Protect your constitutional rights
LEGAL PROFILE Shelley Reynolds, Attorney at Law

Submitted Photo Shelley Reynolds, left, specializes in Constitutional Law and enjoys her work with the juvenile justice system. As a defense attorney, Reynolds believes that even the smallest stone can reveal the biggest clue.

Since pre-law at the University of West Florida, Shelley Reynolds has been passionate about Constitutional Law and the rights protected under the constitution. At Florida State University (FSU), Reynolds received the FSU Constitutional Law 1 Book Award and FSU Constitutional Law 2 Book Award for her excellent understanding of Constitutional Law. As a prosecutor, and now as a defense attorney, Reynolds handles criminal cases ranging from petit theft to life felonies where she finds rights to be an issue. One of her favorite types of cases to work are DUI cases because she enjoys the technicalities of these types of cases. Recently she won a trial where the initial stop was in question. Through her investigation she felt that the stop was not legitimate and therefore there was no probable cause to arrest the defendant. The jury later agreed and found the defendant not guilty.

Reynolds says working in Juvenile Court as a prosecutor was her most rewarding career move ever. Before moving, Judge Terry Terrell told her at a Bar dinner that she would do very well there and that she would enjoy the work because she could make a larger impact there than any other area of criminal law. Reynolds says that Judge Terrell was absolutely right; she very much enjoyed working with all the dedicated judges, prosecutors, public defenders as well as the moms and children. She felt that in this position she could make a huge difference in troubled children's lives.

Now as a defense attorney Reynolds is one of a very few former juvenile prosecutors that practice in Juvenile Criminal Law. With this unique experience she can work to help children who find themselves in the system, as well as their parents. She says that the impact she makes now is much greater because she feels that she can protect children fighting for their rights and, in some cases, ensuring that they get the help that they need. Through her experience and knowledge of the Juvenile Justice System, Reynolds understands the options available to her clients as well as defense strategies in arguing their cases.

Reynolds works her cases very hard, investigating them thoroughly because as she says, the smallest stone can reveal the biggest clue. And that clue may be the one that could ultimately prevent an injustice, reduce a sentence, provide the opportunity for a better deal or even save an innocent person from conviction. However, the most important thing Shelley tries to remember is that her clients are people and that this effects every part of their life. That for many, they are afraid and do not understand the processes, the charges or consequences and this is where her compassionate side steps in. Shelley says it is very important to listen and help where you can.

So, if you find yourself in need of legal representation please contact Reynolds at her office. Her email is shelley@shelleyreynolds. com and her office phone number is 850- 434-1330.