Law Firm Overview

Mr. Lee was raised in Sarasota, Florida and attended Riverview High School. He graduated from Florida State University in 1976 and The University of Florida Law School in 1979. He began his career working as a prosecutor in the Sarasota State Attorney's Office in 1980 rising quickly through the ranks. He became a Felony Division Chief two years out of law school handling major felonies including homicides.

Mr. Lee entered into private practice in 1984, concentrating on criminal defense. He defended everything from DUI to 1st Degree Murder. In 1988 his partner, Earl Moreland, ran for and was elected the State Attorney for the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida, which includes Sarasota, Manatee and Desoto Counties. Mr. Lee was appointed the Chief Assistant State Attorney for this circuit in 1989.

Mr. Lee served as Chief Assistant State Attorney from 1989 to 2001. His duties included hiring, training, and supervising 70 Assistant State Attorneys in the circuit. Mr. Lee also personally prosecuted many high profile homicide cases during this time earning a reputation as a top trial attorney. He successfully prosecuted Danny Rocha for the Shiela Bellush murder, George Kingston for the murder of Dr. Stutzman and his wife. Earnest Whitfield and Robert Trease were sent to Death Row after both being convicted of murder.

Mr. Lee went back to private practice in 2001. When he left the State Attorney, Earl Moreland said, "We are going to miss Henry. He is one of the best trial attorneys we ever had."

Mr. Lee's practice is limited to criminal defense. He will accept cases ranging from DUI's to 1st Degree Murder. He has successfully defended DUI's, Robberies, Aggravated Batteries, and Murder. Review his list of noteworthy cases for more information. Mr. Lee gives each of his clients' personal attention, an aggressive, zealous defense and strives to achieve the best outcome possible.

Mr. Lee has been awarded the A.V. rating, the highest possible rating by the peer review publisher, Martindale-Hubbell. The "A" denotes that Mr. Lee's legal ability is very high to preeminent in his field. The "V" signifies that Mr. Lee has very high adherence to the code of ethics in his conduct, ethics, reliability and diligence. This rating is the result of confidential questionnaires received from attorneys and judges who personally know Mr. Lee. In other words, Mr. Lee is rated by his peers to have the highest possible level of legal ability and ethics.

Mr. Lee is listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers for 2009. He received a commendation from the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court. He is a graduate of the National College of District Attorneys. He is also a member of MENSA. MENSA is an international society whose only requirement for membership is an IQ test score in the top 2% of the population. He is a member of the Sarasota County Bar Association, the Florida Criminal Defense Attorneys Association and the Florida Bar.

Areas of Practice

• Criminal Law
• DUI/DWI

West Practice Categories

Criminal Law, DUI/DWI