James R. Amarosa II, known as Jim Amarosa, is a Tampa criminal defense and personal injury trial attorney and the founder of Amarosa Law Firm P.A. Admitted to The Florida Bar in 2007, he represents individuals facing criminal charges and people pursuing compensation for injuries caused by negligence. His practice serves clients in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties, the greater Tampa Bay area, and throughout Florida.
Jim approaches every case with detailed preparation, thorough investigation, careful review of the evidence, and trial-focused advocacy. His background includes complex medical and scientific evidence, including DNA, bloodstain-pattern evidence, head injuries, and crime-scene reconstruction. He works with qualified experts when a case calls for specialized analysis and weighs both litigation and negotiated resolutions based on each client’s circumstances.
He began his legal career as a Certified Legal Intern with the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office. He later served as president of the Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and received its Barry Cohen Award for Excellence in Criminal Defense in 2024. He has also taught criminal justice and forensic investigation and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator.
Experience Overview
Jim has trial and litigation experience in Florida state criminal courts, criminal appellate matters, federal court, and civil injury disputes. His experience includes challenging eyewitness and forensic evidence, working with medical experts, handling serious felony prosecutions, and pursuing claims against insurers and corporate defendants.
- Criminal Defense
- Murder & Homicide
- Violent Crimes
- Firearm Offenses
- Robbery & Burglary
- Drug Possession & Trafficking
- DUI
- Sex Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Fraud & White-Collar Offenses
- Juvenile Matters
- Probation Violations
- Personal Injury
- Car, Truck & Motorcycle Accidents
- Negligent Security
- Premises Liability
- Serious & Catastrophic Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Wrongful Death
- Medical Malpractice
- Mediation & Dispute Resolution
- State Courts:
- U.S. District Courts:
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) — Thomas M. Cooley Law School (2002)
- Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) — Florida Metropolitan University
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) — Tampa College
- Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- President (2010–2012)
- Past President (2013)
- Board Member
- Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Hillsborough County Bar Association
- The Florida Bar
- Continuing Legal Education Committee
- Lawyer Referral Committee (2010–2012)
- Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Professionalism Committee
- Barry Cohen Award for Excellence in Criminal Defense — Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2024)
- Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator
- Certified Legal Intern — Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office
- Professor & Department Chair — Florida Metropolitan University, Crime Scene Investigation, Criminal Justice, and Paralegal Programs
- Guest Lecturer — Trial Techniques for Law Students, Tampa
- DNA Evidence
- Blood Pattern Analysis
- Trace Evidence Recovery
- Forensic Accident Investigation
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Trial Techniques
- FOX 13 Tampa Bay — Coverage of Jim’s criminal defense work
Outside the office, Jim enjoys fishing and spending time with his family. He also holds a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license and is a NAUI Dive Master.