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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers St. Petersburg, FL

Our Recommended Best St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Lawyers

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored St. Petersburg 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.

185Reviewed

114Curated

9Top Picks

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Providers

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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving St. Petersburg
111 2nd Ave NE Suite 912, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (151)
Avvo
5.0 (118)
Yelp
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Located in Naples, Musca Law is a criminal defense office that caters to clients in St. Petersburg and neighboring areas. It advises and represents those facing criminal charges, from misdemeanors to felonies and federal crimes. The office educates first-time and repeat offenders about potential conviction outcomes, such as fines and jail time. It then represents them in court to reduce or dismiss charges. In one case, its attorneys successfully dismissed a DUI defendant's charges and bench warrant. The office has been featured in media outlets such as Fox 4 and The New York Times.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Federal Crime
  • Violent Crimes
  • DUI with Manslaughter
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Stalking
  • Sex Crimes
  • Public Corruption
  • Expungement
  • Domestic Violence

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving St. Petersburg
200 Central Ave #400, St Petersburg, FL 33701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
3.7 (9)
Google
3.6 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Whittel & Melton, LLC is a St. Petersburg law firm of criminal defense attorneys. Its practice areas include wrongful death, personal injury, criminal defense, DUI defense, traffic offenses, and nursing home abuse. For its statewide clientele, Whittel & Melton provides focused, experienced representation for those charged with criminal offenses in both State and Federal Courts. The firm is board certified in criminal trial by the Florida Bar and has experience as former prosecutors.

  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Sex Crimes
  • Indecent Exposure
  • White Collar Crimes
  • Assault

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving St. Petersburg
5858 Central Ave suite d, St. Petersburg, FL 33707

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (284)
Facebook
5.0 (71)
Yelp
5.0 (12)

Why choose this provider?

Sean K. McQuaid, a division of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., caters to clients in St. Petersburg and surrounding Florida communities. It protects the rights of individuals facing criminal charges, such as burglary, drug crimes, and assault and battery. It also handles matters related to injunctions, probation violations, and restraining orders. The law firm was recognized by the Tampa Bay Times as the Best in Criminal Defense Law in 2023. It was also listed as a Tier 1 Law Firm by the U.S. News and World Reports.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI
  • Theft & Burglary

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving St. Petersburg
13575 58th St. N, #285, Clearwater, FL 33760

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (38)
FindLaw
5.0 (14)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Established by a former state prosecutor, King Law Group is a full-service criminal defense legal practice serving St. Petersburg locals and the rest of Florida. The law firm provides legal counseling and representation to those who have been accused of domestic violence, DUI manslaughter, guns and weapons violations, and white-collar crimes. Its team also accommodates clients who need guidance in matters like bail and bond hearings, sealing and expunging records, probation violations, and juvenile crimes.

  • Domestic Violence
  • Theft & Burglary
  • Juvenile Crimes

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving St. Petersburg
5858 Central Avenue Suite A St. Petersburg Fl 3370, Saint Petersburg, FL 33707

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (145)
Facebook
4.8 (41)
Avvo
5.0 (12)

Why choose this provider?

Since 1958, Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. has been providing counsel and representation to the residents of St. Petersburg, Florida. It offers criminal defense assistance to those accused of committing activities that include drug abuse, domestic violence, and battery and assault. Its attorneys offer various resources to help defendants build strong arguments and refute the prosecution's claims. From the initial investigation to post-conviction proceedings, the firm's attorneys are dedicated to protecting clients' rights and achieving optimal outcomes for their cases.

Since 2014, Sean McQuaid has held the title of Florida Super Lawyer. The American Society of Legal Advocates named him one of Florida's Best 40 Under 40 Attorneys. He was president of the St. Petersburg Bar Association from 2020 to 2021.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving St. Petersburg
447 3rd Avenue N. Ste. 406, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (36)

Why choose this provider?

Rhodus Law Firm addresses the legal needs of individuals, families, and businesses in Florida, including St. Petersburg. It represents clients accused of committing criminal offenses. It also handles appeals for people who lost their case or are dissatisfied with the outcome. Its team analyzes trial court records, researches relevant laws, creates appellate documents, and presents the case to appellate judges. Managing partner Kristin M. Rhodus has been a criminal defense practitioner for over a decade. She is a former public defender for the Sixth Judicial Circuit.

Kristin M. Rhodus is a criminal defense attorney who earned her J.D. from the Florida Coastal School of Law. She is admitted to practice law before the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving St. Petersburg
17 DR. MLK ST. South #200, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (42)
Google
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Established in 2010, Jordan L. Tawil, P.L., is a St. Petersburg-based law firm focusing on criminal law, committed to safeguarding the rights of individuals facing charges throughout Florida. The firm provides legal representation in cases such as narcotics trafficking and possession, DUI, murder and violent crimes, boating and fishing violations, and federal offenses. The firm examines all aspects of criminal investigations, including the validity of evidence and the conduct of law enforcement, to achieve a fair process for all its clients.

  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving St. Petersburg
111 2nd Avenue NE, Suite 336, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (27)
Avvo
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Miksis Law PLLC offers criminal defense services to locals of St. Petersburg and neighboring Florida metros. The law firm examines the quality of the evidence being used against its clients and checks for signs of police misconduct, such as improper searches, misleading eyewitness identifications, and false confessions. It defends the rights of those who have been charged with DUI, white collar crimes, traffic violations, and sex offenses. Miksis Law is led by an attorney who has been practicing since 2010.

Arthur M. Miksis works with clients who need representation in criminal court. He is also licensed to practice in Washington, D.C., and New York and has prior experience working in the U.S. Senate. Miksis is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • DWI/DUI

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

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Darryl Mitchell stands out as a distinguished criminal defense attorney, respected for his remarkable legal expertise and steadfast commitment to clients in St. Petersburg and the rest of Florida. Mitchell has shown an established record of success in complex matters such as DUI charges, drug crimes, and other significant criminal issues, earning him a reputation as an effective advocate. With a profound grasp of the criminal justice system, he crafts powerful defense strategies, diligently preparing each case to secure the optimal results for his clients. His priorities are straightforward: to safeguard their futures, uphold their rights, and make sure they are heard.

  • Immigration
  • DWI/DUI
  • Family Law

Compare Best St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Musca Law
111 2nd Ave NE Suite 912, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Whittel & Melton, LLC
200 Central Ave #400, St Petersburg, FL 33701Free consultation
Sean K McQuaid
5858 Central Ave suite d, St. Petersburg, FL 33707
King Law Group
13575 58th St. N, #285, Clearwater, FL 33760
Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A.
5858 Central Avenue Suite A St. Petersburg Fl 3370, Saint Petersburg, FL 33707
Rhodus Law Firm
447 3rd Avenue N. Ste. 406, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
The Law Office of Jordan L. Tawil
17 DR. MLK ST. South #200, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Miksis Law PLLC
111 2nd Avenue NE, Suite 336, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
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.

St. Petersburg, FL Criminal Defense FAQs

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

    727-893-7780 is the non-emergency contact number for the St. Petersburg Police Department.

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

    Police reports for criminal incidents can be obtained from the Records Counter in the main lobby of the St. Petersburg Police Department, located at 1301 First Avenue North. Requesters may call 893-7537 for assistance. Police reports involving criminal activity with suspect information may be subject to being redacted, depending on whether or not the case has been closed or until such time as the status of any other judicial actions has been ascertained.

  • How do defense attorneys protect the legal rights of individuals accused of committing crimes in St. Petersburg?

    Criminal defense lawyers protect the rights of people who are being investigated for a crime in St. Petersburg by determining the best way to fight a charge based on the circumstances and the elements of the specific crime. They may also be able to undermine the prosecution's story by demonstrating that the accusers are distorting the truth. Evidence suppression can also be used to reduce charges and penalties.

  • Is it possible for people charged with a crime in St. Petersburg to avoid jail?

    Yes. Criminal defense lawyers in St. Petersburg can prevent formal charges from being filed or reduce the severity of those charges. If charges are filed, they negotiate for clients to serve their jail sentences in community programs or through house arrest. They also advocate for the best alternative sentencing options for criminal clients, such as a park cleaning program, house arrest, and residential drug and alcohol treatment.

  • Is it necessary for out-of-state clients facing criminal charges in St. Petersburg to appear in a Florida court?

    No. Criminal defense attorneys in St. Petersburg can represent defendants or people who have outstanding warrants in court. They can also communicate with them via e-mail and phone to keep clients updated on the status of their cases, easing their burden and allowing them to move on with their lives.

  • Is the use of force justified in self-defense, defense of another person, and property defense in St. Petersburg and throughout Florida?

    Yes. In fact, there are several statutes that govern the circumstances under which the use of force is justified in St. Petersburg. These include Florida statute 776.012, which justifies the use of force in the defense of a person. In addition, 776.013 allows the use of deadly force to protect homes with the presumption of fear of death or great bodily harm. Statute 776.031 justifies the use of force to defend others.

  • What offenses are exempt from the statute of limitations in St. Petersburg and in Florida?

    Crimes that are classified as capital felonies, life felonies, or felonies that resulted in the death of a person do not have a statute of limitation, according to Florida Statute 775.15. Some examples of these offenses include murder, child sexual battery, and armed kidnapping. The statute of limitations in Florida can be tolled if the defendant is out of state and if the victim is a minor who does not have a parent or guardian.