James Heath, Attorney

James focuses his practice on criminal defense law, including DUI defense as a DUI lawyer in Destin, Florida. As an experienced DUI attorney in Destin, he represents individuals facing DUI charges, license suspension, breathalyzer, and field sobriety test issues, and other serious criminal offenses throughout Okaloosa County and the Gulf Coast. In addition to DUI defense, his practice includes family law, foreclosure defense, property law, and civil litigation.

James brings a uniquely informed perspective to DUI and criminal defense cases. After serving eight years in the United States Marine Corps as an M1A1 Abrams Tank Commander and Primary Marksmanship Instructor, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Florida State University.

He then served nearly three years as a police officer in Panama City, Florida, where he was twice decorated for his service. His law enforcement background provides valuable insight into DUI investigations, traffic stops, field sobriety testing procedures, and arrest protocols—knowledge he now uses to defend clients as a Destin DUI lawyer.

Following his time in law enforcement, James earned a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of West Florida before obtaining his Juris Doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law. While in law school, he supervised the Student Legal Services Program, assisting students facing legal challenges.

Before founding Heath Law Firm, P.A., James gained extensive experience handling complex civil matters, including class actions, contract disputes, security clearance issues, and felony criminal defense. Today, as a DUI attorney serving Destin and the surrounding Gulf Coast communities, he is committed to protecting clients’ rights, driving privileges, and futures when they are facing DUI and other criminal charges.