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.

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

Screenshot of the Hanlon Law Website
210 N Pierce St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

Hanlon Law is a Tampa criminal defense firm led by Attorney Will Hanlon. He has defended clients in state and federal courts for over 20 years. The firm handles sex crimes, drug charges, domestic violence, DUI, theft, firearms offenses, and white-collar cases throughout the Tampa Bay region.

Hanlon focuses exclusively on criminal law and injunctions. He understands that a conviction affects more than just the immediate penalty. Job prospects, education, and firearm rights can all suffer long after a sentence ends. The firm offers 24/7 availability and initial consultations at no cost.

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

David Hardy is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Law specialist in Tampa. Fewer than 1% of Florida attorneys hold this designation. He also earned National Board Certification in criminal trial law from the NBTA. Out of roughly 98,000 Florida attorneys, fewer than 20 criminal defense lawyers have achieved both certifications.

Hardy worked as a prosecutor in Tampa before entering private practice. He defends clients facing DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, assault, battery, federal charges, and other state offenses. The firm provides services in Spanish through abogadohardy.com. Free case reviews are available.

Screenshot of the Hersem Law Website
1550 W Cleveland St Suite 9, Tampa, FL 33606, USA

Christopher Hersem is a Clearwater native who founded Hersem Law to serve Tampa Bay residents. He earned his law degree from Stetson University and worked as an assistant public defender for the 6th Judicial Circuit before starting his practice.

The firm handles criminal defense, DUI, drug offenses, traffic tickets, and personal injury cases. Hersem Law operates offices in both Tampa and Clearwater. Tampa Magazine has recognized the firm among its Top Lawyers. Strategy sessions are offered at no charge.

Screenshot of the Metcalf Falls, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A. Website

Metcalf Falls brings together attorneys Brett Metcalf and James Falls to defend Tampa Bay clients. Brett Metcalf served as a prosecutor before switching to criminal defense. His courtroom experience gives clients an advantage in negotiations and at trial.

The firm represents clients facing drug crimes, violent offenses, weapons charges, sex crimes, white-collar allegations, domestic violence, and juvenile matters. They also handle DUI defense and personal injury claims. Services extend across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties. The first consultation is complimentary.

Screenshot of the Sammis Law Firm Website
1005 N Marion St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

Sammis Law Firm employs six attorneys who practice criminal defense exclusively across the Tampa Bay area. Their downtown Tampa office sits blocks from the courthouse. Additional locations in New Port Richey and Clearwater serve Pasco and Pinellas counties.

The team handles DUI, drug crimes, violent offenses, sex crimes, theft, domestic violence, and probation violations. They also represent professionals whose licenses face jeopardy due to criminal accusations. Same-day phone consultations are available, and the firm offers video conferencing through Zoom.

Screenshot of the O'Brien Hatfield, P.A. Website
511 W Bay St Suite 330, Tampa, FL 33606, USA

O'Brien Hatfield focuses on federal criminal defense with offices in Tampa, Orlando, and Miami. Managing partner Mark J. O'Brien worked as a Miami prosecutor in the 1990s before founding the firm in 2002. He now handles federal cases across the country.

The team includes a former DEA agent, a former IRS criminal investigator, a former U.S. Probation Officer, and a former Tampa police detective. Victoria Hatfield leads state court defense and has won multiple trial acquittals. The firm maintains a 5.0 rating and provides private case reviews around the clock.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Michael P. Maddux, PA Website

Michael P. Maddux is a Board Certified criminal trial attorney who has practiced in Tampa Bay since 1999. His firm combines over 55 years of legal experience across its team.

The practice serves clients facing criminal charges, personal injuries, and civil rights violations. Maddux approaches each case with individualized goals that address both financial and emotional concerns. His office serves the diverse Tampa Bay community and offers case evaluations.

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

Greater Tampa Law is led by Jason Bard, a former assistant state attorney with over 120 jury trials to his credit. His prosecutorial background shapes the defense strategies he builds for clients today.

The firm handles criminal defense, DUI, family law, personal injury, and labor disputes in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Reviews on Google show a 4.9-star rating from past clients. Initial consultations cost nothing.

Screenshot of the Mike G Law Website
1005 N Marion St #118, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

Mike G is a former Assistant State Attorney who has spent over 25 years in Tampa Bay courtrooms. He earned an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Before becoming a criminal defense lawyer, he prosecuted thousands of cases and learned how the government builds its arguments.

The firm defends clients accused of sex crimes, DUI, drug offenses, violent crimes, white-collar offenses, and federal charges. Mike G serves Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, and Hernando counties. Spanish-speaking services are available. He answers calls and texts 24 hours a day.

Screenshot of the Brunvand & Wise Law Group Website
615 Turner St, Clearwater, FL 33756, USA

Brunvand & Wise Law Group pairs two Board Certified criminal trial attorneys. Bjorn Brunvand and J. Jervis Wise combine over 40 years of experience defending clients in state and federal courts. The firm practices exclusively in criminal defense.

Jervis Wise has secured not-guilty verdicts in first-degree murder trials and federal drug cases. The attorneys serve Tampa, Clearwater, and clients throughout Florida. Spanish-speaking services are available. The firm offers initial consultations without charge.

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

Jessenia Rosales is a first-generation criminal defense and family law attorney in Tampa. The National Trial Lawyers named her a Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyer in 2020. She earned Client Champion Platinum recognition in 2022.

Her case results include not-guilty verdicts in first-degree attempted murder and sexual battery trials. The firm has secured dismissals of home-invasion robbery and aggravated-assault charges. Rosales represents clients across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Orange, Pasco, and Polk counties. Free initial consultations are available.

Screenshot of the Bauer Crider Kindel & Parry Website
1550 S Highland Ave Suite C, Clearwater, FL 33756, USA

Bauer, Crider, Kindel & Parry brings together over 100 years of combined criminal defense experience. The firm employs two Board Certified criminal trial attorneys. Three of their lawyers hold this distinction, earned by fewer than 1% of Florida attorneys.

David Parry served as Chief Assistant Public Defender and has tried over 200 jury cases. The team includes former prosecutors and public defenders who know both sides of criminal proceedings. Their Clearwater and Port Richey offices serve the entire Tampa Bay area. They handle over 10,000 cases and respond to calls around the clock.

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

Thomas & Paulk have handled over 7,000 criminal cases in Florida. Attorneys Jeff Thomas and Jeff Council Paulk both worked as prosecutors before transitioning to criminal defense. That experience informs how they challenge the state's evidence and negotiate with opposing counsel.

The firm represents clients facing DUI, drug charges, sex crimes, violent offenses, theft, domestic violence, and federal accusations throughout Hillsborough County and beyond. Team members answer calls at any time of day or night. First consultations are confidential and cost nothing.

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

Joel Elsea spent over a decade as a felony prosecutor for Hillsborough County before opening his defense practice. During that time, he tried more than 75 jury cases. Nine of those trials involved homicide charges, including first-degree murder.

His prosecutorial background extends to arson, kidnapping, robbery, and drug trafficking cases. Today, Elsea defends clients facing DUI, drug charges, sex crimes, theft, and violent offenses in Tampa. He also represents college students accused of crimes. Initial consultations are free.

Screenshot of the King Law Group - Clearwater Criminal Defense Lawyer Website

Cameron King founded King Law Group after working as a state prosecutor in the 6th Judicial Circuit for Pinellas and Pasco counties. He handled thousands of cases ranging from DUI to murder during his time with the state. That experience now shapes how he defends the accused.

The firm practices criminal defense exclusively. King earned the 2023 Elite Lawyer Award for his courtroom results. He serves clients in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, and throughout Tampa Bay. The office responds to calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Screenshot of the Mayberry Law Firm Website
3902 Henderson Blvd #208-136, Tampa, FL 33629, USA

Jason Mayberry started his career as a prosecutor in the Tampa Bay area. Since 2007, he has defended clients in both Florida and Tennessee courts. AVVO rates him "Superb," the platform's highest designation.

The firm handles state and federal charges, including sex offenses, fraud, drug crimes, and DUI. Mayberry practices regularly in the Federal Court for the Middle District of Florida. He serves clients in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Hernando, and Polk counties. Case evaluations are provided without cost.

Screenshot of the Marc A. Joseph Website
400N N Ashley Dr, Suite 1900, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

Marc A. Joseph has practiced criminal defense in Tampa for 20 years. He has represented thousands of clients facing charges ranging from violation of probation to domestic violence and drug crimes.

Joseph approaches each case with a focus on protecting constitutional rights from the first meeting through resolution. His downtown Tampa office sits in the heart of the legal district. He handles DUI defense, expungements, and various felony and misdemeanor matters. Those facing accusations in Hillsborough County can request an initial consultation.

Screenshot of the The Law Office of Chris Beardslee Website

Chris Beardslee is a former U.S. Navy Petty Officer who now practices criminal defense in Tampa. His military background gives him a unique perspective when representing veterans and service members facing charges.

The firm handles DUI, drug offenses, assault and battery, theft, traffic crimes, and juvenile defense throughout Tampa Bay. Beardslee has secured numerous dismissals and reduced charges by challenging evidence and police procedures. He also helps eligible clients seal or expunge their records. Consultations carry no charge.

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

Pallegar Law defends clients facing criminal charges in Tampa and Sarasota. The firm handles DUI, drug offenses, theft, assault, domestic violence, and weapons charges across multiple Florida counties.

The practice takes an aggressive approach to challenging evidence and negotiating with prosecutors. Attorneys work to achieve dismissals, reduced charges, or favorable plea agreements when appropriate. The firm offers complimentary consultations and remains available around the clock for urgent matters.

Screenshot of the Law Office of W.F. "Casey" Ebsary, Jr. Website

W.F. "Casey" Ebsary, Jr. is a Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney with over 35 years of experience. He has handled thousands of criminal cases throughout the Tampa Bay region.

The firm defends clients accused of DUI, drug crimes, traffic offenses, white-collar charges, and other felonies and misdemeanors. Ebsary's decades in Tampa courtrooms have built relationships with judges and prosecutors that benefit his clients during negotiations. Case consultations are offered at no cost.

Screenshot of the Brian Palacios Law - Criminal & DUI Attorney Website

Brian Palacios worked as a prosecutor for over 15 years before establishing his criminal defense practice in Tampa. That tenure gave him insight into how the state builds cases and what weaknesses to target.

The firm defends clients facing DUI, drug charges, domestic violence, theft, and other criminal accusations. Palacios serves multiple counties across the Tampa Bay area. He answers calls around the clock and offers consultations to evaluate each case.

Screenshot of the Sarasota Personal Injury Lawyers Website

Athanaselos & Associates operates from New Port Richey to serve Pasco County and the broader Tampa Bay region. A former prosecutor leads the criminal defense practice, bringing courtroom experience from both sides of the aisle.

The firm handles DUI, felony charges, drug crimes, and business law matters, including real estate transactions. This combination allows the team to address both criminal and civil concerns that sometimes overlap. Consultations are available for those facing accusations in the area.

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.