I was born and raised in Cocoa Beach, Florida, where I enjoyed being outdoors and on the water whenever possible. I went to Cocoa Beach High School where I played football and wrestled. After graduation, I attended Florida Atlantic University and completed my associate degree. After Florida Atlantic, I attended The University of Central Florida and received a bachelor’s degree in history. I graduated from the University of Central Florida on a Saturday and began classes at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Law the Monday after graduation. After completing my first year of law school I transferred to Florida State University College of Law where I eventually graduated with my Juris Doctor.
During law school I knew I wanted to be a criminal defense attorney and took every course available on criminal law. I also explored appellate law, criminal postconviction law, pretrial litigation, trial practice skills, and scientific evidence to learn everything I could that would help me in criminal practice.
During my time at Florida State University College of Law, I completed an internship with the Leon County Public Defender’s office. During this internship, I learned to argue bond motions, how to negotiate plea deals, and even got to experience my first trial in a serious felony case.
After graduation, I worked for both the Brevard County Public Defender’s office and the Leon County Public Defender’s office. During my time in these offices, I learned how to litigate a criminal case and had the opportunity to learn from talented and experienced lawyers.
While working for the public defender’s offices, I represented hundreds of people and had the opportunity to learn how the State of Florida prosecutes cases, and what strategies work best to defend people accused of crimes.
After a few years as an Assistant Public Defender in Tallahassee, I decided it was time to come home. In the Spring of 2022, I joined my father’s firm, James G. Kontos P.A. I now have the pleasure of representing people charged in Brevard County and can give back to the community I was raised in.
I have successfully assisted numerous people in the following types of criminal cases: criminal traffic offenses (reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, driving under the influence); domestic violence crimes; aggravated battery and aggravated assault cases; theft and burglary crimes; drug related crimes including sale, possession, and trafficking; felony and misdemeanor violations of probation; fishing and hunting related crimes; fleeing and attempting to elude; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and many others.
The criminal justice system can be confusing at times and one of my goals is to ensure that everyone I represent is well informed throughout the entire process. I find that a lot of stress and anxiety associated with a criminal case comes from the unknown, I want to make sure that I am available for my clients whenever they have questions to try and eliminate the unknown.
