Thanks for taking the time to find out more about me.  I am a Florida Trial Lawyer-Litigator since 1986. I represent ordinary people who have been hurt by the negligence of others and people who have been charged with violating criminal laws, including DUI (DWI) and other criminal charges.   As a Trial Lawyer, I concentrate in personal injury and wrongful death cases and criminal defense for DUI, drugs, and other criminal charges. I first entered the courtroom in 1986 and I am still in the Courtroom on a weekly basis, fighting for the rights of the individual and for justice for the injured.

I was born and raised in Valdosta, Georgia and moved to Florida in 1979 to attend the University of Central Florida in Orlando.  In 1986 I passed the Florida Bar after graduating from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama, moved to Alachua, Florida and went to work representing regular people. In 2002 I merged my practice with Jeffrey Meldon.

I enjoy helping people solve their problems.  Beginning in high school I was nicknamed “Uncle”, meaning, if anyone had a problem, I was the person to go talk to in order to get solutions or advice from.  This was one of the primary reasons that motivated me to go to law school and became a lawyer.

With each case I work on I take the time to analyze the subtle nuances of the case, leaving “no stone unturned”. My unique perspectives on the cases that I work on, many times make the difference between winning and losing for my clients. 

When I am not in the Courtroom or in my office, I enjoy being a Gentleman Farmer on my 15 acre farm in Alachua.  My wife Gracie, my son Logan and I enjoy the country life of horses, tending a big garden, and raising cattle. 

Here are some of the highlights of my career:

• I recently won the most significant DUI court ruling in Gainesville in the past 5 years.  My argument was based on a Jurisdiction issue regarding the right of the University of Florida Police Department to make arrests off campus.  The success of this strategy resulted in the dismissal of many DUI cases.  This ruling was covered by the major TV news (WCJB/ABC) source in Gainesville and made front page news in the Gainesville Sun and The Alligator.
• 26 years of legal experience in Gainesville, Florida.
• Teacher at the University of Florida Law School Trial Advocacy Program.
• Lecturer for the Florida Bar and the Lorman DUI seminars.
• Current member of the Florida Bar Traffic Court Rules Committee.
• 11 years of intensive DUI defense experience in Gainesville.
• “Mr. Copeland has earned a statewide reputation for his experience in DUI defense.”
• Noted statewide lecturer on DUI defense tactics to other lawyers.

Here are the rest of my accomplishments:

Degrees

Graduated Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in 1986 with a JD, Doctor of Jurisprudence
Graduated University of Central Florida in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration with high honors

Memberships

Florida Justice Association
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
8th Circuit Chapter of F.A.C.D.L.
Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association
Florida Bar Association

Florida Bar Activities

Florida Bar since 1986
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida since 1987
U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, since 1987
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida since 1991
 
 

Lecturer 

The Florida Bar Association Blood, Breath & Tears Seminar
Lecturer on Jury Selection in DUI cases  January 16, 2009

Lorman Education Services  Strategies In Defending DWI and DUI Cases
Lecturer on Attacking The Field Sobriety Exercies  May 01, 2009
Lorman Education Services Strategies In Defending DUI Cases In Florida
Lecturer on Jury Selection In DUI Cases   May 16, 2008
Lorman Education Services  Police Misconduct
Lecturer on Case Law Update  2005

University of Florida, Levin College of Law - Trial Advocacy Program 
Regular lecturer/Guest teacher on topics including: Direct Examination, Cross-Examination, Use of Demonstrative Evidence, Opening Statements, Closing Arguments.

Books

How to Avoid or Survive a DUI Arrest; The Florida DUI Survival Guide For Gainesville and Alachua County.  2008  Co Author

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Jeffrey Meldon & Associates, PA

703 North Main Street
Suite A
Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 373-8000
Fax: (352) 373-8400
Toll Free: (800) 373-8000
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