A. Russell Smith
Jacksonville, FL
Licensed for 41 years
Law Degree
Awards
Primary Practice Area
Criminal Defense
Language
English
About
A. Russell Smith is engaged in a trial practice, with emphasis in the areas of criminal defense in the Florida and Federal Courts and complex family litigation. Mr. Smith graduated from the University of South Florida in 1976, and received his Juris Doctor degree from the Spessard Holland Law Center at the University of Florida in 1979. He began his legal career in in 1980 at the Office of the Public Defender for the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida, and has now been representing people in complex family law litigation and defending persons accused of crime in the courts of Florida and in the federal courts for more than twenty-eight years.Mr. Smith served as president of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in 2007-2008. He has been a member of FACDL since 1988 and has been a Director and Officer since 1996. He has twice received the FACDL President's Award, the highest award given to members of the Association, and is one of only two lawyers ever to win this prestigious award twice. Mr. Smith is also a charter member of the Florida Family Law Inn of Court, where he has received the designation of Master, the highest classification which can be bestowed. He has been a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator for twenty-five years, and during that time, he has helped hundreds of couples and their lawyers find creative solutions to their disputes. Since 1981, Mr. Smith has served on the Board of Renaissance Behavioral Health Systems, a community-based provider of mental health services to the indigent. He is also a volunteer attorney for the Florida Innocence Initiative and The Innocence Project. He is a graduate of Leadership Jacksonville, and recently retired from the Board of Directors of the Jacksonville Youth Soccer Club. Mr. Smith has lectured and published on topics including Legal Ethics, The Politics of the Death Penalty, Legislation and the Practice of Law, The Relationship between Lawyers and the Media, Law and Technology, Federal Sentencing, and The Effects of the Criminal Justice System on Families and Children. The Florida Bar has approved his Legal Ethics lecture, Ethical Problems Facing the Small Practice for continuing education credit and he has lectured on the politics of the death penalty at the Center for Policy Alternatives in Washington, D.C. He has appeared as a legal commentator on Court TV and The O'Reilly Factor, and was also a regular guest on The PollCats, a politics and public affairs program which aired on public television for more than ten years.
Practices Areas
Criminal Defense
Family
DUI and DWI
Language
English
Contact
Law Offices of A. Russell Smith, P.A.301 West Bay StreetSuite 1461Jacksonville, FL, 32202
Office: N/A
Website: N/AReviews
Almost six years ago, I was in a terrible position facing the archaic drug laws for non-violent offenders which contributed to my mental collapse. My first attorney, initials WK, who worked in the Ron Sholes firm stated that he could plea bargain with the State of FL prosecutor's office to 54 years from 74 years in prison. A top attorney in Orlando recommended A. Russell Smith as the best criminal defense attorney in Jacksonville. Mr. Smith negotiated drug rehabilitation and probation instead of life in prison. Allow me to reiterate, if I did not fire my first attorney then I would be spending the remainder of my life in prison. In addition, Mr. Smith informed me about the proper steps to take for early termination of probation. I am currently off probation and contributing to society. Do you think hiring an exceptional attorney is important? I cannot thank Russell enough for his tenacity, knowledge, and expertise.
Russell Smith is a terrific attorney for anyone that faces a criminal charge that will effect their life. He did an outstanding job for me and I would recommend his services if you truly need help.
I can not say enough about Russell and his office. He takes his time to understand the details of the case, then makes recommendations but also gives you an honest opinion. He was very patient with working with my 10year old daughter and myself as a nervous mom. IN the end my daughter ended up with a clear record. I can not thank him enough.
Going into a Family Law case where the other party was unreasonable on every angle, bitter, hateful and greedy we were very worried about our future. Mr. Smith managed to control the entire case with grace and poise. He is very fair to both parties and demands fairness and respect in return. We walked away from the table with everything we wanted without going to trial. Very please with his service, character and attitude!
In 2014, my daughter was arrested for a criminal offense. This was her first offense, and she was scared and worried about the outcome. We decided to call Mr. A. Russell Smith to see if he could help us in any way and he agreed to take her case. Throughout the deposition and court hearings, we were extremely impressed by his knowledge and professionalism in the courtroom. He was always “at the top of his game” and made us feel at ease. I cannot tell you how happy we were to have him by our side. This case did drag on for over a year, only because he would never give up on my daughter. In the end, he succeeded in winning her case, and we could not have been more relieved and grateful. I have known and worked with many attorneys over the past 25 years, and Mr. Smith is the most proficient, prepared and determined attorney I have ever worked with. If you are ever in need of a defense attorney, I would strongly recommend you call Mr. A. Russell Smith for a consultation.
Russell is definitely the one you want to hire if you're facing any type of criminal charges or a situation involving family law. My situation was complex and involved both of those aspects, so I needed top tier legal representation, which Russell certainly provided very well. I'm a college educated , middle aged family man and business professional with several years of experience in my field working in a family business. I had never been charged with a crime prior to be charged with battery in Duval county last year. My case was rather unique and complex, because the incident surrounding my arrest occurred at my place of business and involved another family member who was determined to the end to see me punished to the full extent possible. I believed at the time and still do now that I was set up, so basically I was facing a very difficult case with a bleak outcome for me that had far reaching implications for my future. Russell will certainly give it you straight from the start, which is crucial when hiring any attorney. Never attempt to navigate our complex legal system without a qualified and experienced advocate like Russell at your side. If you're honest with him and work with him, you won't find more qualified legal representation anywhere else. Thanks to Russell, I finally ended up with the most favorable outcome possible in my case. It's an understatement to say he's worth every penny he will charge you!
First and foremost I want to thank Mr. Smith for my legal counsel. Going through legal issues is never a fun experience. Russell gave me the peace of mind that everything was going to be ok.I got the impression that Mr. Smith is very respected in and out of the courtroom. He knows what he is doing.He will always take time out of his day to re-assure you that your case will be handled appropriately. The few times I was not able to talk with Mr. Smith, his staff, especially Cynthia,was more than willing to give me any updates or info I needed to know.Thank you.I am living my life now more aware of the legal system and how to avoid being on the wrong side of it. The last time I saw Mr. Smith he gave me some good advice on that. He also told me it was "My pleasure" to help and serve me. I will never forget you Russel. Thank you very,very much. -Carey
I have used Russell and his other lawyers in his office for about 5 years. Russel helped me fix my life and fought for me every step of the way. This is the best lawyer you can find in Jacksonville. He has fought every case and got a decision in my favor 100% of the time. He is the most trustworthy and good lawyer.(the first time I used him he was hard to get ahold of and that worried me, that was because he is very busy but once you step into the court room, contacting him doesn't matter, he has your back and knows everything he needs to to help you with your case.I would have never fixed my life and got it on the right track without Russell helping me get on the right path. My family can't thank him enough.
Russell Smith is extraordinary.. He is the BEST criminal defense attorney EVER!! Trust in Russell .. I did and He showed me in many ways his loyalty, faith, respect and last but not least.. He cares about his clients!! 5 minutes at a time.. :-) ... The words thank you are not adequate enough to speak!! Much love Mr. Professor Smith!
Mr. Smith is a very respectable and knowledgeable attorney. He is the best I have ever hired, and I would definitely recommend him to anyone seeking the best representation possible.
Almost six years ago, I was in a terrible position facing the archaic drug laws for non-violent offenders which contributed to my mental collapse. My first attorney, initials WK, who worked in the Ron Sholes firm stated that he could plea bargain with the State of FL prosecutor's office to 54 years from 74 years in prison. A top attorney in Orlando recommended A. Russell Smith as the best criminal defense attorney in Jacksonville. Mr. Smith negotiated drug rehabilitation and probation instead of life in prison. Allow me to reiterate, if I did not fire my first attorney then I would be spending the remainder of my life in prison. In addition, Mr. Smith informed me about the proper steps to take for early termination of probation. I am currently off probation and contributing to society. Do you think hiring an exceptional attorney is important? I cannot thank Russell enough for his tenacity, knowledge, and expertise.
Russell Smith is a terrific attorney for anyone that faces a criminal charge that will effect their life. He did an outstanding job for me and I would recommend his services if you truly need help.
I can not say enough about Russell and his office. He takes his time to understand the details of the case, then makes recommendations but also gives you an honest opinion. He was very patient with working with my 10year old daughter and myself as a nervous mom. IN the end my daughter ended up with a clear record. I can not thank him enough.
Going into a Family Law case where the other party was unreasonable on every angle, bitter, hateful and greedy we were very worried about our future. Mr. Smith managed to control the entire case with grace and poise. He is very fair to both parties and demands fairness and respect in return. We walked away from the table with everything we wanted without going to trial. Very please with his service, character and attitude!
In 2014, my daughter was arrested for a criminal offense. This was her first offense, and she was scared and worried about the outcome. We decided to call Mr. A. Russell Smith to see if he could help us in any way and he agreed to take her case. Throughout the deposition and court hearings, we were extremely impressed by his knowledge and professionalism in the courtroom. He was always “at the top of his game” and made us feel at ease. I cannot tell you how happy we were to have him by our side. This case did drag on for over a year, only because he would never give up on my daughter. In the end, he succeeded in winning her case, and we could not have been more relieved and grateful. I have known and worked with many attorneys over the past 25 years, and Mr. Smith is the most proficient, prepared and determined attorney I have ever worked with. If you are ever in need of a defense attorney, I would strongly recommend you call Mr. A. Russell Smith for a consultation.
Russell is definitely the one you want to hire if you're facing any type of criminal charges or a situation involving family law. My situation was complex and involved both of those aspects, so I needed top tier legal representation, which Russell certainly provided very well. I'm a college educated , middle aged family man and business professional with several years of experience in my field working in a family business. I had never been charged with a crime prior to be charged with battery in Duval county last year. My case was rather unique and complex, because the incident surrounding my arrest occurred at my place of business and involved another family member who was determined to the end to see me punished to the full extent possible. I believed at the time and still do now that I was set up, so basically I was facing a very difficult case with a bleak outcome for me that had far reaching implications for my future. Russell will certainly give it you straight from the start, which is crucial when hiring any attorney. Never attempt to navigate our complex legal system without a qualified and experienced advocate like Russell at your side. If you're honest with him and work with him, you won't find more qualified legal representation anywhere else. Thanks to Russell, I finally ended up with the most favorable outcome possible in my case. It's an understatement to say he's worth every penny he will charge you!
First and foremost I want to thank Mr. Smith for my legal counsel. Going through legal issues is never a fun experience. Russell gave me the peace of mind that everything was going to be ok.I got the impression that Mr. Smith is very respected in and out of the courtroom. He knows what he is doing.He will always take time out of his day to re-assure you that your case will be handled appropriately. The few times I was not able to talk with Mr. Smith, his staff, especially Cynthia,was more than willing to give me any updates or info I needed to know.Thank you.I am living my life now more aware of the legal system and how to avoid being on the wrong side of it. The last time I saw Mr. Smith he gave me some good advice on that. He also told me it was "My pleasure" to help and serve me. I will never forget you Russel. Thank you very,very much. -Carey
I have used Russell and his other lawyers in his office for about 5 years. Russel helped me fix my life and fought for me every step of the way. This is the best lawyer you can find in Jacksonville. He has fought every case and got a decision in my favor 100% of the time. He is the most trustworthy and good lawyer.(the first time I used him he was hard to get ahold of and that worried me, that was because he is very busy but once you step into the court room, contacting him doesn't matter, he has your back and knows everything he needs to to help you with your case.I would have never fixed my life and got it on the right track without Russell helping me get on the right path. My family can't thank him enough.
Russell Smith is extraordinary.. He is the BEST criminal defense attorney EVER!! Trust in Russell .. I did and He showed me in many ways his loyalty, faith, respect and last but not least.. He cares about his clients!! 5 minutes at a time.. :-) ... The words thank you are not adequate enough to speak!! Much love Mr. Professor Smith!
Mr. Smith is a very respectable and knowledgeable attorney. He is the best I have ever hired, and I would definitely recommend him to anyone seeking the best representation possible.