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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in St. Petersburg, FL

Our Recommended Top 19

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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.

195Reviewed

124Curated

19Top Picks

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Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

111 2nd Ave NE Suite 912, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (134)
Avvo
5.0 (117)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

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.

  • Weapon Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • Restitution Modification
  • Trespassing
  • Traffic Offenses
  • Stalking
  • Sex Crimes
  • Fraud
  • Federal Crime
  • Expungement

200 Central Ave #400, St Petersburg, FL 33701
Website

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.

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

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Robert Whittel - PartnerActive23 yrs
Jason Melton - Managing PartnerActive22 yrs

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?

Founded in 1958, Battaglia, Ross, Dicus, & McQuaid PA is a full-service law firm located in the Saint Petersburg metro area. The firm represents clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies, from investigation through post-conviction relief. Battaglia, Ross, Dicus, & McQuaid's criminal defense attorneys handle a range of criminal matters, including drug crimes, driving under the influence, domestic violence, violent crimes, weapons offenses, and white-collar crime. Partner Sean McQuaid is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Howard Ross - PartnerActive60 yrs
Caitlin Szematowicz - PartnerActive12 yrs
Sean McQuaid - Partner/ PresidentActive24 yrs
Aubrey Dicus - President / ShareholderActive50 yrs

801 West Bay Dr, Largo, FL 33770

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.2 (47)
Avvo
5.0 (11)
Google
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Trevena, Pontrello, & Associates is a boutique law firm that practices criminal law in Largo and Saint Petersburg. The firm defends the rights of citizens facing criminal charges for various offenses, such as fraud, white-collar crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, and first-degree murder. The firm also defends clients facing DUI and vehicular homicide charges. John Trevena is a former police officer and state attorney with 30 years of litigation experience. He is a member of The National Trial Lawyers Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
William Pontrello - PartnerActive51 yrs
John Trevena - Owner and Principal AttorneyActive38 yrs

5858 Central Ave suite d, St. Petersburg, FL 33707

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (195)
Facebook
4.9 (95)
Avvo
5.0 (12)

Why choose this provider?

Sean K McQuaid defends clients who are facing charges for criminal offenses throughout the St. Petersburg metro area. It represents clients accused of committing crimes in dealing with legal proceedings, aiming to have their charges dismissed or made lenient. The firm routinely handles cases involving burglary and trespass, assault and battery, juvenile crimes, drug trafficking, and traffic offenses. Managing attorney Sean McQuaid served as the President of the St. Petersburg Bar Association from 2020 to 2021.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes
  • Juvenile Crimes

447 3rd Avenue N. Ste. 406, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (36)

Why choose this provider?

The Rhodus Law Firm assists individuals facing criminal charges from its office in St. Petersburg. It investigates each case and works to achieve a favorable outcome on behalf of the defendants. Its attorney Kristin Rhodus has over a decade of legal experience. She is a former Sixth Judicial Circuit public defender and Fourth District Court of Appeals regional conflict counsel. Rhodus is admitted to practice in the Middle District of Florida and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Kristin Rhodus - Managing PartnerActive13 yrs

222 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.9 (15)
Google
4.1 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Rocky Rinker Attorney at Law, PA, is a full-service litigation firm that caters to clients in the St. Petersburg community. Its primary associate, Rocky Rinker, works with individuals facing civil theft cases. His representation includes analyzing the relevant facts and documents of the case, such as the elements of proof, and assessing the claim's weaknesses and strengths to create a defense strategy. Rinker also takes on cases involving general civil litigation, breach of contract, and real estate and property disputes.

  • Domestic Violence

915 1st Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (61)
Google
4.7 (52)
Facebook
4.8 (38)

Why choose this provider?

Goldman Wetzel is a law office focusing solely on criminal defense. It defends St. Petersburg residents facing imprisonment, fines, or loss of civil liberties due to criminal accusations. Among these cases are drug abuse, DUI, sexual harassment, violence, and theft. Providing personalized service, The firm's defense lawyers carefully listen to clients' narratives and expectations to better understand the case details and find suitable resolutions. Summer Goldman, the managing partner, utilizes her experience as a former prosecutor to anticipate how the prosecution will handle a case.

1915 Tyrone Blvd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (43)

Why choose this provider?

Based in St. Petersburg, DeBerg & DeBerg, P.A., offers representation to clients in various legal proceedings. It defends individuals in criminal defense cases, such as theft, assault, arson, rape, murder, and domestic violence. It also covers DUI, traffic violations, drug possession, and white-collar crimes. It aggressively fights for clients' rights, gathering witnesses' statements, analyzing police records, and examining crime scenes to obtain a reduction of penalties or dismissal of charges. Principal attorney Benjamin George DeBerg has been in the legal practice since 1996.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Benjamin Deberg - Managing PartnerActive28 yrs

7601 38th Avenue North, Saint Petersburg, FL 33710

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (27)
Avvo
4.7 (13)

Why choose this provider?

Greenberg Law serves individuals in St. Petersburg who have been accused of criminal charges, such as DUI, theft, domestic battery, and drug possession. Its partner, Doug Greenberg, has privately defended thousands of cases and has been in the legal profession for over 30 years. He is a former state prosecutor and is currently a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Greenberg also handles personal injury lawsuits, including auto accidents and slips and falls.

2901 5th Avenue North, Saint Petersburg, FL 33713

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Guillermo A. Ruiz Law has been providing criminal defense for felony and misdemeanor offenders around St. Petersburg since 1963. Ruiz covers various areas of criminal law, such as white-collar, theft, and drug crimes, as well as murder, manslaughter, and assault. He has served as a member of the Pro Bono and Criminal Law Committees of the St. Petersburg and Florida Bar Associations, respectively. Ruiz works alongside his son, Jonathan M. Ruiz, who previously interned for the State Attorney's Office for the Sixth Judicial Circuit.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Drug Crimes

2701 Fifth Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33713

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (53)
Avvo
4.4 (13)
Facebook
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

For over two decades, Fleming Law Group has been protecting St. Petersburg clients against criminal charges. Its attorneys handle several felony and misdemeanor cases, including drug crimes, white-collar fraud, DUI, domestic violence, and weapons charges. They review cases to check if there are grounds for an appeal or post-conviction relief. They also seek alternatives to prison sentences for clients suffering from addiction. They extend their services to individuals involved in child custody battles as a result of their criminal charges.

  • DWI/DUI

405 6th St S #2, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (5)
Yelp
2.0 (3)
FindLaw
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Hanlon Law defends wrongfully accused individuals in and around St. Petersburg before federal and state courts. For over 20 years, the office has been fighting and advocating for the rights of those involved in criminal charges, such as aggravated assault, domestic violence, sex crimes, traffic offenses, and gun violence. Founder Will Hanlon aggressively represents clients in nonjury trials, sentencing enhancements, plea negotiations, and pre-trial motions. He also helps them in expunging criminal records. He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • DWI/DUI

400 Carillon Parkway Suite 220, St. Petersburg, FL 33716

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Established in 2013, Thompson Miller provides legal representation to clients in St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas. It defends individuals facing criminal charges, may they be under investigation or have been arrested and charged. It handles litigation services, including administrative proceedings, appellate reviews, and trials. The firm serves governmental and business entities and insurance carriers facing medical, construction, and commercial disputes. Managing partner Todd Miller is the past president of ABOTA and is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer by the Florida Bar.

  • DWI/DUI

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?

King Law Group is a criminal defense firm representing arrested individuals in St. Petersburg. It provides counsel to defendants charged with violent crimes, child abuse, domestic violence, sex crimes, conspiracy, and probation violations. It works on bail and bond hearings and helps with sealing and expunging previous criminal records. King Law Group was founded by Cameron, a former state prosecutor in the Sixth Judicial Circuit for Pinellas and Pasco counties. He has worked on over a thousand cases, handling investigations, negotiations, and depositions.

1236 66th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Athanason & Bolduc, P.A., is a law firm that caters to clients in the St. Petersburg area. Primary attorney Nicholas M. Athanason started his law practice in 1989. He has handled thousands of cases involving criminal defense, personal injury, insurance claims, and family law matters and is admitted to practice in federal and state courts. He serves as a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association and has conducted seminars on personal injury arranged by the National Business Institute.

  • Juvenile Crimes

111 2nd Avenue NE, Suite 336, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (5)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Miksis Law PLLC provides legal services for the residents of St. Petersburg. Its attorney, Arthur M. Miksis, performs criminal defense work, handling all felony and misdemeanor charges. He also works with those charged with traffic infractions and assists individuals in pursuit of record expungement. Miksis has been practicing law since 2010 and is licensed to practice in New York and the District of Columbia. Before owning a private practice, he served as a legislative aide to Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand.

  • DWI/DUI

575 Second Avenue South Suite 201, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Dicus & Burke, PLLC, is a St. Petersburg-based firm offering legal representation to the criminally accused. One of its lawyers, Wesley C. Dicus Sr., is a former prosecutor who has handled sensitive domestic violence and crimes against children. He has also tried several high-profile cases and has been featured on true-crime TV shows, such as Investigation Discovery’s 20/20 Deadly Women and Snapped. Dicus works alongside Ryan S. Burke, who focuses on personal injury and insurance litigation.

  • DWI/DUI

17 DR. MLK ST. South #200, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (27)
Google
5.0 (4)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Jordan L. Tawil is a criminal defense practice serving individuals in St. Petersburg and the surrounding locations. Its attorney, Jordan Tawil, protects the rights of clients who have been arrested for or indicted with criminal offenses. He also represents bail agents, handling cases that involve motions to vacate a judgment of forfeiture and motions to set aside an estreature. Tawil, a former public defender, is a member of the NACDL and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • DWI/DUI

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Musca Law
111 2nd Ave NE Suite 912, St. Petersburg, FL 33701Free consultation
Whittel & Melton, LLC
200 Central Ave #400, St Petersburg, FL 33701Free consultation
Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A.
5858 Central Avenue Suite A St. Petersburg Fl 3370, Saint Petersburg, FL 33707
Trevena, Pontrello & Associates
801 West Bay Dr, Largo, FL 33770
Sean K McQuaid
5858 Central Ave suite d, St. Petersburg, FL 33707
Rhodus Law Firm
447 3rd Avenue N. Ste. 406, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Rocky Rinker Attorney at Law, PA
222 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Goldman Wetzel
915 1st Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
DeBerg & DeBerg, P.A.
1915 Tyrone Blvd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Greenberg Law
7601 38th Avenue North, Saint Petersburg, FL 33710
Guillermo A. Ruiz Law
2901 5th Avenue North, Saint Petersburg, FL 33713
Fleming Law Group
2701 Fifth Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Hanlon Law
405 6th St S #2, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Thompson Miller
400 Carillon Parkway Suite 220, St. Petersburg, FL 33716
King Law Group
13575 58th St. N, #285, Clearwater, FL 33760
Athanason & Bolduc, P.A.
1236 66th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Miksis Law PLLC
111 2nd Avenue NE, Suite 336, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Dicus & Burke, PLLC
575 Second Avenue South Suite 201, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
The Law Office of Jordan L. Tawil
17 DR. MLK ST. South #200, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

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.

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.

  • 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.