30 Years of Experience in Criminal Defense and Family Law

If you are facing criminal charges or a family dispute, the attorney you select can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. You need a lawyer with experience in the courtroom and the ability to identify and develop important issues to your advantage.

I am Thomas M. Bell, a Jacksonville criminal defense attorney with 30 years of experience. Since 1986, I have been a strong advocate for people in Jacksonville and throughout Northeast Florida who are facing serious criminal charges, from federal crimes andviolent crimes to drug offenses and sex crimes, as well as complex family disputes. As a former public defender and a solo practitioner, I have tried over 60 cases in state and federal courts, including a recent not guilty verdict in a large cocaine conspiracy case in federal court. My professional career has been committed to representing individuals accused by state and federal prosecutors of violating the law. I am past president of the Northeast Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NEFACDL) and have an AV* Preeminent Peer Review rating through Martindale-Hubbell.

When you work with me, you can expect:

• Personal representation: As a solo practitioner, I will personally handle every aspect of your case. I will never pass your case off to an associate or paralegal. You will always get the hands-on attention you deserve from your lawyer.
• Aggressive advocacy: Having a lawyer on your side with a track record of success at trial can have a positive impact at every stage of the process, whether at a bond hearing, charging decision, plea or at trial. Prosecutors and other attorneys know that I will not back down from a fight, which gives me an opportunity to help you in negotiations. However, if your rights and interests are best protected at trial, you can count on me for aggressive advocacy in the courtroom.
• Identification and development of critical issues: One of the most important skills I provide is the ability to identify important issues in a case such as statute of limitations, speedy trial, police misconduct in seizing evidence or witness credibility at trial. A lawyer’s ability to recognize these issues and develop them to the advantage of the client is what separates the successful from the ordinary attorney. Developing these issues can lead to success at trial, whether it be a not-guilty verdict, lesser charge, plea agreement or outright dismissal of the charge.
• Reasonable rates: Having skilled legal counsel on your side should not be cost prohibitive. I strive to keep my attorney’s fees competitive and affordable.

Practice Areas

• Federal Criminal Defense
• Violent Crimes
• Weapons Charges
• Assault & Battery
• Drug Offenses
• Sex Crimes
• Computer Crimes
• Appeals and Post-Conviction

Contact a Duval County Federal Criminal Attorney

Whether you are facing assault, drug trafficking or gun charges, or any other type of criminal charges, get in touch with me to discuss your case. Call 904-354-0062 or contact me online. I offer a free initial consultation in criminal law cases. All major credit cards accepted. My office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend appointments are available by special arrangement.

*AV Preeminent and BV Distinguished are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories: legal ability and general ethical standards.