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 specializing in drug crimes, domestic violence, and theft cases. Attorney Will Hanlon brings over 20 years of experience defending clients' rights throughout the state of Florida. The firm offers free consultations to discuss your legal options.

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

The Hardy Law Firm serves Tampa with expert criminal defense. Attorney David Hardy holds dual board certifications - Florida and National - as an Expert in Criminal Trial Law. Fewer than 20 Florida attorneys have both certifications. A former prosecutor with over 15 years of experience, Hardy handles federal crimes, DUI, and state offenses. AV-Preeminent rated and National Trial Lawyers Top 100, the firm offers free consultations and payment plans. They serve Tampa, Clearwater, and Plant City.

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

Hersem Law is a Tampa criminal defense and personal injury firm. The firm handles DUIs, traffic tickets, and drug charges throughout the Tampa Bay area. Founder Christopher Hersem graduated from the University of Florida and Stetson University College of Law. Their offices in Tampa and Clearwater serve clients with affordable legal solutions. They provide personalized attention to every case.

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

Metcalf Falls Criminal Defense Attorneys represents clients throughout Tampa, Florida. Brett Metcalf brings prosecutorial experience to criminal defense cases. The firm handles DUI charges, domestic violence allegations, and drug crimes. They focus on dismissing or reducing criminal charges when possible. Free consultations help defendants understand their legal options and defense strategies.

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

O'Brien Hatfield is a Tampa federal criminal defense firm with over 50 years of combined experience. The attorneys defend clients facing drug charges, white-collar crimes, and federal appeals in courts throughout Tampa, Orlando, and Miami. Their 5.0 client rating reflects successful outcomes in complex federal cases. They provide aggressive defense strategies for serious federal investigations throughout the state of Florida.

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

The Law Office of Michael P. Maddux serves Tampa and Gainesville clients in personal injury, criminal defense, and civil rights cases. Michael Maddux has been board-certified in criminal trial law since 1999. The firm brings over 55 years of combined legal experience to each case. They belong to the National Police Accountability Project and offer free case evaluations.

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

Greater Tampa Law employs former prosecutors who handle criminal defense, DUI, family law, and personal injury cases. They offer free consultations to help clients understand their legal rights. The firm manages cases ranging from traffic tickets to serious criminal charges. Their attorneys maintain active memberships in legal organizations and provide strong communication throughout each case.

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

Mike G Law is a Tampa criminal defense firm with 25+ years of experience. Former prosecutor Mike Gonzalez handles federal crimes, sex offenses, and domestic violence cases. He has an AV Preeminent rating and BBB accreditation. The firm serves Hillsborough, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, and Polk counties. Mike G offers free consultations and 24/7 availability.

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

Serving Tampa and Clearwater, Brunvand & Wise Law Group defends clients against criminal charges with 40+ years of combined experience. They offer free consultations for DUI, drug charges, and federal crimes. The attorneys have secured acquittals in serious felony cases and are members of key criminal defense organizations. Their track record includes successful defenses in both state and federal courts across Florida.

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

Tampa attorney Jessenia Rosales defends clients facing criminal charges and family law disputes. Named Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyer in 2020, she serves Hillsborough to Polk Counties. Her practice covers DUI defense, divorce, custody battles, and record expungement. First-generation lawyer Rosales offers free initial consultations. She actively participates in community initiatives while fighting for client rights.

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

Bauer, Crider, Kindel, and Parry defend criminal cases throughout Clearwater and Port Richey, Florida. The firm combines over 100 years of experience in criminal defense. Two board-certified criminal trial lawyers lead their legal team. Former prosecutors provide insider knowledge of courtroom strategies. They handle drug crimes, violent offenses, and white-collar criminal charges.

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

Thomas & Paulk is a Tampa criminal defense firm featuring former prosecutors on staff. They have successfully handled over 7,000 criminal and DUI cases. The firm provides 24/7 assistance to clients in Hillsborough County and beyond. Free consultations are available for all criminal defense matters. Their insider knowledge of prosecution tactics shapes effective defense strategies.

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

Elsea Law Firm defends Tampa residents facing criminal charges. Joel Elsea spent over 10 years as a Hillsborough County felony prosecutor. He tried 75+ jury trials, including nine homicides. The firm handles DUI, drug charges, theft, and violent crimes. Free consultations are available. Elsea uses his prosecution experience to build strong defenses. They serve all of Hillsborough County.

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

King Law Group defends Tampa Bay residents charged with crimes. Former prosecutor Cameron King handles DUIs, violent crimes, and drug offenses in Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough Counties. The Clearwater firm provides 24/7 availability and free consultations. They assist with bail hearings, plea negotiations, and record sealing. King knows the local prosecutors and courts.

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

Mayberry Law Firm is a Tampa criminal defense practice led by former prosecutor Jason Mayberry. They handle state and federal charges including sex offenses, fraud, and drug crimes. The firm provides thorough representation to clients throughout Hillsborough County. Free case evaluations are available for all criminal matters. Their defense strategies leverage inside knowledge of prosecution tactics.

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

Marc A. Joseph is a Tampa criminal defense attorney with 20 years of experience defending thousands of cases. He handles DUIs, drug crimes, theft charges, and record expungement with exceptional success rates. His downtown Tampa office provides aggressive defense for both felonies and misdemeanors. Marc helps clients avoid severe penalties and clear their records for better opportunities.

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Screenshot of the The Law Office of Chris Beardslee Website

Chris Beardslee is a Tampa Bay criminal defense attorney defending clients since 2016. The former US Navy Petty Officer handles DUI charges, drug offenses, assault, and theft cases. His military background provides unique insights for veteran clients. Chris Beardslee serves Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota counties. The firm offers free consultations and has achieved numerous case dismissals.

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

Pallegar Law is a criminal defense firm with offices in Tampa and Sarasota. Attorney Ajay Pallegar, a former Pinellas County prosecutor, focuses solely on criminal and DUI defense. Available 24/7 with personal cell phone access, the firm achieves high success rates in dismissals and reduced charges. They handle DETER program cases for first-time DUI offenders. National Trial Lawyers recognized Pallegar as Top 40 Under 40. Free consultations serve Hillsborough, Sarasota, Pinellas, and Manatee Counties.

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

The Law Office of W.F. "Casey" Ebsary Jr. is a Tampa criminal defense attorney with board certification from the Florida Bar. This former prosecutor handles DUI, drug crimes, and white-collar cases in Hillsborough County. Casey has earned an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and Super Lawyer recognition. He offers free consultations and works on all criminal matters from misdemeanors to serious felonies. With over 30 years of trial experience, Casey brings insider knowledge to every defense.

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

Former State Prosecutor Brian Palacios now defends Tampa residents facing criminal charges. With 15+ years of experience, he handles everything from juvenile arrests to serious felonies across Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. His firm offers 24/7 availability and personalized defense strategies. Brian's prosecutor background gives clients an advantage in negotiations and trial preparation.

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Screenshot of the The Law Offices of Elsa Ayoub, P.L.L.C. Website

The Law Offices of Elsa Ayoub is a New York City business immigration firm serving multinational corporations since 2014. Super Lawyer Elsa Ayoub handles H-1B, O-1, L-1, E-2, and EB-1 green card petitions. Her multilingual team speaks French, Spanish, and Arabic. The firm helps companies transfer executives and assists individuals with extraordinary abilities. They create comprehensive immigration strategies aligned with business goals.

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Screenshot of the Athanaselos & Associates, P.A. Website
8217 Massachusetts Ave, New Port Richey, FL 34653, USA

Athanaselos & Associates serves Pasco County with criminal defense, business law, and real estate services. Founder John Athanaselos, a former Assistant State Attorney and a West Pasco native, knows the local courts inside and out. The firm defends DUI, drug charges, and felonies while also handling business transactions and title closings. They serve clients throughout Hernando, Pinellas, and Hillsborough counties. Greek-speaking attorneys in the Tampa Bay area assist the local Greek American community with their legal needs.

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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.