How much does it cost to hire James for a criminal defense case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does James offer a free consultation?

James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

How long do criminal defense cases in Florida typically take?

Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can James take my case if I'm outside Tampa?

James is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with James?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is James accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

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James J Maskowitz, Criminal Defense Attorney in Tampa, Florida

Over 16 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care

PartneratHall Booth Smith, P.C.

Tampa, FL

Practicing criminal defense in Tampa since 2010.

16+: Years practicing
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal Defense General Health Care Medical Malpractice

Are you James J Maskowitz?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

James J Maskowitz is a partner based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care. James has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hall Booth Smith, P.C..

Based in: Tampa, FL
Experience: over 16 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · General · Health Care

Handles Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care matters from Tampa, FL.
Over 16 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

James's practice areas in Tampa

James concentrates on criminal defense, general, health care, and medical malpractice. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Tampa, Florida

James takes criminal defense matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

General cases in Tampa, Florida

James takes general matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Health Care cases in Tampa, Florida

James takes health care matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Medical Malpractice cases in Tampa, Florida

James takes medical malpractice matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Biography

James J Maskowitz, criminal defense attorney serving Tampa

JJ has more than a decade of legal experience and was previously a Partner at a Tampa firm where he represented nursing homes, hospitals, and physicians before courts and arbitration panels as well as in mediation. He has extensive experience in managing litigation from inception through trial, including motions, pleadings, discovery demands and responses, and trying cases to verdict or judgment.

A natural leader, JJ has overseen teams of associates and mentored attorneys who are at the beginning of their legal career. Before switching to private practice, JJ worked as an attorney in the Office of the Public Defender in the 6th Judicial Circuit in Clearwater, Florida, where he tried more than 35 cases for serious violent felonies as well as misdemeanor drug charges. He also interned at two other public defender offices and served as a law clerk to pro bono attorneys for Jacksonville Area Legal Aid.

JJ earned a Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida. He received a Pro-Bono Certificate and a Sports Law Certificate, participated in the National Mock Arbitration Competition, and won the Best Group Advocate award for trial practice twice. He also completed a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Pre-law at the University of Arizona at Tucson. He and his wife Brandi have two children, Ava and Jax.

Experience

JJ has more than 10 years of legal experience and concentrates his practice on aging services, medical malpractice, and general liability matters. He has represented numerous nursing homes, hospitals, physicians, and other health care providers at trial, in mediation, and before arbitration panels.

Aging Services

JJ has extensive experience in defending nursing homes, physicians, and other health care workers in a wide range of malpractice, negligent care, and general liability claims. He has successfully obtained defense verdicts both at binding arbitrations and at hearings on various motions during the course of litigation.

General Liability

JJ represents nursing homes, hospitals, physician groups, and health care professionals in a broad range of general liability matters and oversees each case from inception through motions, pleadings, discovery, and trial. He also handles mediation, arbitration, and settlement negotiations.

Medical Malpractice

JJ defends doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals in medical malpractice disputes, including wrongful diagnosis and injury claims.

Presentations

•We Will Survive - Understanding and Surviving Medicaid Eligibility, Post Unwinding, and Legal Implications of the Legal Implications of the Changing Medicaid Climate
Florida Health Care Association (FHCA); Annual Conference and Trade Show; July 22, 2024
•Arbitration: Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?
FDLA 27th Annual Florida Liability Claims Conference; June 5, 2024
•The New Frontier: Exploring Florida Medicaid
FHCA Annual Conference and Trade Show; July 27, 2023

Publications

•The Delta variant and long-term care: Key liability and risk considerations
McKnight’s Long-Term Care News; September 8, 2021
•Minimizing litigation risk in the post-COVID era
Physicians Practice; March 22, 2021
•Lessons From 2020: Be More Diligent With Policies and Documentation
Annals of Long-Term Care; March, 17, 2021

In the Press

McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: JJ Maskowitz on Legal Considerations for Long-Term Care Facilities Related to Delta Variant

September 9, 2021

In an article published online in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News on September 8, 2021, Partner JJ Maskowitz discusses legal risk considerations for long-term care facilities in light of the surge in the Delta variant and the importance of developing, implementing and updating policies and procedures to navigate future emergencies. “Looking ahead, attention to these updates

James's approach to criminal defense cases

James “JJ” Maskowitz is a Partner in our office in Tampa Bay, Florida, and he specializes in defending physicians, hospitals, and insurers in all aspects of aging services, medical malpractice, and general liability lawsuits. JJ has more than a decade of legal experience and was previously a Partner at a Tampa firm where he represented nursing homes, hospitals, and physicians before courts and…

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, general, and health care matters in Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Credentials — where James studied and practices

Florida Coastal School of Law J.D.
—
University of Arizona B.S. Political Science
—

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

Florida
2010 · ACTIVE
Florida
2010 · ACTIVE

James studied at — in Florida Coastal School of Law J.D. and — in University of Arizona B.S. Political Science.

Law school and academic background

James completed — in Florida Coastal School of Law J.D. and — in University of Arizona B.S. Political Science. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

James J Maskowitz's office in Tampa

James's primary office is at Suite 400, 2701 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL, 33607. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

Suite 400, 2701 N. Rocky Point Drive

Tampa, FL 33607

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James J Maskowitz

James has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire James J Maskowitz — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Tampa, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James

James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James J Maskowitz

How much does it cost to hire James for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Florida typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Tampa?
James is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Florida residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like James J Maskowitz. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How can I get my record expunged after drug charges in Florida?
I was charged with possession of marijuana in Orlando, FL, about three years ago, and I’ve stayed clean since then. I want to move forward with my life and get a better job, but th
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Florida
How can I appeal a conviction for a DUI in Michigan?
I was convicted of a DUI in Detroit, MI, last year and am unhappy with the outcome. I feel like my attorney didn’t represent me well, and I’d like to know if there’s a way to appea
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Michigan
What can I do if I’m wrongfully accused of robbery in Pennsylvania?
I was wrongly accused of robbery in Philadelphia, PA, after an incident at a store where I was simply shopping. The security footage proves my innocence, but the police arrested me
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Pennsylvania
What should I know about plea deals for misdemeanor charges in Hawaii?
I received a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in Honolulu, HI, and the court suggested a plea deal. I’m unsure if I should accept it or fight the charge. What should I con
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Hawaii
What are the penalties for a DUI in Colorado after a second offense?
I received my second DUI in Denver, CO, last month, and I'm worried about facing harsher penalties this time around. My first offense resulted in a fine and community service, but
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Colorado
What are the legal consequences of underage drinking in Massachusetts?
I’m a college student in Boston, MA, and I was caught with alcohol at a party. I’m concerned about the legal repercussions this may have on my record and my future job opportunitie
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Massachusetts

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Tampa, Miami and Orlando in Florida

James handles criminal defense matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Tampa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

James J Maskowitz, Criminal Defense Attorney in Tampa, Florida

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