The law offices of Gregory A. Samms represents clients who have been injured in car accidents, slip and falls, premises liability, medical malpractice and all other manner of negligence. The firm has extensive experience in understanding the way insurance companies and adjusters operate. The firm has for some years represented Pueblo, an international food store chain with branches in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. This defense experience has given attorney Samms the ability to understand how adjusters operate and how to negotiate the best settlement possible in injury situations. The Law Offices of Gregory A. Samms, P.A. understands the inner workings of the insurance company mindset and will use it to the utmost advantage to gain an excellent result for all injured plaintiffs.
Attorney Samms always pursues an intense litigation strategy which often results in favorable settlements.
Criminal Defense
The Law Offices of Gregory A. Samms, P.A. has specialized in criminal defense of all types. The firm has engaged in representation of the most serious of offenses such as murder to less serious misdemeanors. Gregory A. Samms has represented individuals accused of first and second degree murder as well as manslaughter. All manner of drug offenses including drug trafficking and cocaine, importation of large amounts of marijuana and all manner of other chemical illegal narcotics is part of the firm’s universe of criminal experience. Included in Attorney Samms’ many cases is the successful representation of one of the largest marijuana importation cases in Los Angeles history. Attorney Samms has represented individuals involved in large federal drug gang prosecutions that have included numerous homicides. Mr. Samms has also represented individuals in all manner of gun offenses including carrying a concealed weapon, improper display of firearms and aggravated assault with firearms.
Included in the many cases that Attorney Samms has handled are individuals accused of sex offenses. The firm has the necessary expertise and experience in handling this most sensitive of subjects. Whether the matter is characterized as a capital sexual battery or a crime involving adults Attorney Samms has the experience to give these cases a full and fair hearing.
Due to increasing get tough laws of the State of Florida, many of the cases that are charged carry with them the designation of habitual offender. It is imperative in these circumstances that the best representation possible is obtained to ensure that the increased exposure of habitual offender sentencing is vigorously prepared for and attacked. Unless success is obtained, the client will face enhanced sentencing that in many cases have the effect of a life sentence. Attorney Samms has saved many clients from the impact of habitual offender sentencing allowing his clients to return to society and live productive lives.
The Law Offices of Gregory A. Samms, P.A. is vigorous in motion practice filing numerous motions to suppress that has led to the suppression of drugs, guns and other incriminating evidence resulting in clients being freed because of violations of the constitution. The firm believes that pre-trial aggressiveness can in many instances lead to positive results without the necessity of trial.
The Law Offices of Gregory A. Samms, P.A. always informs its clients as to every important aspect of the litigation. Clients are always given complete information as to all the choices and options available to them. Attorney Samms ensures that each client receives personal attention and he returns all client calls.
Police Misconduct
Attorney Samms is a recognized expert in the field of police misconduct. Attorney Samms has successfully sued Miami Dade County Police Department, Miami Beach Police Department, City of Miami Police Department, Tallahassee Police Department and the Fort Pierce Police Department. Each federal civil rights lawsuit against the above-referenced departments has resulted in favorable settlements or judgments on behalf of the plaintiff.
Attorney Samms has lectured at the University of Miami School of Law and Catholic University Law School on issues of excessive force. Attorney Samms also lectures other lawyers at attorney conferences across the state about excessive force and how to effectively litigate these most difficult cases. Attorney Samms has successfully handled wrongful death cases against police departments who have shot and killed unfortunate clients. Many of the successful police misconduct cases are listed in the Notable Cases section and each one of them has resulted in a positive settlement or judgment on behalf of the clients or their estates. Whenever the police cross the line there is no better firm to call than the Law Offices of Gregory A. Samms, P.A.
Juvenile Offenses
Since 1984, Attorney Samms has been intimately involved in representing juveniles who have been accused of every crime imaginable. For Attorney Samms representing juveniles is different in the sense that the counselor role becomes more paramount than in any other type of litigation. Children need legal advice but they also need a realistic view of the repercussions of their actions and how that relates to their future. Attorney Samms believes that every child can be saved and that in many instances rehabilitation should be the primary focus and not punishment. Attorney Samms fights hard for the rights of children to be given second and sometimes third and fourth chances with the juvenile system and vigorously opposes juveniles being tried in adult court. The same type of trial preparation that Attorney Samms engages in for adult offenses in federal or state court will be applied to juvenile offenses as well.
Attorney Samms understands that in juvenile cases time is of the essence. Trial dates are set within weeks and there is no time for delay or procrastination. Attorney Samms vigorously begins preparation of a juvenile defense as soon as the firm is retained. The child’s background is developed through teachers, pastors, and extracurricular activities that show leadership, teamwork, and a positive contribution to society. Attorney Samms works diligently to bring each child to life for the court and to highlight individual characteristics of each child client.
All of the background information is being done simultaneously with the preparation of an aggressive defense. Attorney Samms has intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the juvenile system as well as the programs available for children who demonstrate a need for rehabilitation.
Trial Consultant
With well over 100 trials accomplished, Attorney Samms has been hired as a trial consultant for attorneys and/or firms who seek to have experienced lead trial counsel. Attorney Samms is available to try both civil and criminal cases in both state and federal courts, with two weeks notice and in some cases less if the case is substantially prepared for trial. Attorney Samms has picked well over 70 juries in both state and federal court and has extensive experience in the evaluation of potential jurors for your specific trial. As one of Miami’s premier trial attorneys, Attorney Samms will professionally and adequately prepare witnesses for trial and will engage in a blistering cross-examination of opposing witnesses.
Police Misconduct Consultant
As a foremost expert in police misconduct, Attorney Samms has been retained by a number of firms across the country to analyze and evaluate police misconduct cases for a concise determination of trial worthiness. Attorney Samms will thoroughly examine police reports, medical examiners’ reports, offense incident reports, sworn statements and deposition testimony to arrive at a professional opinion which will be reduced to an opinion letter that can be relied upon for its accuracy, legal support and professional evaluation. Attorney Samms has had the fortune of never having lost a federal civil rights lawsuit. One of the reasons for Attorney Samms’ success is that Attorney Samms believes in thorough preparation of any police misconduct case before the case is filed.
The preparation necessary pre-suit for a wrongful death committed by a police agency is even more important than the police misconduct cases that do not involve deadly force. Attorney Samms strongly suggests the use of public records laws to compile as much information as possible in order to prepare a claim against the individual officers involved and more importantly against the municipality that hires them. This intense preparation will be the hallmark of any consultation of Attorney Samms in the police misconduct area. It is through this concise preparation that the probabilities of success dramatically increase. Attorney Samms will be able to guide trial counsel through the difficult legal concepts of qualified immunity and municipal liability law.
Attorney Samms’ numerous lectures in the area of police misconduct at attorney seminars as well as in prominent law schools hones Attorney Samms skills in the area and ensures that all consultations are based on the most up to date law available.
