Top best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Fort Walton Beach | 13 available

I started Flaherty & Merrifield in 2004 with one simple goal:  to provide the very best criminal defense representation in Fort Walton Beach and throughout Okaloosa County. Over the years, my team and I have defended thousands of people accused of criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including Sex Crimes, Domestic Violence, DUIs, and Homicide. As president of the local chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a member of organizations such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, I stay up to date on current legal issues and continually expand upon his skills as an attorney.. Brandy Merrifield is my partner. We focus 100 percent of our practice on criminal defense. We will do whatever it takes to get the best possible result in a case. Some cases are worked out through a negotiation with the prosecutor. Other cases are litigated in court with pretrial motions to dismiss or suppress. Some cases are fought at trial. Whichever direction your case goes, Brandy and I know what moves to make in order to put you in the best position possible. Rest assured, you will be in good hands.. No matter what you are accused of, you deserve to have someone on your side who will fight for you and defend you. That is exactly what we are prepared to do for you. Call Flaherty & Merrifield and let us help.

I have defended countless people charged with all types of criminal offenses, from DUIs and Domestic Violence charges--to the most serious and complex felony cases. I have had many jury trials and have represented those charged with capital offenses, including murder.. Born in Brainerd, Minnesota. Graduated Pine River-Backus High School, MN. University of North Dakota School of Law. Activities: CLS (President), Moot Court, Trial Competition. International and Comparative Law, Shanghai and Beijing,. Awards: Glen Gustafson Scholarship (2 years), Dean’s List. Bachelor of Science Education, Magna Cum Laude,. Certified Teacher (NDEA). Awards: Air Force ROTC Award of Merit; Air Force ROTC. Certificate of Academic Excellence;. University of St. Thomas Dean’s Scholarship;. University of St. Thomas University Scholarship. Air Force ROTC Scholarship. Assistant Public Defender. State of Florida, First Circuit, Okaloosa County. Assistant District Legal Counsel. Florida Department of Children and Families. INTERNSHIPS. Zimney, Foster P.C., AV Rated, Insurance Defense, Commercial Law, Federal Criminal Defense. My firm focuses on assisting those that have been arrested for assault or battery, DUI and DUI Hearing to get your license back, Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP), Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Domestic Violence Battery, disorderly conduct, such as a bar fight, sex crimes, Shoplifting or Theft, traffic tickets such as hit and run or fleeing & eluding police, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, Solicitation, BUI, Rape & Secual Assault, Hit & Run, Concealed Weapons, Public Intoxication, Resisting Arrest and Theft/Shoplifting.

I am a native of Central Florida and now make my home on the beautiful emerald coast of the Florida Panhandle.  I graduated cum laude from Charleston Southern University in South Carolina, where I majored in Criminal Justice.  I was a Preseason All-American linebacker for the CSU Buccaneers, and was inducted into the university's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.. After college, I graduated second in my class from the Florida Highway Patrol Training Academy, where I also earned the school's prestigious Director's Award for leadership.  In five years as a Florida State Trooper, I investigated over a thousand motor vehicle accidents, and participated in hundreds of criminal arrests.. Building on my law enforcement career, I earned my law degree from Samford University's Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2001.  After a short stint in Manhattan, New York, I returned to Florida and founded Browning Law Firm, P.A. in Fort Walton Beach.. I am married to Elizabeth Ward Browning and we have two beautiful children, Isla Grace and Tice Browning.

I am a born and raised local here on Florida's Emerald Coast, and am proud to serve my local community, as well as our large and growing military commmunity and the out-of-town folks who come to enjoy our area on vacation.. Although I began my career as a prosecutor, I turned to private practice where I can be, and have been, an effective advocate for those who find themselves entangled in the criminal justice system. Throughout my career I have handled thousands of cases, ranging from misdemeanors and DUIs to the most serious of felony charges. While I primarily focus my practice in the area of DUIs and criminal defense, I also dedicate a part of my practice to defending civil Injunctions and No-Contact Orders.. Though not exhaustive, examples of the many cases I have handled inlcude: Battery, Assault, DUI and DUI Hearings to get your license back, Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP), Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Sale/Manufacture/Delivery of Controlled Substances, Drug Trafficking, Domestic Violence Battery, Disorderly Conduct,  Sex Crimes, Child Abuse, Traffic Tickets such as Hit and Run or Fleeing & Eluding Police, Receiving Stolen Property, Criminal Mischief, Solicitation, BUI, Rape & Sexual Assault, Concealed Weapons, Public Intoxication, Resisting Arrest and Theft/Shoplifting.

Criminal defense is my passion. Our practice is team-oriented and the only law we practice is criminal defense. This heightened focus on one specific area of law means staying up to date with changing case law, constructing creative defenses, and exhausting every possible avenue to defend my clients. As an officer of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and active member of organizations such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, I stay up to date on current legal issues and continually expands upon my skills as an attorney.. As a client, you will have access to me personally. I will work with you and for you to ensure your goals are achieved. No one plans to hire a criminal defense attorney. My goals and the strategies that we have in place at Flaherty Defense Firm provide an aggressive approach that you need to fight for your freedom.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Fort Walton Beach and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Fort Walton Beach and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Fort Walton Beach and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Fort Walton Beach and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Fort Walton Beach and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Fort Walton Beach and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Fort Walton Beach and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Fort Walton Beach and surrounding areas.