Backed by nearly four decades of professional experience, James C. Hopkins III, Esq., has established himself as a renowned criminal defense attorney. Since 1988, he has practiced via the eponymous James Hopkins Law Firm. He has represented thousands of clients charged with misdemeanors, violations and felonies, including homicide, drug-related charges, white collar crimes, embezzlement and larceny. Prior to his current position, Mr. Hopkins was an assistant district attorney for the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, serving in this capacity from 1981 to 1987. As a narcotics prosecutor, he worked with undercover investigators and oversaw wiretap investigations. Mr. Hopkins was responsible for responding to the scenes of fatal automobile accidents, and overseeing investigations and prosecutions arising from them. This experience has led to his ability to understand and properly handle all types of criminal cases. Additionally, Mr. Hopkins has served as pro bono legal counsel for the Franciscan Legal Clinic and of counsel for the Syracuse Citizen Review Board.
Drawn to the idea of competition and backed by a love for writing, Mr. Hopkins knew that becoming a trial lawyer would be a perfect career fit for him. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in government from St. Lawrence University in 1975, he went on to earn a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law in 1978. Since entering the field, he has always attributed his success to his love for getting in the court room. Throughout the course of his illustrious career, Mr. Hopkins has exercised his passion for his profession through numerous affiliations, including the ABA, New York State Bar Association and Onondaga County Bar Association.
Notably, Mr. Hopkins became the first attorney in the nation to obtain an acquittal after a trial in which FBI experts testified to a DNA match. Another great achievement of his was being among the very first attorneys to understand and effectively blunt prosecutions built on forensic DNA evidence at trial. Recognized for his hard work and dedication, Mr. Hopkins has been featured among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by National Trial Lawyers since 2014. Additionally, the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys listed him among the Top 10 Lawyers for Client Satisfaction.
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