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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in St. Petersburg, FL

Our Recommended Top 20

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
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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.

196Reviewed

125Curated

20Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

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

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 - PartnerActive24 yrs
Jason Melton - Managing PartnerActive23 yrs

677 North Washington Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34236
WebsiteLicense: 463345

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.

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.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Caitlin Szematowicz - PartnerActive13 yrs
Howard Ross - PartnerActive61 yrs
Aubrey Dicus - President / ShareholderActive51 yrs
Sean McQuaid - Partner/ PresidentActive25 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
John Trevena - Owner and Principal AttorneyActive39 yrs
William Pontrello - PartnerActive52 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, 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.

  • 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 - OwnerActive14 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 PartnerActive29 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?

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.

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