Jocelyn Dopson-Rodriguez
Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Jocelyn Dopson-Rodriguez was raised in Kissimmee, Florida. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida and her Juris Doctor from the Florida A&M University College of Law in Orlando, FL.
During law school, Jocelyn distinguished herself as a dedicated advocate, serving as a Student Ambassador and holding leadership positions in multiple student organizations. She gained invaluable legal experience as a summer judicial law clerk at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and as an intern with both the Ninth Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office and the Guardian Ad Litem Program.
She began her career as an Assistant Public Defender for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Tampa, Florida, where she zealously defended indigent individuals and juveniles facing criminal prosecution. Handling hundreds of cases, she successfully tried numerous jury and non-jury trials, demonstrating her commitment to protecting the rights of the accused. Transitioning into civil litigation, Jocelyn continued her role as a defender, representing public and private entities in complex state and federal cases involving civil rights, first-party property disputes, negligence, and construction defect matters.
Since transitioning back into the criminal sector and joining the Sammis Law Firm, Jocelyn has focused exclusively on criminal defense, juvenile defense, and civil asset forfeiture, leveraging her extensive litigation experience, motion practice skills, and negotiation expertise to aggressively advocate for her clients.
A significant part of her practice focuses on DUI defense. She thoroughly investigates every aspect of the case—from the legality of the traffic stop to the accuracy of chemical tests—while crafting a strategic defense that protects her client’s rights, freedom, and driving privileges.
Jocelyn is deeply involved in the legal community. She is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL), the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (CFACDL), the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD), and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA). She is also a member of the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association, Orange County Bar Association and serves as a Guardian Ad Litem for the Ninth Circuit, advocating for the best interests of children in dependency proceedings. Additionally, she is committed to mentoring future legal professionals as a high school mock trial coach.
A defender through and through, Jocelyn remains steadfast in her mission to protect the rights of her clients.
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