Awarded Best Attorney for
Best of the Bay 2022
Best Attorney/Law Firm
For Five Consecutive Years!
Awarded Best in
Defense Law 2023
“Excellent Attorney,
I’d hire him.”
“Hands down
the BEST”
“The Crème De La Crème Lawyer”
“A 10.0 Avvo rating
speaks for itself”
Best Attorney/Law Firm
For Five Consecutive Years!
Awarded Best in
Defense Law 2023
Awarded Best Attorney for
Best of the Bay 2022
“Excellent Attorney,
I’d hire him.”
“Hands down
the BEST”
“The Crème De La Crème Lawyer”
“A 10.0 Avvo rating
speaks for itself”
St Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney
Sean K McQuaid
A Division of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A.
St Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney
Sean McQuaid
A Division of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A.
5858 Central Ave suite d
St. Petersburg, FL 33707
(727) 381-2300
Thank you for considering me to handle your case. I understand how difficult a criminal charge can be and how it affects people and their families. My job is to develop a strategy that will provide a path to either getting the charges dismissed or a lenient result. I know what types of situations require fighting, which require hand-holding, and which require minimizing the penalties. I am not afraid to challenge the judge or the prosecutor if I believe they are wrong, but my personal philosophy is that if you have made a mistake, the best approach is to attempt to fix the problem first and then ask for leniency.
Many of my clients are first time offenders or have minimal prior records. Some are young adults who are struggling to find their way. In these circumstances, protecting their record and keeping them out of jail are my main goals. I understand how damaging a criminal conviction can be on a young person and I am routinely trusted to be a positive influence and protector of my client’s future.
I have observed that some of my clients find themselves in bad situations influenced by drugs, alcohol, or by associating with people who are negative influences. Often, getting clean and sober and doing counseling is a good idea because while it does not admit guilt, the effort gives reassurance to the judge and the prosecutor that any problem is being addressed.
I have developed a successful defense practice and premier reputation by being honest with my clients and putting their interests first, which is rare. You will not find other attorneys with the reputation, experience, connections, and compassion that I bring to each case. I look forward to helping you and your family through this difficult time. Thank you in advance for trusting me with this important responsibility.
~ Sean K. McQuaid
St Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney Sean K McQuaid
A Division of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A.
Thank you for considering me to handle your case. I understand how difficult a criminal charge can be and how it affects people and their families. My job is to develop a strategy that will provide a path to either getting the charges dismissed or a lenient result. I know what types of situations require fighting, which require hand-holding, and which require minimizing the penalties. I am not afraid to challenge the judge or the prosecutor if I believe they are wrong, but my personal philosophy is that if you have made a mistake, the best approach is to attempt to fix the problem first and then ask for leniency.
Many of my clients are first time offenders or have minimal prior records. Some are young adults who are struggling to find their way. In these circumstances, protecting their record and keeping them out of jail are my main goals. I understand how damaging a criminal conviction can be on a young person and I am routinely trusted to be a positive influence and protector of my client’s future.
I have observed that some of my clients find themselves in bad situations influenced by drugs, alcohol, or by associating with people who are negative influences. Often, getting clean and sober and doing counseling is a good idea because while it does not admit guilt, the effort gives reassurance to the judge and the prosecutor that any problem is being addressed.
I have developed a successful defense practice and premier reputation by being honest with my clients and putting their interests first, which is rare. You will not find other attorneys with the reputation, experience, connections, and compassion that I bring to each case. I look forward to helping you and your family through this difficult time. Thank you in advance for trusting me with this important responsibility.
~ Sean K. McQuaid
St Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney Sean McQuaid
Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A.
5858 Central Ave suite d
St. Petersburg, FL 33707
(727) 381-2300
smcqu@brdwlaw.com
Success Stories
DUI With BAC of .365 Resolved for No Jail Time
Facts:
My client has struggled with drinking for a while. He worked in the service industry and was around alcohol all the time. He clearly had a problem.
One night after work, many of the workers stayed on after and kept drinking. They had a little party. My client drank way too much and drove home. On the way home, he lost control of his car, drove off the road, and smashed into a bunch of bushes. He was taken to the hospital. The Trooper from Florida Highway Patrol followed him to the […]
DUI With Serious Crash Reduced to Reckless Driving. No Jail or Cam Monitor.
The Accident:
J.H. called after he was arrested for DUI. He lost control of his vehicle during heavy rain and hit another car on I-275. The other car had serious damage and the other driver was injured. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) investigated the case and arrested him for driving under the influence. J.H. refused to provide a breath sample. After his arrest, he reached out seeking help.
Hardship License:
Because this was his first DUI, we were able to help J.H. get a hardship license right away by getting him enrolled in DUI school and helping him with […]
Client Driving Without a License Gets Policy Limits. Criminal Charges Dropped.
The Accident:
I had the pleasure of representing S.C. after she was t-boned by another driver. Unfortunately, S.C. was injured because of the other’s driver’s negligence. But, she did not have a driver’s license. When police arrived, they documented her injuries, but cited her with the criminal charge of No Valid Driver’s License (F.S. 322.03). S.C. had no prior record and a baby on the way so avoiding a criminal charge was extremely important to her.
After the accident, S.C. called seeking help with her injury and criminal cases.
The Case:
Luckily, S.C.’s baby was not impacted. But, she did […]
Latest News
How Long Does a DUI Case Take in Pinellas County
Determining how long your DUI case in Pinellas County will take is affected by the severity of your charges. Here is an overview of how long a case takes:
When Do I Get a Court Date After an Arrest in Florida?
After an arrest in Florida, you don’t automatically get a court date. This gives you a chance to get the case dropped if you move quickly. Most people do not understand that you should not wait for a court date. Be proactive! After the arrest, there is a process. The case gets assigned to a prosecutor. The prosecutor investigates the case and makes a decision on whether to file a charge. Once the charge is filed, the clerk of court will send you a court date. It is during the prosecutor’s investigation stage that your attorney can reach out and influence the case. In most cases, a criminal defense lawyer can do more during this stage than at any other point in the case. If you want to have the charge dropped or knocked down, your best chance is to hire a lawyer BEFORE you get a court date. You Don’t Want to Get a Court Date! You don’t want a court date because that means that a prosecutor has already reviewed the file and has decided that he/she can prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecutor files an Information, which serves as the official charging document. The prosecutor has now put his/her name and reputation on the line. The prosecutor is now invested in the case and wants to win it. That’s not good for you. You want to avoid this from happening. The easier route is to convince them not to file the criminal charge in the first place and avoid a battle. Or, convince the prosecutor that you deserve leniency. How Long Does It Take to Get a Court Date? The prosecutor has 90 days to file a charge against you for a misdemeanor and 175 days for a felony. But, they usually don’t take nearly that long to make a decision. And, don’t listen to the deputies at the jail. They always tell you that you will get a court date in a couple of weeks. They don’t know what they are talking about. Do not sit back and wait for the court date. You are missing a prime chance to help yourself. What Charges Can Be Dropped Without Getting a Court Date? Most charges are able to be dropped before getting a court date. These include domestic battery, disorderly conduct, and all felony charges. Think of it like this. Any charge that you did not get a citation or Notice to Appear for can be dropped without getting a court date. What Charges Cannot be Dropped Before Getting a Court Date? Most traffic related charges cannot be dropped before getting a court date. These include DUI, racing, driving on a suspended license, and leaving the scene of an accident. The reason why these cannot be dropped before getting a court date is because the ticket serves as the charging document. Therefore, you have already been charged. It is simply up to the clerk to receive the paperwork and pick a court date. Should [...]
How to Beat a Public Intoxication Arrest in Pinellas County
Our Pinellas County public intoxication lawyers can fight fast on your behalf, to clear your name. We welcome you to a free consultation today.
Practice Areas
Assault
& Battery
If you’re facing allegations of Assault and Battery, whether innocent or guilty, then you need an attorney who can fight for your defense. Sean McQuaid can fight to clear your name or minimize penalties, in a period of your life that is likely chaotic and impossible to deal with alone.
Boating Under
the Influence
If you’ve been arrested for Boating Under the Influence or BUI in Pinellas County, Florida, then you need the support of an experienced Boating Under the Influence Defense Attorney to help minimize the penalties and save your future.
Burglary
and Trespass
Burglary and Trespass cases are common in Florida. In 2017, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) documented that over 500,000 property crimes were reported. A burglary and trespassing criminal defense lawyer will fight to minimize penalties and potentially clear your name.
Child Neglect
and Abuse
Child neglect and abuse can be heartbreaking. However, false or exaggerated allegations are sometimes made and that’s when you need a child neglect and abuse attorney. A criminal defense attorney can defend people that have been accused regardless of the situation.
Domestic
Battery
Police in Florida can make arrests based on accusations alone. Often these allegations are exaggerated or unfounded. Fortunately, a domestic battery attorney will fight to reduce penalties and prevent the consequences of a criminal conviction.
Drug
Possession
If you are facing charges of drug possession or possession of a controlled substance in Pinellas County, the penalties can be particularly severe even for a trace amount. It is highly recommended to get support from an experienced drug possession attorney for a realistic shot at defending your future.
Drug Sales
& Manufacturing
Drugs sales and drug manufacturing in Florida are felonies that are vigorously prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office and United States Attorney’s Office. A Drugs sales and drug manufacturing defense attorney can fight for your rights and prepare a defense strategy that can significantly reduce your penalties.
Drug
Trafficking
In Florida, drug trafficking crimes are treated with harsh penalties in an attempt to stop the source of our state’s drug problems. Minimize penalties for drug trafficking crimes by hiring an aggressive drug trafficking attorney.
Driving Under
the Influence
A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrest is a complicated situation to be in and carries an unwanted stigma, but is much more common than one would expect. In Pinellas County alone, there are over 3,000 DUI arrests per year and the Office of the State Attorney has a zero-tolerance policy of prosecution.
Gun & Weapon
Charges
Gun and weapon offenses in Florida are typically felonies that carry severe penalties for those convicted. Florida is supportive of the Second Amendment with more concealed carry permits than any other state in the country, but prosecutors take gun crimes seriously.
Juvenile
Crimes
When a parent discovers that their child has been arrested for a juvenile crime, there is understandably a lot of stress and confusion for the entire family. We know that the number one priority will be protecting your child’s future.
Don’t leave your child’s future to chance. Get the help of a reputable juvenile defense attorney today.
Traffic
Offenses
Traffic offenses in Pinellas County tend to be underestimated and seen as only minor violations of the law. But it’s often overlooked that a traffic violation can significantly increase the penalties for future violations, balloon insurance premiums and add points to your driving record.
Violations
of Probation
Violations of Probation (VOP) carry severe consequences because the court considers defendants to have disregarded the second chance they were given. A probation violation attorney can reduce incarceration, assist in the completion of outstanding conditions, and minimize the consequences.
White Collar
Crimes
A White Collar Crime is a catch-all term for an offense that is considered more sophisticated, planned and done without violence. White Collar Crimes are normally serious felonies and most people accused have little to no prior record. Thus, the consequences of lengthy incarceration, steep fines and restitution can be daunting.
Free
Consultation
We’re aware of how difficult it can be for you and your family if you’re facing charges, but Sean McQuaid can protect your future through an aggressive, well-prepared defense. Contact us today for a free intial consultation.
Criminal Defense Attorney Near Me
We represent clients throughout Pinellas County Florida
Start Planning Your Defense
Please fill out the form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible, fields labelled with a * are required. By submitting this form you are agreeing with our Terms of Use
Pinellas County Criminal Defense Resources
We have compiled a valuable list of helpful resources for you or your loved one’s Pinellas County Criminal Defense case. If you are an existing client, any information or conversations you have should take place with our office first. BE VERY CAREFUL if and when you contact any state or government agency as any conversations you have may be recorded and/or transcribed for law enforcement to use against you.