About Joseph Thomas
Joseph Thomas Hobson is a seasoned criminal defense attorney based in Clearwater, Florida, with over 40 years of legal experience. A member of the Florida Bar since 1985, he has built a comprehensive practice that encompasses criminal law, appeals, and government and administrative law. His extensive background allows him to navigate complex legal issues with confidence and skill. Mr. Hobson earned his Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School in 1981, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous legal curriculum. Prior to his legal education, he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Boston College in 1978. During his undergraduate years, he founded the Free University of Boston College, an innovative extracurricular program that offered diverse courses ranging from automotive mechanics to ballroom dancing.
This initiative showcased his commitment to education and community engagement, setting the stage for his future legal career. After law school, Mr. Hobson began his legal journey by clerking for the Sarasota law firm of Dickinson, O'Riordan, Gibbons, Quale, and Shieldaince. His exemplary performance there led to his selection as the first law clerk for Judge Vincent T. Hall of the Second District Court of Appeal in 1985. This prestigious position provided him with invaluable insight into appellate law and judicial processes. He later served as Senior Staff Attorney for the same court, further honing his legal acumen.
In 1987, Mr. Hobson transitioned to public service as an Assistant Public Defender in Hillsborough County, Florida, and later in Pasco County. His dedication to defending the rights of the accused was evident during this time. From 1999 to 2001, he served as an Assistant Capital Collateral Regional Counsel in the Middle District of Florida, focusing on death penalty cases. His expertise in trial ethics has also been recognized, as he has lectured for the Florida Bar Legal Education program, sharing his knowledge with fellow attorneys. Currently, Mr. Hobson is the managing partner of Hobson Law Firm, LLC, located at 3937 Tampa Road, Suite 2, Oldsmar, Florida 34677.
The firm serves clients in Oldsmar, Tampa, Clearwater, and surrounding areas, providing comprehensive legal representation. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Mr. Hobson has been recognized for his legal expertise, receiving a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Avvo based on 10 reviews. As a member of the Clearwater Bar Association and the Florida Bar, his experience and dedication to criminal defense have made him a respected figure in Florida's legal community.
