Best Tampa, FL Criminal Defense Lawyers

When facing criminal charges in Tampa, your choice of legal representation can shape your future. We've analyzed local defense attorneys with strong records in Hillsborough County courts. Review our researched selections below to find a skilled defender for your case.

Our Top 3 Picks:

1

The Hardy Law Firm

thehardylawfirm.com
  • Specializes in criminal defense with a focus on DUI, drug offenses, and violent crimes.
  • Attorneys are members of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL).
  • High success rate in case dismissals and acquittals.
  • Extensive experience in both state and federal courts.
2

Hillsborough Defense

hillsboroughdefense.com
  • Experienced in handling high-profile cases including white-collar crimes and sex offenses.
  • Board-certified criminal trial lawyers by the Florida Bar.
  • Active members of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL).
  • Known for aggressive defense strategies and client-focused approach.
3

Mark J. O'Brien

markjobrien.com
  • Over 25 years of experience in criminal defense.
  • Former prosecutor providing insight into both sides of the courtroom.
  • Member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association.
  • Specializes in complex cases like homicide, sex crimes, and drug trafficking.

Find Top Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me

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List of the Top-rated Criminal Defense Attorneys in Tampa, Florida

Hanlon Law
210 N Pierce St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

Dedicated criminal defense lawyers at Hanlon Law offer skilled advocacy in Tampa. With over 20 years of experience, they protect clients charged with criminal accusations. The firm handles drug crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, and DUI cases. Hanlon Law aims for the best outcomes in misdemeanor and felony cases. Their focus is on aggressive and effective legal representation.

The Hardy Law Firm, P.A.
1710 N 19th St Suite 215, Tampa, FL 33605, USA

The Hardy Law, P.A. serves Tampa with exceptional legal counsel. Our trial lawyers specialize in criminal defense, DUI defense, and federal criminal cases. We offer free consultations and speak Spanish fluently. As a Florida and nationally board-certified expert, our firm provides skilled representation. Our reasonable fees and background as former prosecutors ensure fair, knowledgeable defense.

Hersem Law
1550 W Cleveland St Suite 9, Tampa, FL 33606, USA

Protecting your rights in criminal defense cases. Our Tampa firm handles drug crimes, expungements, and traffic tickets. We offer free strategy sessions and personalized attention. Attorney Christopher Hersem holds a 10.0 Avvo rating and was named #1 Tampa Bay DUI attorney by Tampa Magazine. When hiring a criminal lawyer, choose Hersem Law for expert legal help.

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Metcalf Falls, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A.

Skilled criminal defense representation by Metcalf Falls Attorneys. Our Tampa firm offers strategic legal solutions for various offenses. We handle DUI cases, domestic violence, drug crimes, and more. Our team assists with bail hearings and record expungements. As top-rated criminal defense experts, we're available 24/7 and offer free consultations. We also specialize in defending licensed professionals facing charges. Choose us for dedicated criminal defense in Tampa.

Sammis Law Firm
1005 N Marion St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

Top-rated criminal defense attorneys at Sammis Firm serve Tampa and nearby areas. They handle a wide range of cases, from DUI to white-collar crime. The firm offers free consultations and represents professionals facing charges. Their lawyers belong to key criminal defense associations. The legal practice has offices in Tampa, Clearwater, and New Port Richey.

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Law Office of Michael P. Maddux, PA

Michael P. Maddux, P.A. in Tampa, offers expert legal services in personal injury, criminal defense, and civil rights. With 6 decades of combined experience, the firm helps people in crisis. Michael P. Maddux has been Board Certified in multiple areas since 1999. The practice focuses on resolving difficult problems with compassion. They develop personal goals for each case to address clients' emotional and financial concerns.

O’Brien Hatfield, P.A.
511 W Bay St Suite 330, Tampa, FL 33606, USA

O'Brien Hatfield Reese, PA is a Tampa law firm representing clients facing criminal charges. They handle federal crimes, white-collar crimes, drug crimes, post-conviction motions, and whistleblower claims. Managing partner Mark J. O'Brien focuses on federal cases, while partner Victoria E. Hatfield defends state cases. The firm also has offices in Orlando and Miami to serve clients across Florida.

Greater Tampa Law, P.L.
1207 N Franklin St #102, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

Greater Tampa Law P.L. specializes in criminal law. Our legal professionals handle various criminal charges, from theft to DUI. We also offer services in child custody, injunctions, and personal injury cases. Our Tampa-based attorneys bring experience as former assistant state attorneys. With over 120 jury trials, we provide expert defense against felony and misdemeanor charges. Free consultations are available.

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Mike G Law
1005 N Marion St #118, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

Your advocates for criminal defense matters in Tampa. With over 25 years of experience, our firm offers strong defense for a wide range of charges. As a former prosecutor, Mike G brings unique insights to each case. We provide free evaluations and flexible payment options. Our AV Preeminent rating reflects our commitment to legal excellence and ethical standards.

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Brunvand & Wise Law Group
615 Turner St, Clearwater, FL 33756, USA

Need professional criminal defense? The Tampa-based law firm represents clients facing serious state and federal criminal charges. Attorneys Bjorn Brunvand and Jervis Wise have over 40 years of combined experience. They defend cases involving murder, drug crimes, DUI, fraud, and white-collar offenses. Their strategies protect clients' rights and secure positive outcomes in challenging criminal cases.

Law Office of Jessenia Rosales, LLC
13119 W Linebaugh Ave #102, Tampa, FL 33626, USA

Our firm offers expert defense for DUI, misdemeanors, and felonies. We also handle family law cases, including divorce and child custody. Attorney Jessenia Rosales, recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyer, provides free consultations. We serve clients across Florida, including Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Choose us for strong legal representation in criminal and family matters.

Bauer Crider Kindel & Parry
1550 S Highland Ave suite c, Clearwater, FL 33756, USA

Bauer, Crider, Kindel, and Parry provide criminal defense services to Clearwater, Port Richey, and beyond. Their attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience. They have handled more than 10,000 cases. The team handles cases like drug crimes, DUI, violent crimes, and white-collar crimes in both state and federal court. Two of the attorneys are board-certified criminal lawyers. The firm offers free initial consultations to discuss your defense strategy. Their goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for those accused of a crime.

Thomas & Paulk, P.A.
217 N Howard Ave STE 100, Tampa, FL 33606, USA

Thomas & Paulk, P.A. provides comprehensive legal services in Tampa, Florida. Since 2001, our experienced criminal defense attorneys have handled over 7,000 cases. We focus on criminal defense and DUI cases. Our team offers free consultations and is available 24/7. We use aggressive strategies to protect our clients facing serious criminal charges.

Marc A. Joseph
400N N Ashley Dr Suite 1900, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

With two decades of experience, this firm offers strategic solutions for various criminal charges. They handle cases from DUI to drug crimes and violent offenses. The firm has defended thousands of cases and served over 10,000 clients. They provide free initial consultations and are available 24/7. Their defense strategy aims to protect clients' rights in felony cases and misdemeanors alike.

Elsea Law Firm, P.A.
806 E Jackson St Ste. 3, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

Elsea Law Firm, P.A. delivers results in criminal defense litigation. Based in Tampa, we handle a wide range of criminal matters. Our services cover felony charges, drug offenses, and traffic violations. We also defend clients against theft, weapons, and violent crime charges. Our practice offers free initial consultations for every criminal case. We work hard to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Mayberry Law Firm
3902 Henderson Blvd #208-136, Tampa, FL 33629, USA

Tampa's premier criminal defense law firm. Mayberry offers experienced defense representation for federal and state crimes in Tampa. We handle sex crimes, fraud, and drug cases. Our "client first" approach balances compassion with effective strategies. Attorney Jason Mayberry, rated "superb" by AVVO, provides free initial consultations.

King Law Group - Clearwater Criminal Defense Lawyer

Experienced criminal defense attorneys at King Law Group provide comprehensive legal services. They handle a wide range of criminal matters, from DUI to violent crimes. The legal practice offers free consultations and is available 24/7. With a former state prosecutor on staff, they bring valuable insight to every case. King Group assists clients with bail, expungement, and all aspects of criminal defense.

Pallegar Law, P.A.
1211 N Westshore Blvd #102, Tampa, FL 33607, USA

Pallegar Law, P.A. serves Tampa with exceptional legal counsel. Our firm specializes in criminal defense and DUI cases. We handle drug crimes, white-collar offenses, and domestic violence matters. Our team is available 24/7 to discuss your criminal matter.

The Law Office of Chris Beardslee

Since 2016, Chris Beardslee has defended Tampa residents charged with a criminal offense. Our firm handles DUIs, drug charges, theft, and juvenile cases. We offer free consultations and clear legal advice. Our experienced criminal defense team has secured dismissals and reduced charges. We're licensed in Florida state and federal courts. We also assist veterans facing legal challenges.

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Brian Palacios Law - Criminal & DUI Attorney

Attorney Brian Palacios specializes in criminal defense and DUI cases in Tampa. With over 15 years of experience as a state and federal law specialist, Palacios offers expert legal services. The firm handles various cases, including domestic violence, drug charges, and traffic offenses. Recognized as an Elite Lawyer, the firm provides 24/7 support and free evaluations. Brian Palacios is committed to securing favorable outcomes for clients in the Tampa Bay area.

The Law Offices of Elsa Ayoub, P.L.L.C.

At The Law Offices of Elsa Ayoub, our New York City business immigration lawyer specializes in providing tailored business immigration solutions to help you achieve your American dream.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does the Criminal Court Process Work in Tampa?

The Hillsborough County criminal justice system follows specific procedures. Understanding these steps helps you know what to expect:

  • First appearance - Within 24 hours of arrest, you'll see a judge at the courthouse on Twiggs Street who reviews your charges and sets bail
  • Arraignment - The formal reading of charges where you enter a plea, typically within 30 days of arrest
  • Pretrial hearings - Multiple court dates where your attorney can challenge evidence and negotiate with prosecutors
  • Trial preparations - Your defense team gathers evidence and prepares court strategies

What Makes Tampa Criminal Cases Different?

Local factors in Tampa influence how criminal cases proceed. The legal landscape includes:

Local ElementImpact on Cases
State Attorney's OfficeSpecific prosecution policies for Tampa cases
Drug court programsAlternative sentencing options for qualifying cases
Veterans treatment courtSpecial programs for military service members
Local law enforcementTampa PD and HCSO procedures affect evidence

What Rights Do You Have After an Arrest in Tampa?

Florida law provides specific protections after arrest. Key rights include:

  • Right to silence - You can decline to answer questions beyond identifying information
  • Legal representation - You can request an attorney before any questioning begins
  • Phone calls - You have the right to contact family or your lawyer
  • Bail consideration - Most charges qualify for pretrial release options

How Can a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Help?

A local defense attorney provides crucial services throughout your case:

  • Case analysis - Reviews evidence, police reports, and witness statements to find weaknesses in the prosecution's case
  • Motion practice - Files legal documents to suppress evidence or dismiss charges when possible
  • Negotiations - Works with state attorneys to reduce charges or arrange alternative sentencing
  • Court representation - Presents your defense and protects your rights in all proceedings

What Are Common Defense Strategies in Tampa Courts?

Defense approaches vary by case type. Common strategies include:

  • Constitutional challenges - Questions about search procedures and Miranda rights
  • Evidence analysis - Examining body camera footage and police procedures
  • Witness credibility - Investigating reliability of prosecution witnesses
  • Alternative programs - Seeking diversion or treatment options when available

How Should You Prepare for Your Criminal Case?

Taking these steps strengthens your defense:

  • Document preservation - Save all paperwork related to your arrest and charges
  • Communication records - Keep notes about police interactions and court dates
  • Witness information - Gather contact details for anyone who saw the incident
  • Court compliance - Follow all release conditions and appear at required hearings


Note: This information serves educational purposes only and should not substitute for legal advice. Each criminal case presents unique circumstances - consult with a qualified Florida criminal defense attorney about your specific situation and rights under state law.