BOUZIANE & SHAFFER LAW - Key Persons
The firm's founding partner, Attorney William Shaffer, is a Florida native - born in Sarasota and raised in Orlando - and an experienced criminal trial attorney. After earning a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Florida and a law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law (class of 2008), he joined the Twelfth Judicial Circuit as an assistant state attorney.
At the state attorney's office, Attorney Shaffer cut his teeth in the courtroom trying criminal cases and managing juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony caseloads. As a prosecutor, he dealt with thousands of criminal cases such as:
Sex offenses
Traffic offenses
Violent felonies
And more
In 2013, he joined a local criminal defense law firm as an associate. This experience afforded him additional jury trial experience. He also began handling family law matters for his clients. This opened his eyes to the needs of families looking for protection from unsuitable guardianship situations. Today, his passions as an attorney are focused on estate planning and guardianship.
A 2008 graduate of Stetson University College of Law, Attorney Dave Bouziane's legal career began as an assistant state attorney for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit in Sarasota, FL. As a prosecutor, he handled thousands of criminal cases. From the initial intake of those accused through the final disposition of the case, he's done it all. He prosecuted a variety of case types, including:
White-collar crimes
Sex crimes
Homicides
Firearms offenses
Drug cases
He's also served as first chair on dozens of jury trials and achieved favorable verdicts for:
Aggravated battery
Burglary
Drug trafficking
DUI
Firearms offenses
Homicide
Robbery
Over the years, he's acquired a tremendous amount of courtroom experience, making him very familiar with the local courts. Take advantage of that knowledge and expertise to address your legal issues.
Attorney Bouziane's vision is to offer reliable, professional legal representation that reduces the stress and hardship that come with being on the wrong side of the law. He'll keep you updated throughout the case and work hard to get you a favorable outcome.
A lifelong resident of the Anna Maria Island/Manatee area, he appreciates what the community has done for him and strives to give back in any way possible.
James Knowles is a native Floridian. After graduating from Manatee High School, he attended Florida State University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. He attended Gonzaga University, obtaining a Juris Doctorate Degree in 1979. Upon graduating from law school Jim returned to Bradenton to establish his law firm and has been a practicing attorney in Manatee and Sarasota Counties focusing primarily in the areas of Guardianship, Probate, Estate and Trust Administration, Estate Planning, and Real Estate since 1980.