James Fowler
Criminal Defense Attorney

James A. Fowler Jr. is the co-founder and managing partner of Fowler Law Group. James draws upon his diverse criminal law experiences to defend adults and juveniles involved in all types of criminal law matters, including federal and state crimes, DUI offenses, driver’s license suspensions and traffic cases. He is a 4th generation Sarasota county native of Sarasota County with deep roots in the Sarasota & Manatee communities.
After graduating from law school, James worked as an associate attorney at a Sarasota law firm focusing on family and criminal law cases. He also served as a prosecutor with the Office of the State Attorney in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties. As a prosecuting attorney he handled numerous DUI, misdemeanor, felony and juvenile cases and received specialized training from the Florida Traffic Safety Resource Prosecution Program in the areas of drugged drivers and refusal cases. Following his work as a prosecutor, James served as an attorney at a Sarasota criminal defense firm where he defended clients in all aspects of criminal law.
In July of 2013, James and his wife, Alene Sartori Fowler, founded Fowler Law Group, P.A.. The firm’s Sarasota and Bradenton offices focus on representing clients in all types of criminal matters. James, along with the entire legal team at Fowler Law Group, is committed to going above and beyond to help people struggling with criminal charges and he proudly stands behinds the firm’s motto of “Respect, Reputation, Protection.”
Strong Ties to the Bradenton and Sarasota Communities
James has strong ties to the Sarasota and Bradenton communities. He is a fourth generation native of the area and his family has owned and operated a local bail bonding company for over thirty years. Prior to entering law school, James served as investigator for the Manatee County Public Defender’s Office. His work as an investigator, combined with his family background, gives him a unique and intimate understanding of how the criminal justice system operates.
James is a member of the Florida Bar and the Sarasota County Bar Associations. He is a member of the American Inns of Court, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National College for DUI Defense and is currently serving on the board for the Sarasota County Young Lawyers Division. He is also engaged in various volunteer activities in Sarasota County, including work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
James is proud of the strong reputation he has developed as a Bradenton and Sarasota criminal defense attorney. His clients regularly praise him for providing exceptional client service and achieving positive outcomes in their cases. He has been selected as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association and has been named to the 2014 Super Lawyers list of Rising Stars.
What To Expect When Hiring Our Office
Education
Florida Coastal School of Law, Jacksonville, Florida
Juris Doctor, 2008
Ferrum College, Ferrum, Virginia
B.S. in Political Science, Magna Cum Laude, 2002
Bar Admissions
Florida, 2008
United States Middle District Court of Florida, 2008
Professional Affiliations
Florida Bar
Sarasota County Bar Association
Sarasota County Bar Association Young Lawyer’s Division, Board Member
American Inns of Court
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
National College for DUI Defense
Judge John M. Scheb American Inn of Court, Barrister.
Federalist Society.
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
U.S. Middle District Court of Florida.
Lakewood Ranch Young Leaders Alliance.
Honors & Awards
Huffington Post: Best Marketing Practices to Establish a New Law Firm.
Forbes.com: 4 Reasons Process is Destroying Your Company’s Productivity.
Super Lawyers, Rising Star: 2014 – Present.
National Trial Lawyers Association, Top 100 Trial Lawyers: 2014 – Present.
Avvo.com, Client’s Choice Award: 2016 & 2017.
Avvo.com, Attorney Rating: 10.0
Sarasota Magazine, Men on Scene: 2014.
Prior Professional Experience
Associate Attorney, Local Criminal Defense Firm.
Prosecuting Attorney, Florida Office of the State Attorney, Sarasota and Manatee Counties
Associate Attorney, Syprett, Meshad, Resnick & Lieb, PA
Community Involvement
Forty Carrots, Soleman Volunteer: 2014-Present..
Key to the Cure, Volunteer/Sponsor: 2013-Present.
YMC Going for the Gold, Committee Member: 2014.
Make-A-Wish Foundation, Volunteer: 2011-2013.
Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mentor: 2008-2011.
Booker High School Trial Academy, Mentor: 2014.
HAVE YOU RECENTLY FACED LEGAL ISSUES? WE CAN HELP!
Fowler Law Group proudly represents the citizens of Sarasota and Manatee Counties as well as the surrounding Tampa Bay area. Our experienced team will help guide you through the judicial process and answer all of your questions with honesty and integrity. We understand the important nature of your call, and we will strive to return all calls within 24 hours. Contact us today by completing our online form or calling us at 941-404-8909.