and Publications
Example Cases
State v. V.R., Case Number 08-CF-009301:
On December 9th, 2008, State Attorney's Office in Hillsborough County, Florida, dropped all fraud and theft charges against my client. The case was pending before Judge Daniel H. Sleet in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida. The State Attorney's Office filed a "Notice of Nolle Prosequi," which dropped all charges against client including one count of organized fraud less than $20,000 and six counts of fraudulent use of credit card. Each of the seven charges were third degree felonies. The police report alleged that our client engaged in a series of fraudulent credit card transactions while working as a manager at a health club. I was able to show that the theft and fraud accusations were without merit after taking the depositions of four of the State's witnesses. The end result was that all charges against the client were dismissed.
State v. J.T., Case Number 2007-CT-000786:
On May 20, 2009, in Bradenton, Manatee County, Florida, Judge Robery A. Farrance, County Judge, granted the Motion to Vacate and Set Aside the Judgment and Sentence for the criminal offense of Driving While License Suspended or Revoked after an evidentiary motion hearing. Our client suffered with the Habitual Traffic Offender Revocation of his driver's license for almost two years before he retained the firm. We were able to file the Rule 3.850 motion just a few days before the two year deadline passed. The State Attorney's Office refused to consent to the motion so a full evidentiary hearing was conducted in which my client testified. The issue in the case was whether the man's plea was involuntary when he did not know the plea would cause a five year suspension, and he did not understand the other rights he was giving up by entering the plea. The Manatee County Judge granted the motion on May 20, 2009. Within a few days, the man was able to obtain a valid driver's license, and the habitual traffic offender designation was removed.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
University of Oklahoma
City:
Norman
State:
OK
Year:
1996
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
University of Florida College of Law
City:
Gainesville
State:
FL
Year:
1999
Honors:
Graduated with Honors.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Member of Justice Thornal Moot Court Board, served as the Vice Chair of Publicity, competed in State and National Moot Court Competitions, and received a Book Award for Advanced Evidence.
Degree:
First year law school.
School:
Stetson University College of Law
City:
St. Petersburg
State:
FL
Year:
1997
Honors:
Only first year law student to compete on Stetson's Nationally Recognized Trial Team. We won first place in the state and then second place overall in the National ATLA Trial Competition held in Denver, Colorado.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Book Award for Contracts I and Torts I.
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
Florida and Georgia
Firm Focus and History
My firm is located in downtown Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida. We focus exclusively on criminal defense. A large portion of my practice is devoted to representing clients charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or drunk driving. I also represent clients charged with drug offenses from simple possession of marijuana to serious drug trafficking charges. Other areas of focus include theft and shoplifting, domestic violence, domestic battery, weapons charges and violation of probation. I represent clients seeking to seal or expunge their criminal record, vehicle forfeiture actions, petitions for protective orders or restraining orders, and motion for the early termination of probation or community control.
Although I have taken cases throughout the State of Florida, the majority of my criminal defense cases are in Hillsborough County and the surrounding counties of Polk, Pasco, and Manatee.
After nine years practicing criminal defense, I started my own law firm where I could continue to provide experienced criminal defense services to my clients in Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas of central Florida. My husband is also a criminal defense attorney and shareholder at the Sammis Law Firm. Our offices are located in downtown Tampa, Florida, at 1005 N. Marion Street, Tampa, FL 33602.
Previous Employment Summary
I previously worked as an Assistant Public Defender for the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida where I was quickly promoted through the misdemeanor, juvenile, and felony divisions. While at the Public Defender's Office in 1999 through 2001, I was in the courtroom every day. I had the opportunity as a young attorney to work alongside some of the best trial attorneys in the State of Florida.
After entering private practice seven years ago, I worked at the national recognized DUI defense firm of Head, Thomas, Webb, and Willis for four years. Afterwards, I moved back to Tampa and worked at a criminal defense firm in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida, for two years where I continued to focus exclusively on DUI and Criminal Defense before starting my own practice.
Activities and Awards
I have completed legal internships with the United States Attorney's Office in Tampa working with federal prosecutors and the State Attorney's Office prosecuting felony offenses. I also completed a federal judicial internship with the Honorable Henry Lee Adams, Jr., United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
It is very important for clients to seek out as much information as possible when they are facing a criminal charge in Florida. In many cases, the individual needs to take immediate action to protect themselves and all of their legal rights. After an arrest for any felony offense in Florida, the prosecutor typically takes 21 days to make a filing decision. That filing decision includes whether to file any formal charges, and if so, whether to file more serious or less serious charges then those for which the individual was arrested. Hiring a criminal defense attorney in Florida as soon after an arrest as possible is important to make sure that you have the best chance to convince the prosecutor not to file any formal charges or only to file greatly reduced charges.
In other cases, such as DUI, certain collateral consequences can occur after the arrest in Florida. In a DUI case, you only have 10 days after the arrest to demand a formal review hearing to contest the administrative suspension of your Florida driver's license. In forfeiture cases, you only have 15 days under Florida law to contest the seizure of your property or vehicle. Additionally, before arraignment certain motions must be filed to protect your ability to contest the legal sufficiency of the charging documents through a statement of particulars. As you can see from these very general examples, it is important to learn as much as you can about the consequences of an arrest and things you may need to do immediately to protect all of your rights.
Most criminal defense attorneys in Florida offer free consultations. Take advantage of the free consultation to discuss the facts of your case directly with several attorneys before you decide which criminal defense or DUI defense lawyer to hire.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing to review any documents prepared by a client. If my client is out of custody, I encourage them to write down as much as they can remember about the incident in a confidential document that is protected by the attorney-client privilege. In a criminal case, clients must be careful not to discuss the facts of their case with anyone other than their criminal defense attorney. The individual arrested for a criminal offense in Florida should not make any oral or written statement about the facts of the case because anything they say can be used against them at trial.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am not willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves in any criminal proceeding. In fact, the Florida Bar Association discourages criminal defense attorneys from coaching or informally representing anyone in a criminal proceeding in Florida.
In criminal cases, the client who attempts to represent himself is at a huge disadvantage. Additionally, you only have one chance to properly file and litigate motions to suppress or motions to dismiss. Many clients who attempt to represent themselves do not preserve all of their rights. Even worse, a person attempting to represent themselves may say or do something that can be used against them at trial. For individuals that can afford to hire an attorney, the individual should immediately seek out a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Florida. If an individual cannot afford to hire an attorney, the individual should see the services of the Public Defender's office, so that a criminal defense attorney with the Public Defender's office can be appointed to represent them.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
Although no one else in my family is a lawyer, I had the opportunity to learn about becoming a lawyer through the Law Explorer Post during my sophomore year in high school. The Law Explorer Post is sponsored by the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association and the Boy Scouts of America. The purpose of the organization is give young people who are interested in the law a chance to meet young lawyers in the legal community who volunteer their time. Through the Law Explorer Post, I had the opportunity to compete in several mock trial competitions. My first year on the mock trial team we won first place in the National Competition in Honolulu, Hawaii. We competed against other young people who were 16 to 20 years old. The mock trial competition dealt with a woman charged with murder who had killed her husband after years of domestic violence and abuse. The defense utilized the "battered woman's syndrome" defense. I had the opportunity to try the case as an attorney for the defense during several rounds of the competition. During the other rounds of the competition I acted as an attorney for the prosecution. Winning that competition fueled my passion for trial advocacy.
My team also won first place in the national competition for the next two years for competitions in Denver, Colorado and Atlanta, Georgia. I also had an opportunity to compete on the mock trial team at my high school. We finished second in the state my junior year, and first in the state during my senior year. During law school, I was the only first year law school student on the Stetson University College of Law's trial team. I had the opportunity to compete in a National Mock Trial Competition sponsored by the American Trial Lawyer's Association (ATLA) which was held in Denver, Colorado. Our team placed second overall in the national competition.
Needless to say, before I even graduated from law school I knew that I wanted to be a trial attorney. I really enjoy being in the courtroom and arguing a case in front of a judge or jury.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I graduated from the University of Florida College of Law with Honors in 1999. I have completed legal internships with the United States Attorney's Office working with federal prosecutors, the State Attorney's Office working with Florida prosecutors, and a federal judicial internship with the Honorable Henry Lee Adams, Jr., United States District Judge in the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. I am a former Assistant Public Defender with the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida where I represented clients in misdemeanor, juvenile, and felony divisions. Seven years ago, I entered private practice where I continue to focus on criminal defense.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Working as a criminal defense attorney in Tampa, Florida allows me the opportunity to be in the courtroom everyday negotiating with prosecutors, litigating motions to suppress, exclude or dismiss, and take cases to trial before a judge or jury.
What do you like best about your career?
The most rewarding part of my job is helping an innocent client obtain a dismissal of their charge or a "not guilty" verdict at trial. It is an honor being chosen to help my clients deal with one of the most stressful events imaginable. Many of my clients have never been arrested before. Helping my clients protect their good name and obtain justice in their case is the best part of my career as a criminal defense attorney.
Tell us about your law firm:
I work with my husband, Jason Sammis, who is also a criminal defense attorney in Tampa, Florida. My assistant, Adneris Cruz-Guervara, speaks Spanish. I also utilize the top expert witnesses in the State of Florida and private investigators when needed in a particular case.
What are your strengths and style?
By focusing exclusively on criminal defense, I am able to stay current on any changes in the law that I can use to my client's advantage. I take a scholarly approach to filing and litigating motions to suppress, motions to exclude, and motions to dismiss. I have a reputation for being tenacious and aggressively defending my client. My clients all have my cell phone number and are able to reach me if they have any questions or concerns at each stage of their case. For many people facing a criminal charge, the most stressful part of the process is not knowing what to expect. By staying in constant contact with my clients throughout the process, I can eliminate much of that stress and uncertainty.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy traveling, golf, and spending time with friends and family.
Office Manager/Assistant
Adneris Cruz-Guevara
Fax
(813) 314-9626
Office Hours
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
You may call (813) 250-0500 anytime 24/7 to speak with an attorney about your case. Phone or office consultations can be scheduled after business hours or on weekends for your convenience.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
My assistant, Adneris Cruz-Guevara, speaks Spanish fluently.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
In criminal cases, the client is always quoted a flat fee for the representation during the initial phone or office consultation. I also provide each prospective client with a written fee agreement which spells out all of the terms of the representation so that the client knows exactly what to expect at each stage of the criminal case in Florida.
I do not have a fixed price list because the attorney fees in any Florida criminal or DUI case depend on many factors, including the time involved, the novelty or difficulty of the questions presented, and time limitations imposed by the representation.
When time allows, I can provide my client with a payment plan that usually involves an initial down payment for one half of the total fees, plus payments over the next 30 to 90 days. In certain types of cases, such as representing a client in a violation of probation hearing, a payment plan is not available because the case is expected to move very quickly.
Hourly Rates
Although I provide the client with a flat fee for any criminal matter, certain representation in civil issues related to the criminal case require an hourly rate. My hourly rate is $250 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
Initial consultations are always free, either over the phone or in the office. The typical initial consultation last for about one hour. I ask my client to bring any paperwork related to the arrest or investigation with them to the initial consultation.
Typical Retainer
No. The retainer depends on the complexity of the case and other factors as discussed above. Details about the retainer can be provided to the potential client during a phone or office consultation.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
