Criminal defense attorney Juan C. Calama
Juan C. Calama
Juan Calama is an exceptionally talented criminal defense attorney who’s earned the Avvo Client’s Choice Award with a Five Star Rating through vigorous advocacy and passionate defense for his clients. He prides himself on close working relationships and always being available to the people he defends. Having traveled extensively in Brazil, he is proficient in Portuguese and especially enjoys helping Portuguese-speaking/bilingual clients.
To Juan, there’s nothing better than “the feeling of getting someone out from under a violation of probation or a potential prison sentence so they can get on with life, to be free to work and live.”
A native of Miami, Juan graduated with honors from Florida International University in 1999 with degrees in Political Science, English, and Philosophy. He earned his law degree at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, one of the top law schools in the country.
After working as a translator and negotiator in South America, Juan began his legal career at the Office of the Public Defender for the 5th Judicial Circuit in Marion County. He worked in the misdemeanor division, defending many cases involving drugs, battery, theft, and various driving-related offenses, including DUI. Many of these cases were tried before juries, giving Juan valuable courtroom experience in jury selection and witness examination.
He gained more trial experience when he joined the Office of the Public Defender for the 8th Judicial Circuit in Alachua (Gainesville). Juan was quickly promoted to the felony division, handling serious offenses involving drugs, violence, and sex-related accusations. He also headed special divisions of the Public Defender’s office that dealt specifically with mental health and substance abuse issues.
Along with his affiliation with the Rivas Law Firm, Juan has an established solo practice which has earned him a reputation as a dedicated and aggressive criminal defense attorney. Having spent considerable time in Brazil, he is fluent in Portuguese and is comfortable with dialects spoken in various regions.
