Smith, Tj

Richard Higdon Smith graduated from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama, in 1991. Mr. Smith received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, in 1989.

Background: Mr. Smith is admitted to practice in all state courts of Florida. He is also admitted to practice in the United States District Courts for the Northern and Middle Districts of Florida, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Smith served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida. He prosecuted traffic, misdemeanor, and felony cases during his employment with the State Attorney's office. Mr. Smith was also employed by the Florida Attorney General as an Assistant Attorney General. As an Assistant Attorney General Mr. Smith represented the State of Florida in various civil trial matters.

Professional Activities: Mr. Smith is active in the community and in the service of his profession. Mr. Smith has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Young Lawyers Division of the Tallahassee Bar Association. He is currently a member of the Tallahassee Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Jefferson County Bar Association, and the William H. Stafford Chapter of the American Inns of Court. Mr. Smith is also a member of the Exchange Club of Tallahassee, a civic organization.

Mr. Smith represents clients in all traffic, misdemeanor, and felony criminal matters including, but not limited to, battery, DUI, aggravated battery, sexual battery and allegations of sexual abuse, serious drug offenses, firearms offenses, violations of probation, property crimes, white collar crimes, and almost all other crimes that are prosecuted in the State of Florida. His practice also consists of representing individual and corporate clients in state and federal investigations in areas of health care, state contracts, state and federal income tax issues, and other related investigations. He represents clients in criminal investigations and prosecutions throughout the state of Florida as well as the southern portion of the United States. Mr. Smith has participated in the trials and resolutions of numerous complex state and federal prosecutions. Mr. Smith also represents plaintiffs in personal injury cases. Additionally, he represents teachers in licensure investigations in the State of Florida.

Personal: Mr. Smith is a native of Tallahassee, Florida, and is married with three children. He enjoys outdoor activities with his family.