Top best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Clearwater | 16 available

Michael Mastrogiovanni has lived in the Tampa Bay area since he was 5 years old. His career started out in the medical field where he worked for over a decade as an medical administrator and in early 2000’s he was selected to attend Stetson University College of Law, consistently picked as the best trial law school in the country where he graduated in 2004.. Upon graduation, Michael was hired by the State Attorney’s Office for the 6th Judicial Circuit in Pinellas-Pasco County where he gained invaluable experience with handling thousands of cases and countless jury trials. In 2012 he opened his own firm where he continues to handle criminal defense ranging from murder and DUI manslaughter, down to a first time DUI, domestic battery, drug and even traffic tickets matters.. In addition, Michael combined his prior medical experience with his legal knowledge and fights for the rights of injured workers handling worker’s compensation claims and Social Security disability matters for over a decade where he has established a 99% success rate.. Volunteering is not uncommon for Michael, he has handled numerous pro bono cases during his career and continues to give back to the community.. His memberships and affiliations include:. Top 100 Trial Lawyers in FloridaVice President Allgood-Altman Inn of Court, Pasco County, 2009-2010Florida Workers’ AdvocatesLicensed by Florida Supreme Court County Court Mediator, 2004-2009Volunteer Judge, Pinellas County Teen Court, 2004-2005Florida Bar AssociationMember Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers 2012-currentClearwater Bar AssociationWest-Pasco Bar AssociationHernando County Bar Association

I have been practicing criminal law for over 30 years.  My initial consultation is free.  Please call so that I can let you know how I can help you.. Larry Sandefer has handled well over 5,000 criminal cases. Over 200 of these have resulted in jury trials of from one day to several weeks in length. These trials have included numerous first degree murder cases, multi-jurisdictional drug and homicide conspiracies, drug trafficking, sales and possessions, sexual battery, lewdness and exposure charges, arson, white collar crimes including trade secrets and fraud, robbery, theft, assault and battery, domestic violence, traffic deaths, DUI, resisting arrest, shoplifting, abuse allegations of children and the elderly, embezzlement, insurance fraud, burglary, kidnaping, and many other criminal charges.. After over 30 years in criminal law in Florida, Mr. Sandefer is familiar with and has worked very often with the Judges and prosecutors assigned to the criminal and civil courts. He is a former prosecutor of over eight years, with experience as both a Lead Trial Attorney and a Division Director in the State Attorney's Office. In those positions, he not only tried the most serious cases, he also over saw several trial divisions and trial attorneys. He was involved with the investigation and decision making aspects of these charges. As a member of the homicide investigation unit, he was often called out to the scene of homicides.. In 1986, Mr. Sandefer opened his own office and has continued in the defense of criminal cases since that time. He was one of the first attorney's in the State of Florida to become Board Certified in criminal trial law, that occurred in 1987. He has maintained that certification continually since that date. This vast background of experience gives him the knowledge of both sides of a criminal case from both a decision making perspective and a trial perspective, and the understanding of what affects those decisions by the prosecution and what goes into those decisions. What this means for you is the knowledge, the experience, and the court room skills to assist you in your defense.. Mr. Sandefer has continued his training through continuing education courses involving violent crime, organized crime, defending capital cases in Florida, narcotic investigation techniques, and various advanced education programs by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is a graduate of the Criminal Trial Advocacy Institute at the University of Florida and has attended Masters of DUI Courses of the Florida Bar and the DUI Defender Courses in Las Vegas, Nevada of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.. Mr. Sandefer has been honored with the national recognition of being named to the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers in America. This is a register which lists only the most distinguished law practices, those that signify the highest levels of legal ability and the adherence to professional standards of conduct, ethics, reliability, and diligence.. Mr. Sandefer has achieved a prestigious rating of AV by Martindale-Hubbell. This rating is a result of a peer review system based upon the confidential opinions of practicing attorneys and judges. Martindale-Hubbell has been recognized for over a century as the most respected source of authoritative information about members of the legal community. An AV rating reflects an attorney who has reached the heights of professional excellence and is recognized for the highest level of skill, integrity, and ethical standards.

Biography: 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, especially on Paul's Harley motorcycle.. Paul Meissner has written The Florida Law Enforcement Manual.. Position: Paul A. Meissner is a co-founder of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett P.A.  He co-founded the firm in 1971.. Areas of Practice:. Certification / Specialties:. Professional Associations and Memberships:. Education:. Classes / Seminars Taught:. Past Employment:

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Clearwater and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Clearwater and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Clearwater and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Clearwater and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Clearwater and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Clearwater and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Clearwater and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Clearwater and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Clearwater and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Clearwater and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Clearwater and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Clearwater and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Clearwater and surrounding areas.