Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hillsborough County, Florida

Lawyer Legion connects people with attorneys who are best-suited to solve their legal problems. We have curated a list of over 500 criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Hillsborough County, Florida. We scored each lawyer based on purely objective criteria such as: specialty certifications, distinguished fellowships, professional involvement, community leadership, speaking engagements, and other merit-based criteria. In addition, a smaller emphasis is placed on subjective criteria such as: peer endorsements, user reviews, case results, profile completion, and activity on our platform.

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a crime, consider using Lawyer Legion to discover and connect with criminal defense lawyers in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida who are ready to help.

Law Firms Practicing Criminal Defense in Hillsborough County, FL

Sammis Law Firm

Hunt Law

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hillsborough County, FL

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Tampa
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Hillsborough County, FL Legal Resources
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Hillsborough County Government and Court Resources

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Tampa

Lawyer Legion Top Picks for 2026

Lawyer Legion created this list of the top picks in 2026 for the best criminal defense attorneys in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida. To rank the top criminal defense attorneys and other lawyers in Hillsborough County, Florida, we used both objective and subjective criteria.

The top criminal defense attorneys were selected based on their career accomplishments, success in high profile cases, professional involvement, community leadership, and board certification.

This list represents some of the most highly accomplished criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Hillsborough County, Florida. When reviewing this list, please be aware of each of the following:

Lawyers cannot pay to be included in this list.
Only lawyers who are active on Lawyer Legion were selected.
No online directory can accurately determine a list of attorneys who are actually “the best” at practicing criminal defense (but our list comes close).

Showing attorneys 1–12 out of 250

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Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL) - The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL) was founded in 1988. Since its creation, FACDL has continued to promote excellence in the practice of criminal law and protect the rights of the accused. Its members includes public and private criminal justice attorneys serving the needs of the criminal defense bar in Florida. The FACDL offers attorneys listings for criminal defense attorneys on their website.

The Florida Bar Criminal Law Section - The Florida Bar Criminal Law Section is a division of The Florida Bar that focuses on improving the practice of criminal law in the state of Florida. This organization is dedicated to promoting high standards of professionalism, competence, and integrity among criminal law practitioners. It provides education, resources, and networking opportunities for its members, including attorneys, judges, and law students interested in criminal law. The section also works to enhance the administration of justice and support the development of sound public policy related to criminal law. Additionally, the section actively participates in legislative processes by reviewing and proposing changes to criminal law legislation.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) - Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.

Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense

Criminal Trial Law - The field of criminal law as a specialty practice area for certification was originally established in 1987. The Florida Board of Legal Specialization and Education (BLSE) of The Florida Bar governs the rules and policies for each of the certification areas. An attorney who is a member in good standing and has met the requirements for certification may be issued an appropriate certificate identifying the lawyer as either "Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law" or "Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law."

Criminal Appellate Law - The standards for board certification in criminal appellate law can be found in Rule 6-8. The purpose of the standards is to identify those lawyers who practice criminal law and have the special knowledge, skills, and proficiency, as well as the character, ethics, and reputation for professionalism, to be properly identified to the public as a board-certified in appellate law. Also, the certification is awarded by the Florida Board of Legal Specialization and Education (BLSE).

Juvenile Law - Learn more about how attorneys can become Board Certification in Juvenile Law in Florida. The minimum standards for juvenile law certification are explained in Rule 6-29.3. Task requirements include handling of at least 10 fully adjudicated trials or appellate proceedings arising from petitions for dependency, termination of parental rights, or delinquency, of which occurred during the five years immediately preceding application.

Criminal Trial Law - The specialty area of Criminal Trial Law is offered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) to lawyers. To earn NBTA board certification, the criminal defense attorney must show substantial involvement in at least 45 days of trial, must have served as lead counsel in jury cases through verdict; conducted direct examinations and cross-examinations, and conducted a specified number of voir dire, opening statements and closing arguments.

DUI Defense Law - The National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD) is an organization that grants specialty or board certification for DUI Defense Law. The ABA has recognized the NCDD as an organization that is accredited to award certification in this specialty area of the law. The purpose of granting board certification in DUI Defense Law is to recognize DUI and DWI lawyers who focus their practice on representing men and women accused of drunk and impaired driving offenses. In order to qualify for board certification in "DUI Defense Law," the attorney must meet specific qualifications and apply for board certification with NCDD.

Hillsborough County Government and Court Resources

Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office
Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office
Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
Hillsborough County Departments
Federal Courts in Hillsborough County, FL

Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office

Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office - The Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office in Tampa, Florida, provides legal defense services to those who cannot afford an attorney. The office includes divisions for criminal defense, juvenile cases, and appeals. It is dedicated to protecting clients' rights and ensuring fair legal proceedings. With a team of experienced attorneys and support personnel, the office handles a significant number of cases annually. Their mission is to offer effective legal representation and uphold the principles of justice and equity.

Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office
700 E Twiggs Street, 5th Floor
Tampa, FL 33672
Phone: 813-272-5980

Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office

Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office - The Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit of Florida covers Hillsborough County and is located in Tampa. The agency prosecutes criminal cases and supports crime victims. It includes divisions for Criminal, Juvenile, and Civil matters. The office is committed to maintaining justice and public safety through diligent legal efforts. With a dedicated team of attorneys and support staff, it manages a significant number of cases each year, working to serve the community and uphold the rule of law.

Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office
419 N Pierce St
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: 813-272-5400

Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida

Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida - The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court for Hillsborough County located in Tampa, Florida, offers judicial services for criminal, civil, family, and probate cases. The court is dedicated to ensuring fair and impartial justice, protecting legal rights, and serving the community. With experienced judges and support staff, the court handles a significant number of cases annually. It strives to deliver effective judicial services and uphold the principles of justice.

Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
800 E Twiggs St
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: 813-272-5894

Hillsborough County Departments

Hillsborough County Departments - Hillsborough County departments provide services in health, public works, and law enforcement. These agencies operate under the guidance of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, striving to enhance community well-being through strategic service implementation. They are committed to creating a vibrant, safe, and prosperous community for all residents.

Federal Courts in Hillsborough County, FL

U.S. District Court - Middle District of Florida - The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, established in 1962, serves a broad swath of central Florida through its divisions in Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, and Ocala. This court handles a large volume of federal civil and criminal cases, including commercial litigation, immigration matters, drug and firearm offenses, and constitutional challenges. With a jurisdiction covering populous counties and a diverse legal landscape, it is one of the busiest federal courts in the country, supported by numerous Article III and magistrate judges.

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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida

Law Firms Practicing Criminal Defense in Hillsborough County, FL

Sammis Law Firm

Hunt Law

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hillsborough County, FL

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Tampa

David Christopher Hardy

Benjamin Stechschulte

Jason Daniel Sammis

Patrick B. Courtney

Jenny Marie Thomas

Leslie M. Sammis

William Hanlon

W F "Casey" Ebsary Jr

Joshua Lopes Monteiro

Jack Ruffin Hunt

Randall Carlton Grantham

Thomas C Grajek

Search Directory for Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hillsborough County, FL

Criminal Defense Lawyers by Cities in Hillsborough County, FL

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Counties Near Hillsborough County

Criminal Defense Lawyers by Practice Area

Criminal Defense Lawyers by Specialty

Hillsborough County, FL Criminal Defense Legal Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense

Hillsborough County Government and Court Resources

Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office

Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office

Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida

Hillsborough County Departments

Federal Courts in Hillsborough County, FL

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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida

Law Firms Practicing Criminal Defense in Hillsborough County, FL

Sammis Law Firm

Hunt Law

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hillsborough County, FL

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Tampa

David Christopher Hardy

Benjamin Stechschulte

Jason Daniel Sammis

Patrick B. Courtney

Jenny Marie Thomas

Leslie M. Sammis

William Hanlon

W F "Casey" Ebsary Jr

Joshua Lopes Monteiro

Jack Ruffin Hunt

Randall Carlton Grantham

Thomas C Grajek

Search Directory for Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hillsborough County, FL

Criminal Defense Lawyers by Cities in Hillsborough County, FL

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Counties Near Hillsborough County

Criminal Defense Lawyers by Practice Area

Criminal Defense Lawyers by Specialty

Hillsborough County, FL Criminal Defense Legal Resources

Lawyer Insights

Florida s New Domestic Violence Law (HB 277): Major Changes Taking Effect July 1, 2026

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense

Hillsborough County Government and Court Resources

Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office

Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office

Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida

Hillsborough County Departments

Federal Courts in Hillsborough County, FL

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