Robert L. Shafer, Jr.

Member

Born: Jacksonville, Florida, December 25, 1954

Education: Florida State University, B.S., 1976, Florida State University, J.D., 1979

Practice Areas: Criminal Law; DUI/DWI; Drug Crimes; Sex Crimes; Theft; Weapons Charges; White Collar Crime

Membership: The Florida Bar.

Admissions: 1979, Florida; 1982, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida

Biography:

Robert Shafer was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida and attended Florida State University (FSU) where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree and law degree, Juris Doctorate, with honors at 24 years of age. Mr. Shafer joined the State Attorney’s Office in 1979 and quickly rose through the ranks of the State Attorney’s Office, prosecuting cases in Duval, Clay and Nassau counties (from misdemeanors to first degree murder cases) and left the State Attorney’s Office in 1985. As a Director of the State Attorney’s Office, Mr. Shafer was in charge of all felony prosecutions in Duval, Clay and Nassau Counties.

Subsequently, Mr. Shafer opened his law practice focusing solely on criminal defense. Mr. Shafer selected Mr. James Davis (1998) and former Judge High Fletcher (2001) to work with his firm.

Mr. Shafer is active in many legal organizations; including the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, is on the Legal Committee of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML, focusing on the decriminalization of marijuana), and is a member of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Mr. Shafer has never received a disciplinary action from the Florida Bar during his 30-year career.

Personal Philosophy

Mr. Shafer decided to pursue a legal career in his late teens when he was arrested four (4) times, two of which he claims were bogus arrests (the other two were Possession of Alcohol by a Minor, for which he admitted guilt.) These early arrests had a significant impact on Mr. Shafer’s views of the nature of the law, civil liberties, and resulted in Mr. Shafer’s distrust of the government, especially law enforcement.

Mr. Shafer passionately believes that every person arrested should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of his/her guilt. Further, Mr. Shafer argues forcefully against the prosecution and sentencing of those accused of "victimless" crimes, such as drug offenses, consensual sex offense, etc. Mr. Shafer deeply understands that each client deserves his personal attention whenever and wherever necessary to ensure fairness in all criminal cases. Mr. Shafer also firmly believes quality criminal defense representation should be affordable.