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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Lakeland

Our Recommended Top 17

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Lakeland Criminal Defense Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

92

Reviewed

62

Curated

17

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

690 E Davidson St, Bartow, FL 33830

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (79)
Avvo
5.0 (23)

Why choose this provider?

Rodriguez Law PA is a law firm that serves residents of the greater Lakeland area. It defends individuals who are facing charges for their alleged involvement in criminal affairs, including DUI manslaughter, aggravated battery, domestic battery by strangulation, driving with a suspended license, petit and grand theft, and soliciting prostitution. The firm represents violent offenders of special concern and clients who have violated their probation. Tonmiel Rodriguez is board-certified by the Florida Bar as a criminal law defense expert.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Probation Violation

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Tonmiel Rodriguez - PrincipalActive14 yrs

215 South Vernon Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34741

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (4)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Ramjeawan Law Group PA is a criminal defense practice representing residents of the Lakeland area. It fights for the fair treatment of individuals who have been charged with crimes, including DUI, drug manufacturing, possession of drug paraphernalia, homicide, reckless driving, sexual assault, and violating probation. The firm defends clients charged with federal crimes, including racketeering, tax evasion, counterfeiting, election fraud, and bank robbery. R. Rudy Ramjeawan, a criminal lawyer near Lakeland, also teaches Legal Studies at UCF.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
R. Ramjeawan - PrincipalActive20 yrs

113 East Main Street Suite 1, Bartow, FL 33830

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.8 (64)
Google
4.6 (22)

Why choose this provider?

Averbuck Law Firm represents clients throughout the Lakeland metro and the surrounding cities. It caters to individuals facing criminal charges relating to sexual assault and violation of probation. It also guides clients who are accused or arrested for animal cruelty. In addition to criminal defense, the legal firm focuses on family, personal injury, and traffic law matters. Founding attorney Philip Averbuck is a former public defender. He has been serving clients throughout the community since 1995.

  • Domestic Violence

1463 Oakfield Dr Ste. 129, Brandon, FL 33511

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (61)
Google
4.6 (30)

Why choose this provider?

Olivero Law provides legal representation and counsel to Lakeland residents. It handles a variety of criminal defense cases, including those that involve DUI, domestic violence, sex-based offenses, assault and battery, gun crimes, and drug charges. The firm also addresses various family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and child support. Its owner and managing partner, Shiobhan Olivero, served as vice president of the East Pasco Bar Association from 2015 to 2017 and is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Probation Violation

38055 Pasco Avenue, Dade City, FL 33525

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.3 (12)

Why choose this provider?

Sarah Sultenfuss PA is a criminal defense attorney serving clients in Lakeland and the surrounding areas. With more than 20 years of legal experience, Sarah Sultenfuss represents those who are facing criminal charges, forming a defense strategy to obtain the most favorable outcome, such as dismissal, acquittal, or reduced charges. The firm has experience defending DUI charges, domestic violence, drug offenses, assault and battery charges, and traffic violations. Sarah Sultenfuss PA also practices divorce and family law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Sarah Sultenfuss - PrincipalActive24 yrs

14217 3rd Street, Dade City, FL 33523

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

FindLaw
5.0 (24)
Avvo
4.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Mander Law Group is a criminal defense law firm near Lakeland. Combining for more than 45 years of criminal law experience, the firm's attorneys defend clients from a variety of charges, including DUI, illegal possession of a firearm, lewd and lascivious battery, possession of marijuana, and sexual battery. It prevents the public from accessing clients' cases by sealing records before they can be released. Mander Law Group also practices family law, plans estates, and creates real estate contracts.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
David Murphy - Senior AssociateActive41 yrs
Albert Mander - PrincipalActive47 yrs
Albert Mander - PrincipalActive47 yrs

3001 Bartow Road, Lakeland, FL 33803

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (19)
FindLaw
5.0 (6)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Kaylor Law Group is a criminal defense law firm in Lakeland. The firm represents clients in cases involving white-collar crimes, sex offenses, traffic offenses and DUI, violent and weapons offenses, and drug charges. Kaylor Law Group's three attorneys have participated in more than 160 jury trials and have more than 50 years of experience combined. Kaylor Law Group only accepts plea deals that are client-friendly and is always willing to go to trial. The firm offers free consultations.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Matthew Kaylor - PartnerActive25 yrs

122 East Pine Street, Lakeland, FL 33801

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.1 (30)

Why choose this provider?

Spivack Law, P.A., addresses the legal needs of families and individuals in Lakeland. One of its practice areas is criminal law, helping offenders create defense strategies to drop or settle mandatory penalties. The firm litigates cases related to battery and assault, domestic violence, DUI, and computer and property crimes. Its founder, Scott Spivack, is the former president of the Polk County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He also deals with family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and paternity rights disputes.

  • DWI/DUI

55 5th Street Northwest, Winter Haven, FL 33881

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

For more than 30 years, Diane Buerger - Attorney at Law has represented people with felony and misdemeanor criminal cases. The criminal defense attorney near Lakeland serves clients facing traffic violation offenses, including speeding, violation of the right of way, and driving with a suspended license. The firm takes burglary and robbery cases resulting in loss of property or physical injuries, and it also defends persons accused of domestic violence. Diane Buerger is affiliated with the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Diane Buerger - PrincipalActive39 yrs

1506 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL 33803

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

The Espinoza Law Offices P.A. has been providing solutions to clients for over a decade. The firm represents individuals charged with misdemeanor crimes in courts in and around Lakeland. As a member of the Peruvian Legal Network, it also handles certain matters related to Peruvian Law. In addition, the team also helps people facing immigration, business, and family law issues. Jean Pierre Espinoza, the founding attorney, currently serves as the president of the Hispanic Bar Association for the Tenth Judicial Circuit.

  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jean Espinoza - Founding AttorneyActive14 yrs

4202 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33813

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (34)
Avvo
4.9 (32)
Google
4.3 (16)

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of Peddy PA represents families and individuals in Lakeland. One of its practice areas is criminal law, providing legal assistance to clients facing charges for DUI and traffic violations. The firm also handles cases related to aggravated assault, domestic violence, drug production and possession, extortion, and healthcare and insurance fraud. In addition, it litigates family law cases involving divorce, child support and custody, and paternity disputes. Founder Robert Peddy Jr. served as the president of the Lakeland Bar Association in 1998.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Theft & Burglary
  • Juvenile Crimes

6700 Florida Ave S,, Lakeland, FL 33813

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.1 (14)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Firm of Ricardo Alvarez, P.A., protects the rights of individuals arrested for a criminal offense in the Lakeland community. The firm's legal team is experienced in court proceedings and assists in negotiating on behalf of the clients. It provides criminal defense representation for cases involving probation violation, firearm possession, domestic violence, felony and misdemeanor, assault, and battery. Its attorney, Ricardo Alvarez, worked as the past vice president of news and sports of Telemundo.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

1960 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (85)
Avvo
5.0 (23)
Facebook
5.0 (15)

Why choose this provider?

Fulmer Law, PA, addresses the legal concerns of those charged with criminal offenses in Lakeland. Its attorneys and paralegals work collectively to create defensive strategies for individuals accused of DUI, domestic violence, drug trafficking, and child pornography. The firm also represents people who allegedly violated their probation status. Its owner, Art C. Fulmer Jr., has been in the legal profession since 2006. He maintains a family law practice and serves as a Guardian ad Litem.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

620 W Polk Street, Suite 3, Bartow, FL 33830

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (9)
Google
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Joshua E. Schoen, P.A., addresses the legal concerns of criminal defendants in and around Lakeland. For over 14 years, the firm has been defending individuals charged with criminal offenses such as domestic violence, resisting arrest defense, DUIs, traffic violations, and kidnapping. Joshua E. Schoen is a board-certified criminal trial attorney recognized by the Florida Bar of Legal Specialization. He aggressively fights for clients' rights before state and federal courts. He also practices personal injury and family law.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

122 South Rose Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34741

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (7)
Facebook
4.5 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Hungate Law PA is a law firm representing clients in and around Lakeland. Its criminal defense practice defends the rights of individuals who have been charged with or indicted for crimes, including possession of drug paraphernalia, sale and delivery of drugs, aggravated battery, child abuse, home invasion, trespassing, and grand theft. The firm additionally helps clients through divorce proceedings and bankruptcy filings. Lead attorney Shawn Hungate has over 20 years of legal experience.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Shawn Hungate - PrincipalActive27 yrs

1014 Florida Avenue South, Lakeland, FL 33803

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (14)
Avvo
4.4 (7)
Google
3.6 (5)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Firm of Gil Colón Jr. protects Lakeland residents who have been accused of criminal activities from poor treatment by the justice system. It handles a broad array of misdemeanor and felony cases, including indecent exposure, solicitation, aggravated battery, possession of drug paraphernalia, drug trafficking, DUI, and DWI. The firm also takes on personal injury lawsuits. Gil Colón, Jr., a criminal defense attorney in Lakeland, is an active Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers member.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Gil Colón - PrincipalActive35 yrs
Hannah George - AssociateActive12 yrs

206 Easton Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (8)
Avvo
4.5 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Joshua W. Westcott Attorney at Law caters to clients with criminal law concerns in Lakeland and its surrounding metros. Westcott helps them with felony and misdemeanor offenses. He also handles DUIs and challenges the administrative suspension of driver's licenses. The firm's attorney has been in practice since 2007. Westcott is experienced in trial and has also worked in the public sector. He served as the criminal division's supervisor in the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, Second District.

  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lakeland, Florida?

    The non-emergency contact number for the Lakeland Police Department is (863) 834-6900.

  • How are crimes classified in Lakeland?

    In Lakeland, crimes are clasified into either misdemeanors or felonies. First-degree misdemeanors are punishable by up to a one year in jail, while second-degree misdemeanors are punishable by up to 60 days. Meanwhile, felonies are further categorized into first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, life, and capital felonies. The lattermost is punishable by death or life imprisonment.

  • What are the common property crimes committed in Lakeland?

    One of the most common property crimes in Lakeland is criminal mischief, which is defined as damaging a person’s property with graffiti or other acts of vandalism. Another common property crime is arson, which is the willful burning of any place or structure, regardless if it was occupied or not. Other property crimes reported in the metro include misdemeanor and felony trespassing.

  • What is resisting arrest in Lakeland?

    In Lakeland, any violent or non-violent action that hinders a law enforcement officer from arresting a suspect is considered resisting arrest. It is considered a first-degree offense when the suspect refuses to be handcuffed, while a second-degree offense is when the suspect tries to hide, run, goes limp, or tenses up. Finally, it is attacking or threatening a police officer with violence is considered a third-degree offense.

  • What qualifies as domestic violence in Lakeland?

    Domestic violence in Lakeland is defined as criminal offenses between family or household members, including individuals who are related either by marriage or blood and individuals who live together as a family. These criminal offenses include assault, sexual assault, battery, stalking, and kidnapping. Allegations of domestic violence are often used to obtain protective orders.

  • How does Lakeland punish drug possession?

    The penalties of drug possession in Lakeland depend on the type of substance and the quantity found. The state of Florida divides drugs into five schedules, with Schedule V drugs (such as heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy) considered the most dangerous. In fact, possession of Schedule V drugs is considered a third-degree felony and carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in jail and up to a $5000 fine.