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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Sarasota, FL

Our Recommended Best Sarasota Criminal Defense Lawyers

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

49Reviewed

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12Top Picks

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Providers

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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Sarasota
2060 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34237

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (73)
Facebook
4.9 (73)
Yelp
4.9 (73)

Why choose this provider?

Musca Law protects the rights of clients facing criminal charges in Sarasota. It assists with federal and state criminal cases and investigations, including those that involve DUI, concealed weapons, disorderly conduct, public corruption, violent crimes, and juvenile crimes. The firm is headed by John Musca, who previously served in the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida as a public defender. Musca Law's attorneys have over 150 years of combined experience, with some included in The National Trial Lawyers' Top 100 Trial Lawyers list.

  • Federal Crime
  • DWI/DUI
  • Theft & Burglary
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • Disorderly Conduct
  • Violent Crimes
  • Expungement
  • Theft Crimes

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Sarasota
Sarasota, FL

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Criminal Defense Attorney in Sarasota? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Sarasota
2170 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (32)
Avvo
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Knowles, Bouziane & Shaffer Law, LLC, provides criminal defense services with a focus on protecting the rights of individuals in Sarasota facing a range of charges. The firm’s attorneys, who have backgrounds as prosecutors, bring extensive trial experience and a deep understanding of the Florida legal system to their defense practice. They handle cases involving drug offenses, DUIs, domestic violence, theft, and misdemeanors and felonies, offering strategic representation tailored to each client’s circumstances. The firm has been facilitating accessible legal resources since 2013.

William Shaffer is a criminal defense lawyer who earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from the Florida Coastal School of Law in 2008. He began his legal career as an assistant state attorney for Florida’s Twelfth Judicial Circuit, where he gained substantial courtroom experience managing juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony caseloads.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Sarasota
1188 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (24)
Google
5.0 (18)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Aiken and O'Halloran of Sarasota is a law firm that has been delivering criminal defense services to the residents of Sarasota and across Florida since 2002. It represents and supports clients dealing with various criminal charges, including DUI and DWI, drug trafficking, aggravated battery, assault, domestic violence, and probation violations. It assists clients in exploring their legal options and creates strategies that can help achieve positive results. The law office's attorneys have over 60 years of collective legal experience.

Peter Aiken has been advocating for the rights of his clients for more than 40 years. He is a former prosecutor and federal agent and has participated in over 190 jury trials. Aiken is also admitted to practice in Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Sarasota
1800 2nd Street, Sarasota, FL 34236

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (14)
Avvo
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

The Collins Law Group provides personalized services to families and individuals in Sarasota and across Florida. It handles a variety of criminal cases and performs extensive research on every detail relating to the incident to build the client's side of the story. The firm takes on matters involving sexual battery and molestation, vehicular manslaughter, fraud, homicide, DUI, and record sealing. It also addresses misdemeanor, juvenile, and felony issues. The team maintains an affiliation with the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Peter Collins is a criminal defense attorney who has been practicing law for more than 25 years. He obtained his J.D. from the Catholic University of America Law School. He worked as an assistant state attorney for five years and has prosecuted thousands of felony and misdemeanor cases.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Sarasota
46 North Washington Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34236

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (33)
Avvo
4.7 (12)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Baily & Baily, P.A., offers legal counsel and criminal defense in Sarasota and the rest of Florida. Its practice includes handling cases such as traffic offenses, expungement of records, criminal appeals, asset seizures and forfeitures, and white-collar crimes. The firm also defends people who have been accused of domestic violence, drug charges, DUI, juvenile crimes, theft, and violation of probation. The law office has been operating for at least two generations.

Allan Baily, a family, aviation, and criminal defense lawyer, has experience as an associate editor of the Journal of International and Comparative Law. He was a flight safety officer in 1991 and a U.S. Air Force flight crew member from 1983 to 1992. Baily obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law Center.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Sarasota
1801 North Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34234

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (118)
Yelp
2.7 (7)
Avvo
3.3 (7)

Why choose this provider?

As a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, The Law Offices of Daniel D. Nawara, P.A., serves clients in Sarasota and the rest of Florida. It represents individuals accused of criminal offenses, such as DUI, theft, assault, and battery. It also handles cases involving probation violations and juvenile charges. Daniel Nawara gives back to the community by volunteering as a judge for the Teen Court. He also received the William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award after graduating from law school.

Daniel D. Nawara is a former prosecutor in the 12th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. He earned his J.D. from the Stetson University College of Law. Nawara is a member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association and the John M. Scheb Inn of Court.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Sarasota
950 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (36)
Avvo
4.8 (10)
Justia
10.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Michael Fayard, Attorney at Law handles a broad spectrum of criminal defense cases in Sarasota, emphasizing tailored legal strategies to protect clients' rights. It defends individuals facing charges such as drug offenses, DUIs, white-collar crimes, theft, violent crimes, and sex offenses. It approaches each case by conducting thorough evaluations, developing customized defense strategies, and upholding constitutional protections like those against unlawful searches and seizures. The firm has handled over 3,000 cases and has worked on the dismissal of more than 100 criminal charges to date all over Florida.

Michael Fayard is also licensed to practice in Hawaii and Colorado. He obtained his master's in international law from Stetson University College of Law and received his J.D. from the Florida Coastal School of Law. Fayard maintains affiliations with several organizations, including the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Michael Fayard is also licensed to practice in Hawaii and Colorado. He obtained his master's in international law from Stetson University College of Law and received his J.D. from the Florida Coastal School of Law. Fayard maintains affiliations with several organizations, including the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Sarasota
2075 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (124)
Avvo
4.9 (84)
Facebook
5.0 (17)

Why choose this provider?

Fowler Law Group is a team of attorneys serving the residents of Sarasota, Florida. The law firm provides criminal defense representation to individuals who have been accused of sex crimes, marijuana possession, DUI, domestic violence, and disorderly conduct. It also protects clients throughout the course of criminal processing, from the initial booking and custody to sentencing. Fowler Law Group has members who have been named among the Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers.

James Fowler Jr. is a criminal defense attorney and one of the co-founders of Fowler Law Group. His dedication to his practice has earned him several recognitions, including America’s Top 50 Lawyers, SRQ Top Elite Attorney for Criminal Defense, and Lawyers of Distinction Award. He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • Arraignment

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Sarasota
2075 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (26)
Facebook
4.8 (8)
Yelp
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Suarez, Rios & Weinberg, P.A., is a litigation firm serving residents in Sarasota and across Florida. Its attorneys provide personal attention to each criminal defense case, helping clients protect their reputation. They handle misdemeanor and felony cases, including prostitution, marijuana possession, petty theft and shoplifting, and public drunkenness. They also represent defendants who have been arrested for armed robbery, domestic violence, assault and battery, murder or manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and carjacking. The practice has advocated for clients' rights for over 15 years.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Sarasota
1269 1st Street, Sarasota, FL 34236

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (44)
Avvo
5.0 (26)
Facebook
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

The Dunn Law Firm provides aggressive criminal defense representation in Florida, including Sarasota. Its team challenges various felony and misdemeanor charges, such as DUI, domestic violence, aggravated assault, and vandalism. It also assists individuals seeking to have their criminal records destroyed or sealed, giving them the opportunity to take a second chance at life. Principal attorney Adam Dunn served in the 12th Judicial Circuit Public Defender Office. He is also a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Adam Dunn holds an L.L.M. in International Business Law from the Central European University in Budapest. He is a member of the Judge John M. Scheb American Inn of Court. Dunn is also a recipient of the Client's Choice Award 2022 from Avvo.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Sarasota
677 North Washington Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34236
Visit WebsiteLicense: 463345

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Renowned criminal defense attorney Darryl Mitchell offers top-notch legal counsel to clients in Sarasota and throughout Florida. Mitchell consistently handles cases related to DUI charges, drug offenses, and other complicated criminal issues, blending his legal expertise with a relentless commitment to achieving optimal results for his clients. With extensive expertise in every aspect of criminal defense, he adeptly handles chain of custody concerns and investigates witness credibility, recognizing that an adequately prepared defense is essential for success. Mitchell has a strong track record of success in criminal trials and is committed to safeguarding his clients' rights, reducing penalties, and helping them through the entire process.

  • Tax Services
  • Auto Accident Claims
  • Immigration

Compare Best Sarasota Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Musca Law
2060 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34237
Bouziane and Shaffer Law
2170 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237
Aiken and O'Halloran of Sarasota
1188 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
The Collins Law Group
1800 2nd Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
Law Office of Baily & Baily, P.A.
46 North Washington Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34236
The Law Offices of Daniel D. Nawara, P.A.
1801 North Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34234
Michael Fayard, Attorney at law
950 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
Fowler Law Group
2075 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237
Brown, Suarez, Rios & Weinberg, P.A. - Sarasota
2075 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237
The Dunn Law Firm
1269 1st Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
Darryl Mitchell Law Group
677 North Washington Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34236

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Sarasota, FL Criminal Defense FAQs

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

    The non-emergency contact number of the Sarasota Police Department is 941-316-1199.

  • Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Sarasota, Florida?

    To make a public request for a record in the city of Sarasota, you can contact its Records Unit by phone at 941-263-6045 or by fax at 941-263-6047. You can also email your request to spdpublicrecords@sarasotafl.gov. The Records Unit is located at 2099 Adams Lane and is open to the public on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • What are the penalties for violent crimes in Sarasota?

    The penalties for violent crimes in Sarasota vary depending on the crime committed and the victim. First-degree murder, for instance, is a capital felony, which means it is subject to life in prison or the death penalty. Second-degree murder is a first-degree felony and is potentially subject to life in prison.

  • What are the possible defenses for violent crimes in Sarasota?

    In Sarasota, potential violent crime defenses include insanity, mistaken identity, lack of intent, self-defense, and duress. However, the availability of these defenses and their effectiveness depend on a case's specific circumstances. It is always recommended to consult with a Sarasota criminal defense attorney to understand the best possible strategy in a case.

  • What are the penalties for probation violations in Sarasota?

    In Sarasota, the penalties for probation violations depend on the type of violation. In most cases, people with one technical violation will not need to spend time in prison, but multiple violations can result in a prison sentence. Substantive violations can also lead to another criminal trial and potentially more severe penalties. If you are facing probation violation charges, hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer is important.

  • Is reckless driving a crime in Sarasota?

    Yes, reckless driving is considered a criminal misdemeanor and is a crime in Sarasota. Willfully disregarding the safety of other people and property is considered reckless driving and can result in a year-long prison sentence if convicted. Some examples of reckless driving behaviors in Sarasota include driving 30 miles per hour or more above the speed limit, passing a stopped school bus with its lights flashing, and committing aggressive driving behavior.

  • What are some common offenses related to obstruction of justice in Sarasota?

    In Sarasota, some common offenses related to obstruction of justice include resisting a police officer, impersonating a police officer, supplying tools to help an inmate escape from jail, fleeing or avoiding a law enforcement officer, and intentionally failing to offer medical attention to crime victims.