1. You have the right to remain silent. That means do not talk, do not answer questions, but always be nice. What may appear to be innocent sounding statements or answers sometimes prove otherwise.

2. You have the right to an attorney

3. You do not have to consent to a search. Generally, an officer asks for your permission to search because he does not have the authority to search without your consent. He needs either a search warrant, probable cause, or your permission.

The Law Office of Dowgul & Hatcher, P.A.'s primary focus is criminal law. We represent individuals charged with traffic violations to life felonies. Our website is here to help provide some general information in criminal matters. For more specific information related to your case, please contact the Law Office of Dowgul & Hatcher P.A. for a free consultation. Our offices are located in Panama City & Chipley, Florida to provide service to our clients in Bonifay, Blountstown, Marianna, Panama City, Panama City Beach, Graceville, Mexico Beach, Chipley, Port St. Joe, and all areas in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington Counties.

Please Call: 850-763-0900

James R. Dowgul, Esq.

James Dowgul began his legal career in the Public Defender's Office for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit in Sarasota, Florida. There, he practiced for over 2 years before the opportunity arose to return to his hometown in Bay County, where he took a position with the Public Defender's Office for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. James's passion for law and the direction of his legal career focuses on criminal law. James has extensive misdemeanor and felony trial experience. He has tried cases ranging from misdemeanors including DUI, battery, and drug related offenses to serious life felonies including attempted murder and vehicular homicide. James's undergraduate studies were at Florida State University where he was awarded his Bachelor's degree in Business. James's graduate studies took him to Oklahoma where he received his law degree from Oklahoma City University and met his wife, Kim, while working as an intern for the Oklahoma Supreme Court. In 2000, James furthered his legal studies and received a Master of Laws degree ( LL.M.) from Stetson University, and was admitted to the Florida Bar.