Clearwater Criminal Defense Attorney

Protecting Your Rights and Your Future

If you have been investigated for or charged with a crime in Clearwater, Florida, contact us online or call our law firm as soon as possible at (727) 381-2300. We offer a free initial consultation and can usually get you in immediately for an appointment.

Sean McQuaid has been successfully defending people charged with crimes in Clearwater for over 19 years. Given his experience and connections, Mr. McQuaid is reasonably priced for the quality of legal services that he provides. Mr. McQuaid is highly respected by the State Attorney’s Office and the Judges at the Pinellas Justice Center on 49th St. He has received preeminent rankings from many legal review sources that research feedback from his peers, the judges he practices in front of, and his clients. Mr. McQuaid is a named partner at Battaglia Ross Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., which for over 60 years has been providing the Tampa Bay area with exceptional legal service.

Contact an Clearwater Criminal Defense Attorney Today, We Offer a Free Initial Consultation

No matter how serious or seemingly innocuous the charges may be, it is important to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

• Do not talk to the police without an attorney by your side.
• Do not assume that there is nothing an attorney can do for you.

Criminal Defense Attorney Sean K McQuaid provides aggressive, intelligent, and effective defense of both state and federal criminal charges. If you have been arrested, call our firm at  (727) 381-2300. Or if you prefer, contact our law firm online. We offer you a free initial consultation to discuss your charges.

We defend clients charged with criminal offenses in Clearwater and beyond.

Assault and Battery

If you’re facing allegations of Assault or Battery in Clearwater, FL, 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.

They will be your advocate from start to finish, dealing with the fine points of Florida law while gathering all the necessary evidence to help serve for your defense.

An Assault and Battery Criminal Defense Attorney will:

• Navigate treacherous Florida Law with expert knowledge
• Handle the paperwork and procedures on your behalf
• Fight for your innocence or minimize charges
• Avoid prison or jail by using their experience to bargain for alternative sentences
• Attempt to bring justice without setting foot in court
• Make use of their strong and trusted connections in the legal system
• Attempt to keep your criminal record clean

If you’re in a position where your future is in jeopardy, then you have nothing to lose. Using a Criminal Defense Lawyer will give you a chance to save your future and bring you hope.

Criminal Defense Attorney Sean McQuaid with Battaglia Ross Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. has been repeatedly recognized by his peers, courts and the community as a premiere lawyer in Criminal Defense Law.

Boating Under the Influence (BUI)

In Clearwater, FL, Boating Under the Influence convictions can severely affect your future. Criminal records, probation, fines, legal costs, community service, alcohol counseling courses and potentially incarceration are all possibilities.

A BUI Criminal Defense Attorney can help minimize these penalties to help your future remain as free as possible.  Florida is working hard to cut down the number of boating accidents, so BUIs are much more common. A Criminal Defense Lawyer can fight on your behalf to get the charge dismissed or reduced. A lawyer will handle all the paperwork and court appearances to protect your future.

It’s natural to have confusion or concerns surrounding your charges, but we can help you from start to finish. Contact Sean McQuaid from Battaglia Ross Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. for a free consultation today to fight for you.

Burglary and Trespass

If you’re facing charges of burglary or trespassing in Clearwater, FL, then your future is in jeopardy, and the only way to save it is through a successful defense. Hiring a premiere Pinellas County criminal defense attorney is your best chance to clear your name. Sean McQuaid has held the ‘Florida Super Lawyer’ title since 2014 and will fight for you. As your burglary and trespass defense lawyer he will:

• Navigate complicated Florida Law with expert knowledge
• Handle the paperwork and procedures on your behalf
• Arrange for your release from jail so you can be present for your defense.
• Fight for your innocence or minimize charges
• Avoid prison by using his experience to gain alternative sentences
• Utilize his strong and trusted connections in the legal system
• Attempt to keep your criminal record as clean as possible
• Guide you through the process and be your advocate from start to finish.

You can contact Sean McQuaid at Battaglia Ross Dicus & McQuaid, P.A today to begin your defense.

Child Neglect

If you are falsely accused of child neglect or abuse in Clearwater, FL, then you deserve to have the charges dropped. Your future is at stake as a criminal record, fines and potential prison sentence can cause long-term turmoil. Criminal defense attorney Sean McQuaid will investigate your case and fight to prove whether the accusations are false or exaggerated.

A Child Neglect and Abuse Defense Attorney will:

• Navigate complicated Florida Law with expert knowledge
• Fight to clear your name of any unfounded allegations
• Collect the evidence that will help your defense
• Handle paperwork and procedures on your behalf
• Minimize any penalties
• Attempt to drop charges without even going to court

The importance of a criminal defense lawyer in a child abuse case can’t be stressed enough. You owe it to your children to make the matter right.

Domestic Battery

Domestic battery crimes often last just a few seconds but cause long-lasting damage to all involved. Heated arguments can suddenly result in a police call that mandates an arrest and leaves the accused facing charges.

Police in Clearwater, FL 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 Clearwater, FL, the penalties can be particularly severe even for a trace amount.

Fortunately, there are many defenses to these charges and we are often successful in getting the State not to prosecute. Some common defenses are to challenge the search or the State’s ability to prove knowledge and possession of the drug. 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 Clearwater Florida are felonies that are vigorously prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office and United States Attorney’s Office. The punishments for these crimes are also harsh as judges and prosecutors often have little sympathy for those convicted of these types of crimes. A drug sales and manufacturing lawyer in Pinellas County can fight for your rights and prepare a defense strategy that can significantly reduce your penalties.

Drug Trafficking

In Clearwater Florida, drug trafficking crimes are treated with harsh penalties in an attempt to stop the source of our state’s drug problems. Whether the drugs involved were marijuana, cocaine, pills or medications, being convicted will drastically change the guilty person’s life. Drug trafficking is Florida’s most serious drug crime.

Time and time again it’s been seen that the only way to minimize penalties for drug trafficking crimes is through the aggressive support of an experienced and successful drug trafficking attorney.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

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. This combination means that there are literally tens of thousands of people living in Pinellas County that have been charged with DUI. These can be your neighbors, friends or relatives, but you just never know because it isn’t a subject that is talked about. I tell clients that you would be shocked about how anyone in our community could have a DUI in their past.

Gun & Weapon Charges

Gun and weapon offenses in Clearwater Florida are usually 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. If you’re facing charges for a gun or weapon crime, then your future is at stake. Penalties are bad enough, but damage to employment chances and a criminal record are things that may haunt you for life.

Juvenile Crimes

When a parent discovers that their child has been arrested for a juvenile crime in Clearwater, 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. With the help of a reputable juvenile criminal defense attorney, you can be guided from day one through the process of defending your child’s future and putting them onto a more healthy path.

Traffic Offenses

Traffic offenses in Pinellas County tend to be underestimated and seen as only minor violations of the law. Drivers often bite the bullet, show up in court without a lawyer, pay the fine and move on. 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. Don’t just fall on the mercy of the court simply because you are charged with a traffic offense. A traffic offense attorney can answer any questions and offer advice that will save you thousands in fines and insurance increases.

Violation 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 is when a person fails to meet the required terms of their probation. Probation is not always easy because probation officers can be unreasonable, tough to reach, and constantly rotate. So, what one probation officer told you is not always honored by another. The process can be extremely frustrating. 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 theft crimes involving deception, fraud and embezzlement. These offenses frequently involve businesses, real estate, investments or the elderly. We’re aware of how difficult it can be for you and your family if you’re facing charges for a white collar crime in Clearwater, but Sean McQuaid can protect your future through an aggressive, well-prepared defense.