Undergraduate: University of Florida, September 1976 - August 1980
Degrees Earned: Associate Arts - 1978, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - 1980
Major: Finance

Graduate: University of Florida College of Law, January 1981 - May 1983
Degree Earned: Juris Doctor - May 1983

Member of the Florida Bar since October 1983.

WORK EXPERIENCE

While attending law school at the University of Florida College of Law from January 1981 through May 1983, Craig was employed in several law firms and related offices which addressed the legal needs of individuals charged with crimes.

Craig held positions as a law clerk for several private attorneys handling criminal defense matters as well as with the Alachua County Probation Department.

Additionally, while attending law school, Craig participated in the Criminal Law Clinic Program where he became a Certified Legal Intern and was employed as an intern and senior intern at the Office of the Public Defender, Eighth Judicial Circuit. He later went on to become an Assistant Public Defender in July 1983 through October 1987 handling cases in the misdemeanor, traffic, and felony divisions. Since October 1987, Craig C. DeThomasis has been engaged in the private practice of law primarily devoted to criminal defense.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Since fall 1990, Craig C. DeThomasis has held a position as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Florida College of Law teaching law students a practical skills training course in trial practice. As of fall semester 1999, Craig has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Law handling the lecture component of the Trial Practice course offered at the University of Florida, College of Law.

Craig C. DeThomasis has also served as a Coach for the University of Florida College of Law Trial Team. He led two teams in Fall 1997/Spring 1998 to the Florida Bar Competition held in Miami, Florida as well as leading two teams in Fall 1998/Spring 1999 to the American Bar Association sponsored trial competition in Tampa, Florida.

In April 2000, Craig led a team of law students that competed at the National Criminal Justice Trial Competition sponsored by the American Bar Association Criminal Law Section, which was held in Chicago, Illinois. The team was honored as semifinalists in a field of twenty prestigious law schools from the United States.

In April 2001, Craig and his law partner, Michael Buchanan, again led a team of law students to compete in Chicago at the American Bar Association sponsored National Criminal Justice Trial Competition.

To this date, Craig continues to assist with the training and education of the University of Florida College of Law trial team members and trial practice students.

NATURE OF LEGAL WORK EXPERIENCE

Craig C. DeThomasis' law practice is primarily devoted to criminal defense. He has previously represented individuals charged with all levels of crime including, but not limited to, Murder, Manslaughter, Sexual Battery, Robbery, Racketeering, Burglary, Theft, Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Drug Sale/Possession/Trafficking, DUI, DUI Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide and numerous other criminal felony, capital, and misdemeanor offenses.

He has tried at Jury Trial in excess of seventy five misdemeanor/traffic cases and in excess of fifty felony cases. Having represented individuals charged with capital offenses in excess of thirty times; Craig has tried at Jury Trial seven capital cases as lead counsel. Although primarily working at the trial court level, Craig has also represented individuals during appellate and post-conviction proceedings.

While practicing in the university community of Gainesville, Florida, Craig represents many students accused of violations of the Student Conduct Code during disciplinary hearings at the University of Florida.

Since 1868, generations of lawyers have relied on the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory as an authoritative guide to the American legal profession. The Martindale-Hubbell database is regarded as a primary research source for information and ratings of law firms and attorneys around the world. Craig C. DeThomasis’ attorney rating is AV - the highest rating given by Martindale-Hubbell. According to Martindale-Hubbell, an "AV rating indicates very high to preeminent legal ability and very high ethical standards as established by confidential opinions from members of the Bar." Click here to view Martindale-Hubbell’s online rating of Craig C. DeThomasis.

Craig C. DeThomasis has been called upon by many different organizations as well as print, broadcast and film outlets, to address issues relating to the practice of law. Below is a representative list:

1. Pediatric Sexual Abuse Conference; Sponsored by Shands Hospital at University of Florida, April 1992. (Lecture/mock trial demonstration for health care providers, law enforcement personnel, and social workers on the topic of sexual abuse of children).
   
   
2. Eleventh Annual Conference, "Sexism: Silent Journey to Violence"; Sponsored by the Sexual Battery Committee of the Gainesville Commission on the Status of Women, July 1992. (Panel member and presented a lecture on Sexual Battery)
   
   
3. Florida State University: Department of Criminology "How Can You Defend Those People - The Role of the Criminal Defense Attorney": Lecture, September 8, 1995, Tallahassee, Florida.
   
   
4. Florida State University: Department of Criminology, "The Criminal Trial Process - Jury Selection to Verdict": Lecture, February 23, 1996, Tallahassee, Florida.
   
   
5. The Santa Fe Source: Santa Fe Community College Bulletin; Vol. II No. 4, "Legal Lexicon" - Employment opportunities within the legal profession.
   
   
6. "A Defendant's Participation in the Criminal Process." Continuing Legal Education Seminar, May 3, 1996. Sponsor: The Florida Bar Criminal Law Section and Appellate Practice and Advocacy Section.
   
   
7. Professor Gerald T. Bennett (1937-1999): "Narrowing the Gap Between Theory and Practice"; Florida Law Review, January, 2000, (Volume 52 Number 1).
   
   
8. University of Florida: Department of Sociology; "Current Issues Within the Criminal Justice System". Lecture, September 21, 2000, Gainesville, Florida.
   
   
9. University of Florida: Student Judicial Affairs Office, "Due Process and Civility; the Student Judicial Process". Panel Discussion, May 21, 1999, Gainesville, Florida.
   
   
10. University of Florida: Career Development Conference, "Careers in Criminal Practice". Panel discussion, February 17, 2001, Gainesville, Florida.
    
    
11. The View with Barbara Walters; "Was It Rape". Interview/Commentary, February 8, 2001, ABC-TV Broadcast Company.
    
    
12. "Raw Deal: A Question of Consent", Documentary. Artisan Entertainment; Director: Billy Carbine; Producers: Alfred Spellman/Billy Corben. World Premiere: Sundance Film Festival, January, 2001.
    
    
13. Clay County Chamber of Commerce/Clay County School Board: 2000 Career Shadowing Program; February 2001
    
    
14. "Brother v. Brother": Hard Copy; May 12, 1999
    
    
15. "Drug Trafficking", "DUI: Prosecution/Defense", Law Matters; WUFT, 2001, 2002.
    
    
16. Florida Network of Victim/Witness Services: Annual Training Conference; 6/16/05, Orlando, Florida.
    Lecture: The Role of the Criminal Defense Attorney
    
    
17. The Ilene Silverman Show: "Legal Issues Facing Motorcyclists"; panel discussion. Cox Cable Channel 21, July 2006.
    
    
18. Insite Magazine: "Just Say Know..... Your Legal Rights"
    July 2006 Issue: "Finding the Right Attorney"
    August 2006 Issue: "Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Part I"
    September 2006 Issue: "Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Part II"
    October 2006 Issue: "Football Season in Gainesville"
    December 2006 Issue: "The UF Student Judicial Process"
    January 2007 Issue: "Since You've Asked"
    February 2007 Issue: "The Right to Remain Silent"
    March 2007 Issue: "Drug Offenses"
    
    
19. "Article V Revisions: Impact on Court-Appointed Counsel", Panel Discussion, 3/17/05
    Sponsor: Justice James C. Adkins, Jr., American Inns of Court.
    
    
20. UF Levin College of Law, Guest Lecturer: "Interviewing/Counseling the Criminal Defendant, 11/06/06.
    

EXPERT TESTIMONY

Craig C. DeThomasis has been called upon to review criminal cases at both the trial and post-conviction levels and has testified as an expert on at least five occasions. Areas of testimony have included issues regarding effectiveness of counsel and proper investigation in both capital and non-capital cases. Craig has been called upon to offer expert testimony as a State, Defense, and Court witness.

President:
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (F.A.C.D.L.)
Eighth Judicial Circuit Chapter, 1996

Vice President:
F.A.C.D.L. - 8th Circuit Chapter, 1995

Secretary/Treasurer:
F.A.C.D.L. - 8th Circuit Chapter, 1994

Member:
Board of Directors: F.A.C.D.L. - Statewide Organization, 1996

Chairman:
(1996 / 1997) -Eighth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee of the Florida Bar, Group A
(2005 / 2006) -Eighth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee of the Florida Bar, Group B

Vice-Chair:
1995 / 1996 -Eighth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee of the Florida Bar, Group A
2004 / 2005 -Eighth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee of the Florida Bar, Group B

Member:
1994 / 1995 -Eighth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee of the Florida Bar, Group A
2003 / 2004 -Eighth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee of the Florida Bar, Group B

Member:
Eighth Judicial Circuit Bench/Bar Committee (1996 - 1999)

Master:
Justice James Adkins, Jr., American Inns of Court (1994 - 1998)

Emeritus:
Justice James Adkins, Jr., American Inns of Court (1999 - Present)

President-Elect:
Justice James Adkins, Jr., American Inns of Court (2006 - Present)

Member:
Alachua County Substance Abuse Policy Task Force Board (1996 - 1997)

Member:
Criminal Law Section of the Florida Bar

Member:
Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association

Member:
Florida Leading Attorneys (1996 - 1997)

Board of Directors - Children's Home Society of Florida,
Mid-Florida Division (1994 - 2000)

Wyngate Farms Homeowners Association:
President (1994-1996)
Vice President/Secretary (2003)
VIce President (2004-present)

Leadership Gainesville XXIII - Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, (1995)

A.B.A.T.E. (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education), Member (2006-present)

"Bikers on Parade for the USA", Charter Member, Board of Directors (2006-present)

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION

The law firm of DeThomasis and Buchanan, P.A. encourages its personnel to advance their education and participate in programs which address the needs of its clients. In an effort to provide the most effective representation in a changing legal environment, the following courses are representative of the commitment to advancement of that education.

1. Public Defender/State Attorney Training
   (National Institute for Trial Advocacy/Criminal Law Section)
   One (1) week practicum 1984
   
   
2. Advanced Trial Advocacy Training Program Florida State University
   One (1) week practicum - 1987
   
   
3. Florida Public Defender Association Conferences
   Winter 1984, Summer 1986, Summer 1987, Winter 1989
   
   
4. Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers:
   Seminars, Winter 1988, Fall 1989, Summer 1990, Fall 1990 - 1991, Winter 1992, Fall 1992
   
   
5. DUI Defense Seminar/P.E.S.I., 1986, 1988
   
   
6. "Life over Death XI" Death Penalty Defense Seminar
   September 13 - 16, 1990, Tampa, Florida
   
   
7. "Life over Death XI" Death Penalty Defense Seminar
   January 30 - February 1, 1996, Tampa, Florida
   
   
8. "Life over Death XIII" Death Penalty Defense Seminar
   September 29 - October 1, 1994, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
   Sponsor: Florida Public Defender Association
   
   
9. Capital Litigation Defense Seminar:
   August 7, 8, 1992, West Palm Beach, Florida
   Sponsor: Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers,
   Palm Beach Criminal Defense Association
   
   
10. North Florida Death Penalty Defense Seminar
    July 10, 1993, Tallahassee, Florida
    Sponsor: Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Tallahassee Chapter
    
    
11. "Death is Different II:" Death Penalty Defense Seminar
    March 29, 30, 1996, West Palm Beach, Florida
    Sponsor: Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    
    
12. DUI Defense Seminar
    August 4, 1994, Gainesville, Florida
    Sponsor: Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    
    
13. Criminal Law Review
    May 9, 1995, Tampa, Florida
    Sponsor: Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    
    
14. "Appellate Practice Pointers"
    November 6, 1995, Gainesville, Florida
    Sponsor: Eighth Judicial Circuit Chapter-FACDL
    
    
15. "Improving the Legal Profession", September 14, 1995
    "Applying Rules of Evidence", October 18, 1995
    "Evidence Jeopardy", January 18, 1996
    "Forensic Evidence and Law", February 15, 1996
    "Using Children as Witnesses", March 21, 1996
    "Case of the Silent Alarm/Professionalism", May 16, 1993
    Sponsor: Justice James C. Adkins, Jr., Inn of Court;
    Gainesville, Florida
    
    
16. "Sexual Harassment in the Legal Community" 10/15/98
    "Ethics and Impeachment Process" 11/19/98
    "Ethical Dilemmas: Strategies" 4/15/99
    "DUI: Legal Issues" 5/20/99
    Sponsor: Justice James C. Adkins, Jr., Inn of Court;
    Gainesville, Florida
    
    
17. "Life Over Death XVI" Death Penalty Defense Seminar
    September 17-18, 1997
    Sponsor: Florida Public Defender Association
    
    
18. "Blood, Breath and Tears IX" DUI Seminar
    September 21, 2002
    Sponsor: Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    
    
19. "Professionalism Issues", Sept. 18, 1997
    "Confidentiality in the 21st Century", Oct. 16, 1997
    "Florida Evidence Code", Nov. 20, 1997
    "Mock Mediation", Feb. 19, 1998
    "Legal Jeopardy", March 19, 1998
    "Zealous Representation", April 16, 1998
    Sponsor: Justice James C. Adkins, Jr., American Inns of Court, Gainesville, Florida
    
    
20. "Professionalism/Bar and Bench", Sept. 30, 2004
    "Out of Sight/Out of Mind-Referrals", October 21, 2004
    "Judge Baiting/Error Creating", Jan. 20, 2005
    "Legal Jeopardy", Feb. 17, 2005
    "Florida Revisions to Article V", March 17, 2005
    "Deposition Blunders", April 28, 2005
    Sponsor: Justice James C. Adkins, Jr., American Inns of Court, Gainesville, Florida
    
    
21. Criminal Law Certification Review Seminar
    Sponsor: Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, April 8, 2005, Tampa, Florida
    
    
22. "Freedom of Speech: Lawyer Advertising", Oct. 16, 2003
    "Is the Right to Counsel in Danger", Nov. 20, 2003
    "Freedom of Religion/Judicial Ethics", Jan. 15, 2004
    "Right to Bear Arms", Feb. 19, 2004
    "Search and Seizure", March 18, 2004
    "Constitutional Jeopardy", April 15, 2004
    "Due Process Alternatives to Jury", May 20, 2004
    Sponsor: Justice James C. Adkins, Jr., American Inns of Court, Gainesville, Florida
    
    
23. Criminal Law Certification Review Seminar
    Sponsor: Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, April 28, 2006, Tampa, Florida
    
    
24. "Blood, Breath and Tears XI" DUI Seminar, Oct. 1, 2004, Orlando, Florida
    Sponsor: Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    
    
25. "Blood, Breath and Tears XII" DUI Seminar, Sept. 23, 2005, Orlando, Florida
    Sponsor: Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    
    
26. "Blood, Breath and Tears XIII" DUI Seminar, Oct. 6, 2006, Orlando, Florida
    Sponsor: Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers