Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, White Collar Crimes, DUI-DWI; view more
Licensed in Florida since: 1987
Education: University of Florida Levin College of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2021 - 2024 Details
A Founding Senior Partner at Jansen & Davis, P.A., R. Timothy Jansen focuses his practice exclusively on criminal defense matters. Located in Tallahassee, he provides representation to clients throughout the Florida Panhandle and other parts of the state. Mr. Jansen has been admitted to practice in Florida since 1987, and he is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern and Middle Districts of Florida, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Mr. Jansen has assisted thousands of people who have been charged with having committed state or federal crimes, many of whom have been high-profile, including a former Heisman Trophy winner at FSU, as well as other high profile collegiate and professional athletes. His prior cases have included political corruption, violent crimes- murder, weapons offenses, drug possession and distribution, white collar crimes such as fraud, racketeering, and embezzlement, domestic violence, homicide, assault, robbery, kidnapping and arson. Mr. Jansen has an enviable record of being able to obtain positive results for his clients, including numerous acquittals, dismissals and the negotiation of favorable plea agreements with the prosecution. This has led to a great deal of favorable recognition from his fellow members of the bar, including an AV Preeminent* peer review rating through Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Jansen regularly appears on CNN for legal commentary, including the Indictment of Former President Donald Trump and the investigation of Congressman Matt Gaetz. He also is a National Legal Analyst for ABC News Live covering the trial of former President Donald Trump and a regular participant as an criminal law expert on crime podcasts such a Surviving the Survivor.
Mr. Jansen has delivered commentary on high-profile cases such as the O. J. Simpson trial on several national television and radio shows. After graduating from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 1986, he spent 5 years as an assistant United States attorney in Florida, where he prosecuted many of the same types of offenses that he now defends against on behalf of his many clients. A former NFL player agent, he is a member of numerous legal organizations.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense: White Collar, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWIFocus areas
Assault & Battery, Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Fraud, Criminal Law, Criminal Law - Federal, DUI/DWI, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Expungement, Felony, Juvenile Delinquency, Misdemeanor, Murder, Sex Offenses, Theft, White Collar Crime
- 70% Criminal Defense
- 20% Criminal Defense: White Collar
- 10% Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI
First Admitted: 1987, Florida
Professional Webpage: https://www.jansenlawoffice.com/our-team/r-timothy-jansen/
Bar/Professional Activity:
- Legal analysts for CNN and various podcasts of crimes covering national cases. This includes local tv stations, newspapers across the country on the Indictment of former President Trump. The undersigned had appeared on various media sites on FSU Professor Markel Murder trial in Tallahassee that has gripped the nation., 2023
- Tallahassee Bar
- The Florida Bar, Criminal Law Section
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1994
- Florida Inventory Attorney for Deceased Attorney, 2005
- U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 1994
- High School Mock Trial Judge Florida State College of Law Mock Trial instructor
- Radio/legal analysis for OJ Simpson murder trial - Local radio station.
- Appeared on National TV/Radio for legal analysis on various high profile cases including: ESPN, CNN, NBC, CBS, Current Affair, 48 Hours, Unsolved Mysteries and Court TV Live Trial.
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Florida, 1994, Assistant U.S. Attorney (Trial Attorney Prosecutor), 1989
- Florida Bar Grievance Committee member and co-chair
- Washington DC - Travelled with General Alexander M. Haig throughout the United States on Presidential Campaign, 1987
- Florida Department of State 1988-1989 Assistant General Counsel - prosecuted administrative charges for charities, concealed weapons, 6-licenses (handled many administrative hearings before DOAH), 1988
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida, 1994, 2014, Assistant U.S. Attorney - Senior Fraud Prosecutor in Major Crimes Section, 1991
- Created Jansen Law office (Jansen & Davis) in 1994 to the present
- Member of Florida Bar (No disciplinary record), 1987
- Legal Analyst for the Tallahassee Democrat
Verdicts/Settlements (Case Results):
- Appeared on CNN as a Legal Expert giving legal analysis on the recent Indictment of Former President Trump on his Indictment for Espionage and Obstruction charges by the Special Prosecutor Jack Smith. , 2023
- State of Florida v. Alexis Cutler 2019CF4027. Ms. Cutler was charged with Attempted First Degree Murder in violation of Sections 777.04(4)(b) and 782.04(1)(a)1, Florida Statutes. At trial in March 2023, Ms. Cutler was found Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity and placed on Conditional Release. , 2023
- United States V. Kathryn Drey, 3:23cr00017-001. Ms. Drey was charged by way of an Information in US District Court in Pensacola, Florida with conflict of financial interest with respect to her position as the Civil Chief of the US Attorney's Office in Pensacola. The case was prosecuted by the Public Integrity Unit of the DOJ in Wash, D.C. The court went below the recommendations of the Government Prosecutors. Ms. Drey was sentenced to 6 months probation and a $500.00 fine by US District District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. The Government considered the case a loss because of the sentencing., 2023
- Regular appearances on Crime podcasts "Surviving the Survivor" giving analysis on the murder trial of Alex Murdough, including analysis of the case, jury issues and ultimate verdict. Several appearances discussing the Idaho v Bryan Kohberger. These segments included collection of evidence, defense theories, and prosecution theories. Weekly appearances giving legal analysis of the high profile murder of former FSU Law Professor Dan Markel. Legal analysis and perspective of various evidentiary issues facing numerous targets of the investigation, including Charlie and Wendy Adelson. Legal views of upcoming murder trial of Charlie Adelson. , 2023
- Appearance on CNN to give legal analysis of the process in federal court for trial management and attorney participation in federal court in the case of Former President Trump on Espionage and Obstruction charges in Ft Myers Florida. Analysis included jury selection, judicial recusal and case management by the court on the trial., 2023
- Florida Legislation v C. Patrick Roberts/Emeril Legassi; 2017-CA-2284 & 2017-CA-2368; Legislative Subpoenas issued by Florida Speaker of the House and Legislature. Successfully defeated the issuance of Subpoenas in Leon Circuit Court., 2017
- Appeared on CNN regarding the representation of Congressman Gaetz's former girlfriend in the DOJ criminal investigation of Congressman Gaetz and others in the sexual trafficking probe by the Department of Justice's criminal investigation. , 2022
- State of Florida v Brian Winchester; Successfully negotiated Full Immunity for 1st Degree Murder. 18 year old murder led to discovery of Mike Williams body and led to murder charges for Denise Winchester who was convicted. The case was subject to many National stories, including 48 Hours Unsolved Mysteries and numerous books. I drafted the Immunity Agreement that is now utilized by Defense Lawyers, 2016
- State of Florida v Corey Fuller; Armed Robbery of Gambling Parlor; Case filmed live for Court TV Jury trial/ Not Guilty All Counts, 2004
- State of Florida v AJ Graham; Florida's Mr. Football Award winner charged with Armed Robbery. Successfully had all charges dropped. Was able to get his football scholarship reinstated to Marshall University. , 2009
- State of Florida v. Jameis Winston (Sexual battery/ False Imprisonment) National exposure/ Investigation. (No Charges Filed) Assisted Jameis Winston with his pursuit of Heisman Trophy. Travelled to Heisman trophy Ceremonies with Jameis Winston. (Successfully got State Attorney to Publicly announce No Charges on Thursday prior to the Ballot Deadline on Sunday. Getting the public announcement prior to the weekend was key in Jameis winning The Heisman.), 2013
- State of Florida v Seth Roberts 2011-CF-1309; State Football player charged with Armed Home Invasion, Robbery. Successfully plead to lesser charge, Kept his eligibility as college player. Completed Probation and is currently in the NFL, 2011
- The preferred Legal Counsel for FSU Athletics including Football, Baseball, Basketball and Tennis. Worked with FSU Athletics Program and coaches in coordinating representation before Dean of Students and criminal cases. During 2013 National Championship team - successfully represented 6 students on National Championship team. Maintained eligibility for all players, 2012
- State of Florida v. Wykiza Brock - (Leon County) (Sexual Battery -Not Guilty)(Attempted Sexual Battery- Not Guilty)(Jury Trial/ Acquittal)(Battery Charge reduced to Misdemeanor Battery), 2003
- Represented former Gator QB Chris Leak in allegations of sexual misconduct as Edgewater High School coach in Orlando, Florida. Successfully prevented any charges from being filed in the investigation
- U.S. v. Carlos Lofton - U.S. District Court Northern District of Florida (Tallahassee) (Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Possession with Intent to sell Cocaine, Possession of Firearm In-furtherance drug crimes.) (Jury Trial -Not Guilty 11/21/10), 2010
- U.S. v. John Axley - U.S. District Court Northern District of Florida (Tallahassee) (Conspiracy to Defraud the United States, Insurance Crimes Affecting Interstate Commerce) (Jury Trial/ Acquittal), 2011
- U.S. v. James Doran - U.S. District Court Northern District of Florida (Tallahassee) ( Fraud, Theft and Misappropriation of Property Organization, FSU and State in violation of 4166 18 USC. 666(A)(1)(A)) (Jury Trial/ Acquittal - 8/4/2017), 2015
- State of Florida v. Kenson Brown (Sexual Battery and Burglary of Dwelling) (Jury Trial- Not Guilty), 2009
- State of Florida v. Jimmy Tucker (Hamilton County, FL) (Trafficking in Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Deliver/ Sell Cocaine, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Possession of Cocaine.) (Motion to Dismiss Granted to all counts - 5/14/14), 2013
- Michael Shane Matthews - (Healthcare Fraud Kickbacks) U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida. (Plead to reduced charge of Federal Misdemeanor - Misbranding of Drugs for Sale (21:331(A)) (3 month jail time, $489,000 Restitution.), 2018
- State of Florida v. Vincent Iuliano (Leon Circuit Court - Sexual battery) (Case Dismissed), 2019
- State of Florida v. Christopher Walker (Wakulla County) ( Sexual Battery by Familial or Custodial Authority, Lewd and Lascivious molestation, Lewd and Lascivious Battery.) ( Jury Trial - Not Guilty), 2014
- State of Florida v. Jordan Strum - (Leon County Court - Sexual battery) (Trial- Not Guilty 2017), 2016
- Former Head Basketball Coach Clemon Johnson v. FAMU (Breach of Contract, Fraudulent Inducement.) (Settlement for over $125,000), 2020
- Former Head Football Coach Earl Holmes v. FAMU (Breach of Contract, Fraudulent Inducement.) (Settlement over $400,000), 2020
Representative Clients:
- State of Florida v. Brian Winchester. 2016 cf2265. This high profile representation led to the arrest and conviction of Denise Williams 2018cf1592. Mr. Winchester ultimately entered guilty to pleas to kidnapping and aggravated battery charges. The undersigned negotiated a full immunity for Mr. Winchester for the murder of Mike Williams. Mr. Winchester testified with immunity against his former wife, Denise Williams at her murder trial. Mr. Winchester received full immunity even though he admitted under oath he committed the murder. This was a high profile case and reached national attention with Dateline, and several books. , 2016
- State of Florida V. Alexis Cutler 2019cf 4027. This was an Attempted First Degree Murder case in which Ms. Cutler was found Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity at trial and placed on Conditional Release by the Court., 2023
- USA versus Katherine Drey in 3:23CR17-001. Ms. Drey was the Civil Chief of the US Attorney's office in Pensacola, Florida. She was indicted for finance charges under 18 USC Section 208(a) and related charges. These charges were filed by the Public Integrity Unit of the Department of Justice. This is a high profile case in Pensacola Florida and for the Department of Justice. , 2023
- USA V. John Thomas Burnette 21-13990 (11th cir. 2023). The undersigned represented Mr. Burnette on appeal, along with Co counsel of the Williams Connolly law firm in Washington DC. There were various legal issues in the case, that were similar to those of Governor McDonald of Virginia. , 2021
- United States v. JT Burnette on charges of Racketeering, public corruption, fraud and false statements in Tallahassee federal district court. This was a high profile case involving former Mayor Scott Maddox as a Coconspirator. Mr. Burnette was acquitted of the most serious count of Racketeering and several other counts. He was convicted of lesser charges and received a 3 year federal sentence. The undersigned was able to obtain a sentencing departure from the Guidelines which originally called for an 8 year sentence. The court granted the Variance requested by the undersigned at the sentencing., 2021
- Denise Williams was charged as a Co-Conspirator with Brian Winchester for the murder of her then husband, Mike Williams in case number 2018cf1592. This was a 17 year old mystery as to what happened to Mike Williams when he went hunting on the lake. The undersigned represented Mr. Winchester and prepared, drafted what was later considered the greatest ProfferLetter/immunity letter for a criminal defendant. The undersigned was able through the proffer letter to obtain full immunity for Mr. Winchester for the murder of Mike Williams. The undersigned also obtained immunity for his testimony against his wife at her trial. The proffer letter is now used as a go to proffer letter., 2018
- County Commissioner Escambia County; State of Florida v Childers - Pensacola, Florida; Former Speaker of House of Florida Legislators; Sunshine Law Violation; Jury Trial; Mixed verdict; Co-counsel Fred Levin, 2006
- State of Florida v Bryan Norman Klein 2006-CF-3365 - Leon County Court - Manslaughter; culpable negligence charge; reduced to misdemeanor 2nd degree, 2006
- State of Florida v JSG Boggs 2006-CF-3746 - International Artist; arrested for possession of meth, paraphernalia and concealed weapon. , 2006
- Former preferred counsel for FSU athletes from 2012-2015, 2012
- C. Patrick Roberts v Speaker of House 2017-CA-2284, Florida Cook, Chanel, Emeril Lagassi, 2017
- Represented Florida Casinos in handling trust accounts for corporations
- Numerous high profile coaches and athletes in the State of Florida: Heisman Trophy Winner, NFL QB Jameis Winston Former Gator QB, NFL QB Shane Matthews Former Bator QB, NFL QB Chris Leak Former NFL player Corey Fuller Former FAMU head football coach, Earl Holmes Former FAMU basketball coach, Clemon Johnson Former Maclay High School baseball coach Former Florida Mr. Football, AJ Graham Current NFL player Seth Roberts
Special Licenses/Certifications:
- State of Florida Certified Agent, 2015
- NFL Certified Licensed Contract Negotiator (NFL Agent), 2016
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Florida Bar Grievance Committee 2002-2004, 2002
- The creator and Producer of the Springtime Music Festival. The undersigned created the free music festival for the city of Tallahassee. It has been going for 9 years and the undersigned, produces, lines up national talent, obtains financing and emcees the event before annual crowds of 9-11,000 people during the annual Springtime festival. The undersigned is recognized by Springtime Tallahassee, including volunteer of the year in the past. This event is my creation and i love giving back to the community- a free concert with national talent., 2023
- Florida Bar Inventory Attorney, 2005
- Various Pro Bono work: Legal Aid - 1994-2010 Volunteer/Supplemental award - volunteer to handle cases due to death of attorney
Honors/Awards:
- Super Lawyers, 2021-2023
- AA rating, Martindale Hubbell, 2023
- AA Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
- Awarded Florida's Best Defender January 16, 2014, Florida's Best Defender, The Oddysey Magazine, 2014
- Florida Blue Key
- High Impact Criminal Lawyer award, High Impact Lawyer, 850 Business Magazine North Florida, 2016
- Bar Registry of Prominent Lawyers (2000 - present), 2000
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2019
- AV Rated By Martindale Hubbell based on peer reviews FROM 2000-2020, 2020
- Florida Bar Public Service Award for pro bono work. Supplemental attorney award handling cases for attorney who committed suicide
Educational Background:
- University of Florida College of Law, 1986
- University of Florida, B.A., 1983
- St. Petersburg College, A.A. Honors: With Honors, 1981
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- Florida Bar Journal Article, Student Conduct Hearings in a University Setting: Just or Unjust, Florida Bar Journal Vol.90 No. 6, 2016
- I was asked by Dean Rosenberry to give a Lecture on the Practice of Law in the real world focusing on Criminal Law and Procedure, Sports Agent representation and the mechanics of Trying cases in the Courtroom. In addition, i spoke on the Rules and Regulations of becoming a NFL sports Agent. , Lecturer, Guest Lecturer for Law Sudents, The University of Florida College of Law (Levin College of Law), Lawyer Practice, Sports Law And Criminal Law, 2019
- Insurance Fraud Seminar, Florida, 1993
- Lecturer, Trial Strategies/Jury Selection, Tallahassee Legends in Trial Practice, Florida, 1996
- Lecturer, Investigating and Prosecuting Insurance and Health Care Fraud, Florida Department of Insurance Fraud Seminar, Florida, 1993
- Lecturer, Complex Health Care Fraud Litigation, United States Department of Justice, South Carolina, 1993
- Fall seminar in Watercolor, Florida. September, 2015, Lecturer, Representing High Profile Clients, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Legal
- Lecturer at University of Florida College of Law., Lecturer, 2019
Other Outstanding Achievements:
- National Legal Analyst for ABC News Live covering the trial of former President Donald Trump
- Leon High Foundation - One of 6 public high schools to have a foundation to collect money to be used by school to cover school needs/equipment. Member 2008-2014 President 2012-2014 As President, created the Leon High School Foundation Endowment. Only 1 of 6 in the entire US to have an Endowment for a public endorsement. Currently has approximately $500,000 in funding in the endowment to support in perpetuity Leon High School to cover equipment needs of teachers/students at Leon High. , 2008
- Springtime Tallahassee Florida - Other positions held President elect (2014-2015); Treasurer and various other positions with Springtime Tallahassee Elected to AJ Staff and elected to represent Springtime as Ambassador throughout the State of Florida and Minnesota, 2014
- Springtime Music Festival As president, created the Springtime Music Festival. Free concerts to the public. Managed, selected and introduced bands for the concert. Average attendance 9,000 - 12,000 for the event, 2015
- Boystown (Tallahassee) - Non-profit charitable national organization General Chair - raised over $380,000 for Boystown charity Boystown guest speaker at graduation ceremony Boystown Gala Master of Ceremonies (largest charitable non-profit event for under privileged kids in Tallahassee, 2016
- President of Springtime Tallahassee - Largest civic festival in the South. 51 year history and over 200,000 visitors for event and parade. Responsible for all events & budget of over $400,000. Travel throughout Florida representing Springtime and encouraging visitors to attend the Tallahassee event, 2015
Selections
4 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2021 - 2024
