Jacob Stuart, Jr.

Bar / Professional Activity

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Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

• Client Charged with Aggravated Stalking and Cyber Stalking: Lead Trial Counsel with client being charged with aggravated stalking and cyber stalking; a jury of the client’s peers found him not guilty after a 2-day trial.
• Client Charged with Aggravated Battery with Great Bodily Harm: Lead Trial Counsel with client being charged with 2 counts of aggravated battery; a jury of the client’s peers found him not guilty after a 1-day trial.
• Client Charged with DUI with Great Bodily Harm: Lead Trial Counsel with client being charged with driving under the influence with great bodily harm; a jury of the client’s peers found him not guilty after a 3-day trial.
• Client Charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon: Lead Trial Counsel with client being charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; a jury of the client’s peers found him not guilty after a 1-day trial.
• Client Charged with 3rd Degree Murder: Lead Trial Counsel with client being charged with 3rdDegree Murder (manslaughter); a jury of the client’s peers found him not guilty after a 4-day trial.
• Client Charged with Trafficking in Controlled Substances: Lead Trial Counsel with client being charged with 4 various counts of Drug Trafficking; a jury of the client’s peers found him not guilty after a 3-day trial.
• Client Charged with Sexual Battery: Lead Trial Counsel with client being charged with 2 counts of Sexual Battery; a jury of the client’s peers found him not guilty after a 2-day trial.
• Client Charged with Armed Robbery: Lead Trial Counsel with client being charged with 3 counts of Armed Robbery with a Firearm; a jury of the client’s peers found him not guilty after a 3-day trial.
• Client Charged with Attempted Murder: Lead Trial Counsel with client being charged with 4 counts of Attempted 1st Degree Murder; a jury of the client’s peers found him not guilty after a 4-day trial.
• Trial Counsel for Art Dealer in Recovery of Florida Highwaymen Art: Represented an art dealer that specializes in Florida’s Highwaymen Art. The dealer had sold multiple high-value pieces to a broker but was never paid the agreed upon funds by the broker. After filing suit in circuit court, the high-value collections were recovered with additional funds paid to the dealer bythe broker.
• Trial Counsel for Attorney Facing Seven (7) Simultaneous Bar Complaints, a Criminal Investigation, and Civil Investigations/Suits: Represented an attorney who allegedly laundered over $70,000.00 in client funds - among other allegations - that would likely result in permanent disbarment. The attorney was only suspended for five (5) years and allowed to reapply to the Bar at conclusion of suspension. Multiple formal criminal and civil inquiries were ongoing prior to the commencement of representation; ultimately, no such inquiries resulted in formal charges/suits.
• Advocate for Homeowners Against Local Government Regulation, Homeowners Association, and Developer: Represented homeowner in regard to fraudulent actions by developer and homeowner’s association related to a new “spec house” that was purchased by the client. After almost two (2) years of administrative law litigation with the St. Johns River Water Management District, the homeowner’s association, and developer, client was able to sell the home without any encumbrances for over $200,000.00 more than he paid three (3) years prior.
• Advocate for Homeowners Against Local Government Regulation: Represented multiple homeowners and management companies regarding their right to use Third-Party Rental Applications for their permanent residences after being fined and sanctioned; following both criminal and civil investigations by city representatives and multiple public meetings, all charges being dismissed with all cities retracting all fines.
• Counsel for College Student in Media and Allegations by University: Represented a student at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in an Administrative Hearing. Student was being expelled for social media comments made about former social partner that merited attention from global media outlets. Administrative litigation resulted in UCF dismissing all allegations and fully reinstating the student, allowing timely graduation with no penalty nor any record of any allegations.
• Trial Counsel for a Former Executive Accused of Capital Sexual Battery: Represented a former software executive who was accused of capital sexual battery by his niece. The Client was in his 60’s and had no prior criminal history. The State filed formal charges solely based upon the sworn testimony of the alleged victim. The alleged victim claimed that twenty (20) years prior to making the accusations, she had been sexually abused by the client during family trips to Disney World in 2001 and 2002. The alleged victim had a long history of mental health issues and many family problems occurring over decades, related to her continued pattern of lies and misstatements. Due to the severity of the allegations, if convicted, the client faced a mandatory sentence of life in prison. After an extensive nationwide internal investigation on behalf of the client, working with multiple former FBI agents, and several motions to dismiss, the state dismissed all counts against the client.
• Trial Counsel for Tourism Executive: Represented an Executive Vice President of one the country’s largest hotels in dealing with criminal allegations of sexual abuse and battery by an employee. After less than 30 days, all charges were dismissed by the State of Florida and the client was reinstated back in his position as Executive Vice President.
• Trial Counsel for Medical Doctor: Represented a military medical doctor in a Volusia County criminal prosecution for allegedly battering her husband; resulting in all criminal allegations being dismissed within 3 days. Also represented said military doctor before Indiana Professional Licensing resulting in full reinstatement and renewal.
• Trial Counsel for Medical Doctor: Represented a medical doctor in a federal and statewide criminal prosecution for the alleged theft and laundering of over $3 million in Medicare and Medicaid benefits; resulting in the doctor being able to keep his medical license without a criminal conviction.
• Trial Counsel for Executives: 1). Represented a mortgage broker who was the target of a Federal Investigation, alleging mortgage fraud of over $10 million. Ultimately, no charges were filed by the Department of Justice after a 2-year investigation and Jury Trial of other codefendants. 2). Represented a business executive who was the target of an alleged fraudulent “time-share” violation. Ultimately, no charges were filed by the Department of Justice after a yearlong investigation and no sanctions were imposed. 3). Represented a land developer in allegations of fraud that resulted in a warrant for his arrest from a state judge in a civil case. After active litigation, the warrant was quashed, and the allegations of fraud were dismissed.
• Trial Counsel for Elected Officials: 1). Represented an elected official during an administrative and ethical investigation by the Florida Elections Commission. Ultimately, all claims were dismissed after a year-long investigation and administrative litigation. 2). Represented an elected official who was the target of criminal prosecution for allegations involving violations of Florida’sSunshine Law; all charges were dismissed after year-long litigation, with the city repaying the client for all attorney’s fees. 3). Represented an elected official during impeachment-like proceedings, seeking to remove official from duly elected office. After a trial-like hearing, City Council voted not to remove elected official from office and no sanctions were imposed. 4). Represented an elected official and partner in criminal investigation for actions after a council meeting. The state attorney’s office declined to file any charges.
• Trial Counsel in Federal Civil/Criminal Whistleblower Case Involving Family of Medical Doctor: Represented a family during the process of a civil Whistleblower and Qui Tam Federal Suit in the Middle District of Florida. Successful litigation resulted in an out-of-court-settlement for $9.2 million less than Federal Government first demanded. In addition, no criminal or civil actions were taken against any member of the family, nor any others associated with the original case.
• Trial Counsel in Osceola County Civil Jury Trial: Retained as trial counsel for a client who was originally offered potential civil settlement of $24,000 after law enforcement illegally ransacked her home and arrested her without probable cause. Law enforcement believed the client’s home was the center of an illegal operation but had raided the wrong home because of their negligence. Law enforcements actions left the client with PTSD and other very serious health issues directly related to their grossly negligent actions. After a five-day jury trial in Osceola County, the jury returned a verdict awarding the client $730,000.
• Trial Counsel for a Fortune 500 Company: Represented a Fortune 500 Company for over five (5) years in Central Florida, during multiple interactions with local governments and municipalities; during representation, prevailed in every case (30) against local governments; all cases were dismissed in Circuit and County Courts.
• Admitted Pro Hoc Vice for State Drug Trafficking Charges in Montana: Represented a client accused of drug trafficking in Montana. If convicted, the client faced a substantial mandatory prison sentence. After being admitted pro hoc vice, and arguing several dispositive motions on behalf of the client, all charges against the client were dismissed.
• Admitted Pro Hoc Vice for State Drug Trafficking Charges in Michigan: Represented a client who was at a wedding in Michigan and was accused of mailing himself a large amount of different types of illegal drugs for the reception. The charges filed against the client carried a minimum mandatory time in prison. After being admitted pro hoc vice, and several dispositive pretrial motions, the district attorney dropped all trafficking charges, and the judge agreed to allow the client to serve a short time of probation.
• Admitted Pro Hoc Vice for a Former Defense Contractor Accused of Sexual Battery in North Carolina: Represented a retired defense contractor who was accused of sexual battery and voyeurism of his niece – who was staying with the client and his wife during the COVID-19 pandemic. The alleged victim had a long history of mental health issues, and the case required an extensive investigation into the alleged victim’s past. The client had no criminal history and held a previous high-level security clearance. If convicted, the client faced a mandatory prison sentence and sex-offender status. After being admitted pro hoc vice, the case was resolved favorably for the client, with the client receiving no prison, jail, nor being labeled a sex-offender.
• Trial Counsel Against the Governor: Represented Florida’s teachers and students during a nationally covered case throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic against the Governor of Florida and Florida’s Education Commissioner; in response to a controversial order, mandating schools to open for in-person classes before they were ready. After prevailing during a week-long “virtual” bench trial, appellate judges struck down Final Order as unconstitutional.
• Trial Counsel for a Commercial Construction Company Against the Department of Justice: Represented a commercial construction company that was a target of a federal criminal investigation. The allegations from the United States Department of Justice included that the company, along with the CEO and sales managers, were involved in anti-trust practices throughout Florida. After an internal investigation, and reviewing over 200,000 emails, the company and its ownership were given confidential immunity by the Department of Justice without the payment of any fines or costs.
• Trial Counsel in Alleged “Ghost Candidate” Statewide Investigation and Prosecution: Represented a political consultant who was indicted based upon an alleged statewide investigation beginning with a new article from the Miami Herald. Client was accused of orchestrating a “ghost candidate” campaign in a Florida Senate race and was charged with multiple felonies. Because of the political climate, there were over fifty (50) stories in the Orlando Sentinel and Miami Herald related to the client’s case and resulted in litigation to ensure the client received a fair trial. After almost two (2) years, and many depositions and pretrial motions, the case concluded with all felonies being dismissed.

Educational Background

• Emory University, Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Philosophy, and Political Science
• Stetson University, Masters in Business Administration

White Papers

• An autistic 10-year-old child was arrested, handcuffed, and placed in a cage — and it has now turned into social media clickbait because of law enforcement — the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office chose to distribute a disturbing video involving this child, and that video has now gone viral across the internet. That is not what we should expect from local law enforcement. Law enforcement’s job is to protect our children — not turn them into a social media spectacle. This was a 10-year-old child with autism. Children with developmental differences require patience, understanding, and responsible adult judgment. What they do not need is to have a moment in their childhood broadcast online in a way that could follow them for the rest of their lives. Public humiliation is not justice. Viral videos are not law enforcement. And turning a child into content is not leadership. Our firm represents this child and his family. We will be carefully reviewing every aspect of what occurred — including the arrest itself and the decision to publicly release this video involving a minor. The justice system should protect children. It should never put them on display. While the seriousness of such allegations cannot be understated, the case has also sparked broader discussion about how these situations are handled — particularly when minors are involved. Recent reports in Central Florida have brought attention to the arrest of two students in Volusia County accused of making threats of violence. According to news coverage, the students were taken into custody after authorities alleged they had made threats to kill. Law enforcement acted quickly in response to the situation, emphasizing public safety and prevention. While the seriousness of such allegations cannot be understated, the case has also sparked broader discussion about how these situations are handled — particularly when minors are involved. Legal Considerations in Juvenile Cases When minors are accused of criminal conduct, the legal system imposes additional safeguards. Juvenile cases are not handled the same way as adult cases. The law recognizes that minors require different treatment, including protections related to: Due process Privacy Appropriate judicial procedures Even in serious cases, individuals — regardless of age — are entitled to constitutional protections, including the presumption of innocence and the right to legal representation. Public Exposure and Its Consequences One aspect of this case that has drawn attention is how it was presented publicly. The use of social media by law enforcement to share images or videos related to arrests — particularly involving minors — raises important questions. While transparency can serve a purpose, public exposure at an early stage of a case can have lasting consequences. For young individuals, this type of exposure can impact: Reputation Future educational opportunities Emotional and psychological well-being These factors highlight the importance of balancing public awareness with the rights of those involved. The Importance of Proper Legal Process Cases involving threats are taken seriously by authorities, and understandably so. However, the legal process must still be followed carefully and consistently. This includes ensuring that: The investigation is conducted lawfully Evidence is properly evaluated The accused are afforded all constitutional protections When these principles are upheld, the system functions as intended — protecting both public safety and individual rights. Why Early Legal Guidance Matters Situations involving minors and criminal allegations can escalate quickly. Early legal guidance is critical to ensure that rights are protected from the outset and that the case is handled appropriately at every stage.Know Your Rights & Legal OptionsLearn how the criminal process worksExplore our criminal defense servicesContact our officeReferencesWESH 2 News: 2 Volusia County boys arrested after allegedly making threats to killInside Edition: Sheriff’s post of child’s ‘perp walk’ on Instagram causes controversy, Criminal Defense Volusia County Student Arrest Raises Questions About Due Process and Public Exposure, 2026

Firm News (Newsletters)

• Like most Americans, I believe in enforcing our laws and protecting our borders; I also believe in defending the Constitution without compromise. These two ideas are not opposites — they are inexorably intertwined. Today, our nation is failing to honor both. In the past weeks, a school went into lockdown over ICE operations. People are being routinely stopped without probable cause or warrants, and held in custody without being told their charges or brought before a judge. And with the news breaking today about America’s new under-the-radar immigration dragnet, things are only getting worse.  Make no mistake, Americans have been arrested without due process — and unless things change, will continue to be detained without due process, something that strikes at the bedrock principles of our country. As ICE raids expand across the nation, we must stand up and oppose these unconstitutional practices. What ICE is doing right now — detaining people based solely on the color of their skin — is wrong. Not because we lack the authority to enforce immigration laws, but because no government can strip people of constitutional protections based on appearance. We can have strong borders and we must enforce the law, but we must do it the right way — with due process, probable cause, and adherence to the Constitution. Detaining Americans without judges, without cause, and without the protections guaranteed to every person on U.S. soil is not “law and order.” It is un-American. If we allow it to continue, more Americans — citizens and non-citizens alike — will lose the rights generations have fought to protect. The anti-Nazi pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, executed shortly before his concentration camp was liberated by Americans, understood the danger of silence in the face of injustice. His warning still speaks to us: “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. God will not hold us guiltless.Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” We should enforce our laws, and we should protect our borders---but not by abandoning the very principles that make this country worth protecting.Know Your Rights & Legal OptionsLearn how the criminal process works View our criminal defense services Contact our office for legal guidance By Jacob V. Stuart, Jr. | Criminal Defense Trial Attorney | Orlando, Florida, Criminal Defense Due Process and Immigration Enforcement: Why Constitutional Rights Must Come First
• Introduction In America, one of the most fundamental protections we have is the constitutional right to a trial. The Sixth Amendment guarantees that if the government accuses you of a crime, it must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt before a jury. If you are facing charges, speaking with an Orlando criminal defense attorney can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights from the very beginning. What Is the Trial Tax? The trial tax describes the large disparity that can exist between plea offers and sentences imposed after a trial conviction. Many defendants must decide whether to accept a plea deal or proceed to trial after reviewing the criminal defense process in Florida. Judges Cannot Punish Someone for Going to Trial Courts have repeatedly ruled that a defendant cannot be punished for exercising their constitutional right to trial. Sentencing must be based on lawful factors such as the seriousness of the offense and the defendant’s criminal history. Why Trial Experience Matters When prosecutors know that a defense lawyer is prepared to take a case to trial, the dynamics of the case often change. Experienced criminal defense trial attorneys in Florida know how to challenge evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present persuasive arguments to juries. Criminal Defense in Florida Every criminal case requires strategic evaluation. Sometimes negotiation is appropriate. Other times the evidence must be challenged in court. At Jacob Stuart Law, we believe constitutional rights mean exactly what they say—and when necessary we are fully prepared to defend those rights in front of a jury. If you are facing charges, speaking with an experienced Orlando criminal defense lawyer can help you evaluate whether negotiation or trial is the best path forward. Final Comments The trial tax refers to the significant difference between a plea deal and the sentence imposed after a criminal trial conviction, which can sometimes pressure defendants to give up their constitutional right to trial. The same concerns can arise in highly complex federal prosecutions, including white-collar and antitrust investigations, where defendants may face significant pressure to resolve allegations before exercising their right to trial.By Jacob V. Stuart, Jr. | Criminal Defense Trial Attorney | Orlando, Florida, Trial Tax in Criminal Cases

Honors

• Received the designation as a 2017 & 2020 “Florida Legal Elite Up and Comer" in the latest Florida Trend
• Recognized a “Rising Star” By Super Lawyers, 2015-2020

Awards

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Avvo Client's Choice Award: This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com

Industry Groups

• Government Relations