Best Attorney/Law Firm
2019 & 2020
“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
“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
Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A.
5858 Central Ave suite d
St. Petersburg, FL 33707
(727) 381-2300
smcqu@brdwlaw.com
“Welcome to my site and I would be honored to handle your case. I understand how difficult a criminal charge can be and the stress that affects clients and their families throughout the process. My job is to alleviate the burden and to produce a strategy that will provide a path to either getting charges dismissed or a lenient disposition. I know what types of cases require fighting, which require hand-holding, and which require minimizing the penalties. I am not afraid to challenge the Judge or the State 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. I have observed that many of my clients find themselves in bad situations because of drugs, alcohol, and by associating with people who are negative influences. Often, drug rehab or counseling is a good approach because while it does not admit guilt, the effort is always appreciated as reassurance that the problem is being addressed.
I have developed a successful practice and premier reputation by being honest with my clients and putting their interests first, which is rare in the criminal defense business. You will always know where you stand with me and I return phone calls or texts promptly. I look forward to helping you throughout this difficult time and thank you in advance for trusting me with this important task.”
~ Sean K. McQuaid
St Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney Sean K McQuaid
A Division of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A.
“Welcome to my site and I would be honored to handle your case. I understand how difficult a criminal charge can be and the stress that affects clients and their families throughout the process. My job is to alleviate the burden and to produce a strategy that will provide a path to either getting charges dismissed or a lenient disposition. I know what types of cases require fighting, which require hand-holding, and which require minimizing the penalties. I am not afraid to challenge the Judge or the State 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. I have observed that many of my clients find themselves in bad situations because of drugs, alcohol, and by associating with people who are negative influences. Often, drug rehab or counseling is a good approach because while it does not admit guilt, the effort is always appreciated as reassurance that the problem is being addressed.
I have developed a successful practice and premier reputation by being honest with my clients and putting their interests first, which is rare in the criminal defense business. You will always know where you stand with me and I return phone calls or texts promptly. I look forward to helping you throughout this difficult time and thank you in advance for trusting me with this important task.”
~ 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
Latest News
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 hospital, but he was so out of it, there wasn't much of an investigation for a DUI. The hospital performed a blood draw on him for medical purposes. He was released from the hospital the next day. He was lucky that he was not badly injured. He was not arrested. The Case: The Trooper sent the DUI case over to the State Attorney's Office. They sent my client a notice that they were seeking his medical records. I knew that wouldn't be good, so we objected to the subpoena. We then had a hearing to determine if there was probable cause for a DUI to get the records. Unfortunately for my client, the Trooper saw a lot of signs of impairment and they were able to get the records. Once the records were obtained by the State, it showed that my client had a blood alcohol level of .356. Even worse, he had a prior DUI. It did not look good, so I had him immediately start with DUI school, alcohol treatment, and he did the victim impact panel. I knew it would be a case where he could go to jail, so we really had to be on the ball. I sent a request to the prosecutor to resolve the case in a way that he did not have to go to jail. The Result: We worked out a deal that in lieu of jail time, he would have to wear the Continuous Alcohol Monitor (CAM) on his ankle for 60 days. My client was thrilled. He got lucky. The best news from the case is that my client stopped drinking and got away from the service industry. He is clean and sober and really changed his life for the better after this incident that could have been a lot worse.
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 the paperwork. Being able to drive was essential for J.H. to get to work. After he got his hardship, we got to work on his case. Reduction to Reckless Driving: Because the crash was serious, J.H. was not eligible for the DUI diversion program in Pinellas County ("D.R.O.P."). Yet, we still had J.H. enroll in DUI school, complete a MADD Victim Impact Panel and start on community service while we waited on the police report and DUI videos. When the video from FHP came back, we noticed the police report did not match the video. Because the trooper did not accurately document his investigation, this gave us the leverage, along with the mitigation, to get J.H.'s case reduced. Additionally, even though there was a serious crash I was able to convince the prosecutor to not impose jail time or a CAM (alcohol monitor). Benefits of a Reckless Driving Outcome: Because his case was reduced from a DUI to a reckless driving, J.H. avoided having a DUI conviction on his record, another driver's license suspension, and the expensive insurance requirements related to a DUI conviction (FR-44). Additionally, should J.H. ever get another DUI, he will avoid the enhanced penalties for a repeat offender. In all, J.H. was ecstatic to avoid a DUI. He is in his 20's and a DUI conviction would have seriously affected the rest of his life.
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 not want to seek invasive treatment for her injuries due to her concerns for her unborn child. I was able to convince the insurance company that our client was deserving of the policy limits in her case which covered her medical expenses, including her ambulance, emergency room visit, and chiropractic treatment. Additionally, my client received compensation for her pain and suffering. While her personal injury case was ongoing, I guided S.C. through the process to get a valid driver's license. Once she was able to get her license. I was able to convince the prosecutor to drop the criminal charge to a civil infraction. This saved S.C. over $300 in fines as well as avoided a criminal charge which could impact her future. End Result: S.C. was ecstatic with the result. She received compensation for her injuries and does not have a criminal record.
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.