Best Attorney/Law Firm
2019, 2020 & 2021
“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
2019, 2020 & 2021
“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
New Felony DUI Second Violation and Violation of Probation Avoids Prison Time
The Initial Case:
Our client placed on probation last year after he was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance (Fentanyl) and his second DUI. We represented him on this charge and he was given a withhold of adjudication and placed on probation to address his substance abuse problem
The Violation and New Charges:
Unfortunately, our client relapsed roughly six months later. He arrested after a concerned citizen reported that he was swerving all over the road. When law enforcement stopped him, he was under the influence of multiple drugs including fentanyl and cocaine. He did not do well on field sobriety exercises and was arrested. When law enforcement searched his vehicle, they found cocaine and fentanyl and drug paraphernalia. Essentially, he was arrested for the same thing he was placed on probation for which is never good. Our client was placed in custody and the judge refused to give him a bond on his violation of probation case. This meant he had to stay in jail until his case was over. In all, our client was now facing felony DUI, felony possession of controlled substance, and a felony violation of probation.
The Plea Deal:
Our client’s family contacted us immediately after he was put into custody. We got to work looking at treatment options to address his substance problem and also try to keep our client out of prison. Because this was his second DUI and second felony arrest within a year it was clear he was in serious trouble. Fortunately, we were able to find a sober living facility that was willing to take our client as well as a substance abuse counselor that provided both in-patient and out-patient options. We had our client evaluated while he was in jail and he was accepted into both. Ultimately, because of the evaluation and treatment we had lined up we were able to give our client one more chance to address his substance abuse issues while avoiding prison.
Disorderly Conduct Charge in St Petersburg Dismissed
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.
VOP for DUI Resolved for Client on Probation for Multiple Drug Charges
Facts:
Our client is a young man who was placed on probation for multiple drug charges involving marijuana and cocaine by a previous lawyer.
One evening, he was heading to get fast food at a drive-thru and was stopped by the St. Petersburg Police Department. He was arrested for DUI because they believed that he was high on marijuana. The DUI arrest triggered a VOP on his pending probation. The judge did not give him a bond.
It was the second time that he had violated his probation, so we were worried about what the judge would do to him.
The Case:
Our client hired us and we looked at the background and the facts. He wanted to get out of jail as soon as possible and protect his record. We went to court on his behalf and worked out a deal. We were able to reinstate his probation and get him a 60 day jail sentence. Since he had already been in jail for 46 days, serving another two weeks in order to resolve the case was a good outcome. The best part of the deal was that we were able to keep the withhold of adjudications, so he is not a convicted felon.
We are now going to fight the DUI charge and hopefully get it reduced to a reckless driving.
Latest News
Six Attorneys Recognized as Florida Super Lawyers for 2022
Law firm Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. is proud to announce that multiple firm lawyers have earned the title of "Florida Super Lawyers."
Are DUI Breath Test Results Always Accurate?
Breathalyzer accuracy is a major talking point in DUI cases. After an arrest, many people ask us, "are breath test results accurate?"
What Happens During a Florida DUI Traffic Stop?
If you are found to be impaired of 'normal faculties' or with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or above, you will face a conviction and severe penalties.
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
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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.