Saint Petersburg Criminal Lawyers

Attorney Jason M. Melton, is a founding partner of Whittel & Melton. As a former state prosecutor, he continues fighting for victims bringing in some of the largest single event results in Central Florida. Jason is a lifetime member of the Multi-Million and Million Dollar Advocates Forum, AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and continues to be listed among SuperLawyers in Florida by Thomson Reuters. He is a Founding Member of the National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, and in 2023 was named President. Attorney Melton is dedicated to providing clients with personalized, high-quality representation. We handle Auto Accidents, Slip and Fall, Injury, Nursing...

Bradenton personal injury attorney Steven G. Lavely is a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer who is considered a specialist in civil trial law. Less than two-percent of Florida lawyers can claim this distinction. He is also one of the less than five-percent of Florida lawyers named a Florida Super Lawyer. Mr. Lavely is rated the highest possible rating on AVVO—a 10 out of 10—and is a proud member of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America.

“I am very proud of the honors and distinctions I have achieved, as they are either earned from advanced testing by independent agencies...

At The Denson Firm, our mission is to provide you with passionate and aggressive legal representation and personal counsel in criminal defense cases. Because Bruce Denson is a sole practitioner, you will always speak directly with him, and he will attend every court hearing. Our focus is on a long term solution to your immediate problem. Personal service and client contact is a priority at The Denson Firm.

Rick is a firm partner. He and his wife Patricia enjoy sailing and spending time at the beach. He is an Angel Tree sponsor and a former police officer. He joined the firm in 2007.

Melinda Morris has been practicing law since 1999 and is the managing attorney of the Morris Law Firm. As a former Assistant State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida, Ms. Morris has handled thousands of cases from investigation through sentencing. Her experience as a former prosecutor along with her years of experience as a private criminal defense attorney allows her to effectively represent her clients charged with a wide range of criminal offenses. Extensive Criminal Law Experience While a felony prosecutor for the State Attorney's Office in Clearwater, Pinellas County, Ms. Morris prosecuted thousands of criminal...

Summer Goldman is an experienced criminal attorney representing individuals facing criminal charges. Ms. Goldman started her legal career as a prosecutor in the State Attorney’s Office in Pinellas County. During her time there, she handled thousands of cases from the initial investigation with law enforcement through sentencing.

Attorney Goldman left her position as a prosecutor in 2004 and started working as a criminal defense attorney. In 2009, she co-founded Goldman Wetzel, a criminal defense law firm based in St. Petersburg, Florida.

As a criminal defense laywer, Ms. Goldman is skilled in Federal and State serious felony charges including sex offenses,...

As a Partner of the Law Offices of Russo Pelletier & Sullivan, I limit my practice of law to represent only those clients charged with criminal offenses and DUIs. Both I and my partner Tim Sullivan are former state prosecutors. My experience as an Assistant State Attorney with the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida has given me invaluable legal knowledge and insight into the strategies and tactics often used by prosecutors in trying criminal cases. This experience allows myself and Mr. Sullivan to develop unique, creative strategies in an effort to obtain the best possible outcome in each and every...

Safir Injury & Criminal Defense Law, a law firm in St. Petersburg, Florida, is led by attorney Rory Safir. With a focus on DUI defense and a strong background in private practice and as a former Assistant Public Defender, Rory is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to individuals facing DUI charges. As a trial lawyer at heart, Rory brings extensive courtroom experience to every case he handles. He has successfully handled a number of jury trials and possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in DUI defense. His passion for the law and his commitment to protecting his...

Timothy W. Weber is Board Certified in Appellate Practice and practices in the areas of appellate law, civil and commercial litigation, business litigation, employment and labor, civil rights and education, land use and real estate, criminal, and family. He represents clients in state and federal courts at both the trial and appeal levels. Before co-founding the firm, Tim was a shareholder at Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & Wein, P.A. in St. Petersburg for 16 years. He has been board certified in Appellate Practice since 2004 and has been selected as a SuperLawyer every year since 2014. He has also...

A true Florida native, Jonathon Douglas graduated from Northeast High School in St. Petersburg before attending the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, both with honors. From there, Mr. Douglas attended Stetson University College of Law where he learned and practiced the art of trial advocacy. Before graduating, Jonathon clerked for the Honorable Shawn Crane and interned at the State Attorney’s Office and Public Defender’s Office. After graduation, he began his work as an Assistant Public Defender for the Sixth Judicial Circuit and then moved on to defending the rights of...

Over 17 years experience practicing criminal law. Former State Prosecutor in Clearwater, FL. Juvenile Criminal Defense is my specialty.

Andrew Tetreault (pronounced Tay-tro) grew up all over the United States, though spending most of his life in the Midwest and the South. Andrew attended college at Ohio Wesleyan University, just outside of Columbus, Ohio, and received a Bachelor's degree as a double major. After college, Andrew enrolled at Tulane University Law School in New Orleans, Louisiana. During the fall of 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused a disaster in New Orleans and Tulane was shut down for the entire fall semester. In order to graduate law school on time, Andrew enrolled as a visiting student at the University of Florida College of...

As the founder of Hanlon Law, my number one priority is to protect our clients' future. We have over 20 years of experience in handling criminal defense cases including drug crimes, DUI, violent crimes, domestic violence, and other charges that carry serious penalties. Contact our firm for a free and confidential consultation if you or someone you know has been charged with a crime in Tampa.

Kaitlyn Statile attended the University of Georgia where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Sociology. She then went on to earn her juris doctorate from Florida State University, College of Law. While in Tallahassee, she interned at the State Attorney’s Office, beginning her passion for trial law. After graduation she began working at the State Attorney’s Office in Pinellas County where she conducted over 50 trials and obtained a murder indictment from a grand jury. She then went on to practice civil litigation prior to moving to Costa Rica where she...

Born in Providence, RI, grew up in Barrington ,RI and thereafter attended Eckerd College in St Petersburg,Fl, where he majored in political Science and Economics. He also played varsity baseball and pitched on the 1977 team that reached the finals of the Division II College World Series. He attended Stetson College of Law and graduated in 1982. Upon graduation he accepted a position as an Assistant State Attorney in Pinellas County Florida, and continued in that position until 1997 when he entered private practice with the Clearwater, Fl law firm Tew, Zinober,Barnes, Zimmet & Unice....

Nicole has resided in the Tampa Bay area for the last 20 years. She majored in criminology while attending Saint Leo University and interned with the United States Secret Service.

Upon graduation, Nicole attended Stetson University College of Law in Pinellas County, where she concentrated on trial advocacy. While attending school, she interned with the State Attorney’s Office for Pinellas County.

After law school, Nicole became the Assistant State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit for Pinellas County. During the three years, she was employed at the State Attorney’s Office, she prosecuted misdemeanors to serious crimes.

Nicole served as a...

I am attorney Donald J. Kilfin. I own and operate The Kilfin Law Firm, P.C., a St. Petersburg area criminal defense and DUI firm representing clients throughout the Tampa Bay area.
I earned a four year Honor's Bachelor's degree from Trent University, one of Canada's top undergraduate institutions. From there, I relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida to attend law school at Stetson University. It was my first choice, among many options across the United States, based on its national reputation for trial advocacy and legal writing. I graduated in 2000 with a juris doctor degree and...

Mr. Klemawesch is an experienced and dedicated Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Attorney at Whittel & Melton. He provides comprehensive representation in both State and Federal Courts. Previously, Mr. Klemawesch worked as an Assistant State Attorney in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Pinellas County, Florida. He has extensive jury trial experience in both criminal and civil cases. Mr. Klemawesch is committed to diligent advocacy to protect his clients' rights and interests.

Mr. Klemawesch obtained his B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, and his M.B.A. from the University of South Florida. In 2003, he received his J.D. from the University of Florida....

An experienced trial attorney, Robert Whittel provides his clients with strong, disciplined, results-oriented representation. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. Robert graduated from both law school and the United States Merchant Marine Academy with honors, and served on the esteemed Florida Law Review. Before co-founding Whittel & Melton, a full-service law firm, Robert gained valuable experience in the court room both serving as a former prosecutor and representing large corporations in complex litigation and transactional matters. Robert is devoted to fighting for his clients’ rights. He handles all types of criminal...

Vincent R. Pawlowski, Esq. is an exceptional client advocate with more than 20 years experience in the areas of personal injury and wrongful death litigation, automobile accidents and injuries, workers compensation, criminal defense, DUI / DWI, and drug charges. He founded the Pawlowski // Mastrilli Law Group in 1995 in the heart of Tampa's Ybor City, with satellite offices in Westchase, New Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Lakeland. As managing partner of the firm, Vincent ensures that every member of his legal team holds the same core values and vigor to defend and fight for our clients case...

A native of Florida, Ryan T. Cox graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in criminology before going on to get a master’s degree in criminal justice from UCF and a law degree from UF’s Frederick G. Levin College of law. Following graduation, Ryan represented clients in civil litigation and business transactions before finding his niche defending people against criminal charges.

Now, having returned home after 4 years working in Colorado, Ryan has decided to apply his skills to representing the people of the gulf coast. He joins Carlson Meissner with extensive experience handling all manner of...

Prior to joining Whittel & Melton, Mr. Sheslow served as an Assistant Public Defender in Manatee County, Florida. Mr. Sheslow accumulated an impressive trial record while with the Public Defender’s Office. He was quickly promoted from a Misdemeanor to Felony case load in less than 10 months. Mr. Sheslow has tried over 20 cases ranging from DUIs and Domestic Batteries to life felonies. He has earned acquittals in serious cases such as firearms offenses and sex offenses. Additionally, Mr. Sheslow completed the National Criminal Defense Lawyers College held at Mercer College of Law in Macon, Georgia, where he learned from...

Laurel Marois Ackerman, the granddaughter of Don Anderson, was born and raised in St. Pete and is happy to still call it home today! She went to LCC Day School and graduated from Shorecrest Preparatory School before attending UF and UF Law and becoming a PROUD Double Gator! Laurel joined the family business with extensive criminal law experience. She clerked at the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Tampa, served as a CLI at the 8th Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office in Gainesville, and worked at the United States Department of Justice Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section in Washington, D.C. She worked...

Daviana Marie Braniff was born in Clearwater, Florida, but primarily grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. After receiving a scholarship for women’s soccer, Daviana attended Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Georgia where she received her degree in Psychology. Daviana then attended the University of Georgia School of Law where she interned with the Office of the Fulton County District Attorney. After graduating, Daviana moved to the sunny state of Florida to be with family and worked as an Assistant State Attorney in the Sixth Judicial Circuit prior to joining the firm. Daviana and her husband Daniel have a lovable dog...

Jacob “Jake” Pillsbury attended the University of Florida and Stetson University College of Law. He graduated with a Juris Doctor in 2012 and immediately began serving the Tampa Bay Community handling plaintiff’s personal injury actions. A year into his career, Mr. Pillsbury transitioned into criminal defense, by joining the Public Defender's office. In each of his four years as an assistant public defender, he represented more than 200 indigent citizens of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas County. During those years he handled thousands of criminal cases ranging from minor traffic infractions to first degree life felonies. Through more...

Paul A. Meissner was born in New York and moved to Florida with his family as a child. He is a graduate of Clearwater High School. He co-founded the Carlson & Meissner law firm with Edward Carlson in 1971. Paul and his wife Jayne have five children & thirteen grandchildren. They enjoy boating and traveling. In the past, Paul and Jayne have traveled extensively by motorcycle.

Michael Haworth's legal journey began at the State Attorney's Office in Pinellas County. Since 2017, he has managed a wide array of cases, from misdemeanors to capital offenses. His outstanding performance in court was recognized in 2018 when he received the Sixth Circuit State Attorney's Office Golden Tie Award for the highest number of trial victories. Michael is known in Pinellas County for his effective courtroom advocacy. His extensive experience in jury trials has honed his ability to defend cases effectively. Michael has dedicated years to identifying evidence issues, inconsistencies in police reports, and inaccuracies in witness accounts. With years of...

St. Petersburg/ Clearwater DUI, CRIMINAL AND PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY I have more than 24 years of courtroom experience and I have tried more than 80 cases. I am a former 6 year Pinellas County Prosecutor. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, contact me today for a free initial consultation at 727-538-4155 or visit my website www.montronelaw.com.

Lee Pearlman was born and raised in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, a small town just outside of Harrisburg.

He attended college at the University of Maryland, College Park where he received two bachelor of arts degrees and two minors. While in college he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve and served two years in the Military Police.

After college Lee moved to St. Petersburg where he attended Stetson University College of Law. While there Lee was a member of Stetson's top nationally-ranked Trial Team and Alternative Dispute Resolution Board. He was the recipient of the Ralph Harris Ferrel...

Bruce Burk is a Florida attorney with 7 years experience. Bruce graduated with a bachelor of Science from Palm Beach Atlantic University. He then worked as a financial analyst for 2 years before going to law school at the University of South Carolina School of Law. There, he was a research editor for the South Carolina Journal of International Law and Business and a member of the mock trial team. During school he was a general counsel for a real estate company, a clerk to the Chief Justice of the South Carolina Court of Appeals, and worked for various law...

Understanding my clients' experiences allows me to represent them on a personal level, which can significantly impact their cases. Seeking challenges in my career, I joined the Brevard County Public Defender's Office after law school, eventually moving to the Pinellas County Public Defender's Office. Working in the public defender's system has been an incredible learning experience, collaborating with brilliant trial attorneys who provide hope for our clients. Having handled thousands of criminal cases, I understand that behind every name and case number is a unique story, enabling me to empathize with my clients and earn their trust for an unwavering...

Tracee L. Ivins graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. After graduation she worked for the State of Florida as a certified investigator, before deciding to pursue a law degree. As an attorney Ms. Ivins has handled files from inception all the way to a jury verdict. Her experience has included claims involving serious bodily injury, product liability injury and wrongful death arising from auto accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, negligent security, motorcycle and tractor trailer accidents.

Lawsuits including Negligence, Breach of Contract, Negligent Entrustment, Uninsured Motorist Insurance Claims, Under-Insured Motorists Insurance disputes, Wrongful Death, Bad...

The experienced Tampa criminal defense attorney at The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger is dedicated to protecting the rights and freedoms of the criminally accused. Attorney Timothy Hessinger was a former 15 year state prosecutor, and he was named as Prosecutor of the Year in 2004. Due to this past experience, our team is able to bring a well-rounded view of the criminal justice system to the table no matter what crimes our clients' cases involve. If you’ve been arrested, don’t hesitate a moment to contact our firm. We offer a free online case evaluation – take advantage today!

With more than ten years practicing law, Eric J. Herrmann continues to dedicate his life to protecting the rights of those who have been victimized and the accused alike. He is currently admitted to practice law in the State of Florida, the State of Arizona, the State of New York, and the District of Columbia. As an active member of multiple Bar Associations, Eric J. Herrmann has a broad knowledge base and the experience to continue representing clients at the highest level.

Experience

While completing Law School, Eric J. Herrmann served as an intern in the New York State Supreme Court for...

Prompt and personal legal representation in the areas you need most: Family/Divorce, Criminal Defense, and Auto Accident/Injury, throughout the Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Tampa area. Attorney Hanks, P.A. is Justice Served.

Since becoming a member of the Florida Bar, Nick has dedicated his practice solely to criminal defense, earning a reputation as a passionate defender in the courtroom. He believes each case brings unique obstacles, emphasizing the importance of seeking advice from a seasoned defense lawyer capable of recognizing and addressing these challenges.

Vanessa L. Albaum is an experienced trial lawyer with more than 25 jury trials under her belt. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida in 2005 and her law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2011. Vanessa served over three years as an Assistant State Attorney and specialized in the prosecution of career criminals.

During her time as both a prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer, she has tried various charges including vehicular homicide, attempted murder, armed robbery, and carjacking. Since leaving the State Attorney's Office in 2014, she has practiced in...