

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.
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
Disorderly Intoxication at Beachcomber on St. Pete Beach Dismissed
Facts:
My client was on vacation with his wife on St. Pete Beach. He lives out of state and it was his first time visiting the area. He drank way too much at the Post Card Inn and was trespassed. He walked back to the Beachcomber Hotel and tried to keep drinking there. The staff became concerned about his behavior and called the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. He was arrested for disorderly intoxication and taken to the Pinellas County Jail.
The Case:
My client had no prior record and had a significant job that […]
First Time DUI Reduced to Careless Driving!
Facts:
My client was driving his friend home and allegedly took too wide of a turn. A patrol deputy from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office saw the wide turn and started following him. As my client drove, the deputy said that his tires touched the white line twice. The deputy stopped him.
My client stated that he was taking his friend home and that they had consumed a few drinks at his home beforehand. The deputy asked him out of the car and had him perform field sobriety tests. He was then arrested for […]
Warrant from 2003 Dismissed for Out of State Resident
Facts:
My client used to live in Clearwater many years ago in 2003. Apparently, he wrote a check to Publix that bounced. The case was sent to the State Attorney’s Office and they filed a felony charge against him. By that time, he had already moved out of state and never knew about it.
Recently, he had a background check performed that discovered the warrant. He decided to be proactive and get it handled. He hired me.
The Case:
I reached out to the prosecutor who handles the old felony warrants. She assigned an […]
Latest News
What to Do If You’ve Been Arrested During Spring Break in Pinellas County
If you or your child have been arrested on Spring Break in Pinellas County, Florida then they will need a quick defense. Here's what you can do.
St. Petersburg Police Crack Down on Street Racing After Teen Boy’s Death
The St. Petersburg Police Department is ramping up regulations on street racing following the death of 13-year-old Ethan Martin.
Law Enforcement in Pinellas County Cracking Down on Golf Carts
If you've been arrested while driving a golf cart in Pinellas County, please contact our Pinellas County criminal defense attorneys.
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.