1. Sean K. McQuaid, Battaglia Ross Dicus & McQuaid, P.A.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, drug offenses, violent crimes, sex crimes, federal crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, violent crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, white collar crimes, theft crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, motion to suppress hearings, jury trials, plea negotiations, appeals, expungement and sealing petitions, bond reduction motions
Background: Named Best Attorney in Best of Bay 2022 and Best in Defense Law 2024. Holds a 10.0 rating on Avvo. Practices with Battaglia Ross Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., a firm with deep roots in the Tampa Bay legal community. Extensive courtroom experience in Pinellas County courts and throughout the Sixth Judicial Circuit.
Location: 5858 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33707 and 136 4th Street N, Suite 2233, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 381-2300 | https://www.criminaldefensetampabay.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
2. Morris Law Firm, P.A.
Practice Focus: DUI/DWI defense, vehicular homicide, drug offenses, violent crimes, domestic violence
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWI, DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, felonies, misdemeanors, drug offenses, violent crimes, domestic violence
Legal Services: Trial defense, DUI defense with technical expertise, motion to suppress, DMV hearings, plea negotiations, expungement petitions
Background: Led by Melinda Morris, a former state attorney who served on the DUI Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide prosecution squad. Received specialized training in prosecuting DUI cases, providing unique insight into defense strategies. Focuses on complex DUI and vehicular crime cases throughout Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay region.
Location: St. Petersburg, FL (serving Pinellas County)
Contact: (727) 388-4736 | https://www.morrislawflorida.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
3. Fletcher & Fletcher Attorneys at Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, drug offenses, domestic violence, theft crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, domestic violence, theft crimes, assault and battery, probation violations
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, bond hearings, expungement and sealing petitions, probation violation defense
Background: Client-focused practice in St. Petersburg with emphasis on educating clients about their rights throughout the criminal process. Attorneys guide clients through each stage of their case with attention to individual circumstances and goals.
Location: St. Petersburg, FL (serving Pinellas County)
Contact: (727) 369-4600 | https://www.fletcherandfletcher.com
Consultation: Initial consultation available
4. Hanlon Law (Will Hanlon)
Practice Focus: Criminal defense exclusively, state and federal criminal cases, injunctions
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, violent crimes, domestic violence, injunctions for protection
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, motion practice, plea negotiations, injunction defense and petitioning
Background: Over 20 years of criminal defense experience in Florida state and federal courts. Maintains offices serving both St. Petersburg and the greater Tampa Bay area. Practice concentrates solely on criminal law and injunctions, allowing for specialized expertise in these areas.
Location: St. Petersburg, FL (serving Pinellas County and Tampa Bay)
Contact: (727) 897-5413 | https://www.hanlonlaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available upon request
5. Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, drug offenses, white collar crimes, federal crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, DUI/DWI, drug trafficking, white collar crimes, fraud, violent crimes, domestic violence
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, grand jury representation, motion practice, plea negotiations, appeals
Background: Law firm with attorneys who have extensive experience in both state and federal criminal matters. Practice includes representation in Pinellas County courts, the Middle District of Florida federal court, and appellate courts. Attorneys handle cases ranging from misdemeanors to complex federal prosecutions.
Location: St. Petersburg, FL (serving Pinellas County)
Contact: (727) 493-9386 | https://www.rpslawfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation offered
Criminal Defense Regulations in Florida
Bar Admission Requirements: Attorneys must graduate from an ABA-approved law school, pass the Florida Bar Examination, and achieve a passing score on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). Character and fitness review is required. Attorneys must be admitted to practice by the Florida Supreme Court.
Specialty Certifications: The Florida Bar offers Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law. Certification requires substantial trial experience (minimum of 25 trials as lead counsel, including jury trials), peer review, and passing a written examination. Board-certified attorneys must recertify every five years.
Continuing Legal Education: Florida requires 33 hours of CLE every three years, including five hours of ethics, three hours of technology, and one hour of mental health and wellness. Newly admitted attorneys must complete additional requirements including the Practicing with Professionalism course.
Public Defender System: The Sixth Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office serves Pinellas and Pasco Counties. The office provides legal representation to indigent defendants in criminal cases, juvenile delinquency matters, dependency cases, and civil commitment proceedings. Eligibility is determined at first appearance or arraignment based on financial criteria.
Pretrial Release Laws: Under Florida law and the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s administrative orders, defendants are entitled to pretrial release on reasonable conditions for non-capital offenses. Pinellas County Pretrial Services conducts risk assessments and may recommend release on recognizance, non-monetary conditions, or supervised release. First appearance hearings occur within 24 hours of arrest.
Felony Classification System: Florida classifies felonies as Capital, Life, First Degree (up to 30 years), Second Degree (up to 15 years), and Third Degree (up to 5 years). Florida also applies sentencing guidelines that calculate recommended sentences based on offense severity and prior record.
Record Sealing and Expungement: Florida allows sealing or expungement of criminal records under Sections 943.059 and 943.0585, Florida Statutes. Expungement is available for arrests that did not result in conviction (dismissed, nolle prosequi, acquittal). Sealing is available for cases with withhold of adjudication on non-disqualifying offenses. Florida limits individuals to one court-ordered sealing or expungement in their lifetime. The process requires first obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE with a $75 fee, processing time typically 12 weeks.
Automatic Juvenile Expungement: Under Section 943.0515, Florida Statutes, juvenile records are automatically expunged at age 21 (or age 26 if committed to a juvenile facility) if certain conditions are met. SB 274 (2021) expanded eligibility by allowing juveniles who complete diversion programs to expunge nonjudicial arrest records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the Pinellas County criminal courthouse and how does first appearance work?
A: The Pinellas County Justice Center, which handles criminal cases, is located at 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762. First appearance hearings are conducted daily (including weekends) within 24 hours of arrest. At first appearance, a judge determines probable cause, informs you of charges, sets bail, and appoints the public defender if you qualify. St. Petersburg Police cases are processed through the Pinellas County Jail at 14400 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762, before first appearance.
Q: What is the State Attorney’s diversion program in Pinellas County?
A: The Sixth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office operates pretrial intervention programs for eligible first-time offenders. The Misdemeanor Diversion Program handles qualifying misdemeanor cases, while Felony Pretrial Intervention (PTI) is available for certain non-violent felonies. Eligibility typically requires no prior criminal history, victim consent, and prosecutor approval. Program requirements may include community service, counseling, restitution, and supervision. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges, after which the arrest may be eligible for expungement.
Q: How do I apply to seal or expunge my record in Pinellas County?
A: First, obtain your criminal history from FDLE to verify eligibility. Next, apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE by submitting the application, fingerprints, and $75 fee (processing takes approximately 12 weeks). Once you receive the certificate, file a Petition to Seal or Expunge with the Pinellas County Clerk of Court at the Criminal Court department. The State Attorney will review and may consent or object. If granted, the order is sent to all relevant agencies. The Pinellas County Clerk’s forms for sealing and expungement are available on their website. Remember, you may only seal or expunge one criminal record in your lifetime under Florida law.
Q: What are the penalties for drug possession in Florida?
A: Penalties depend on the substance and quantity. Possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana is a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, $1,000 fine). Possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana is a third-degree felony (up to 5 years prison, $5,000 fine). Possession of controlled substances (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, etc.) is a third-degree felony regardless of amount. Possession with intent to sell or trafficking charges carry significantly higher penalties including mandatory minimum sentences. Pinellas County does offer drug court and diversion programs for qualifying defendants.
Q: How does bail work in Pinellas County?
A: After arrest, defendants are taken to the Pinellas County Jail where a bond schedule determines initial bail amounts. At first appearance (within 24 hours), a judge may adjust bail based on factors including flight risk, danger to community, and ties to the area. Bail can be posted through a licensed bondsman (typically 10% non-refundable premium), cash bond (full amount refundable upon case completion), or property bond. Pretrial Services may recommend release on recognizance or supervised release for low-risk defendants. If bail is too high, an attorney can file a motion to reduce bond. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office inmate information line is (727) 464-6400.