Success Stories
Ten Attorneys Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 Edition
Ten attorneys from Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. were honored in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers in America for their excellence.
Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. Win Tampa Bay Times “Best of the Best” for 2026 in Defense Law
Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. is proud to announce our eighth consecutive Tampa Bay Times Best of the Best award.
Punishable by Life Felony Dismissed Within a Month
Alec Waid's client called in before he was even arrested after he had to defend himself from another rage-filled driver. Specifically, when the client was driving to work in St Pete with his wife, another car came out of nowhere acting aggressively toward the client--honking his horn, pulling in front of him, and brake checking the client. When they reached a red light, the other driver--in front of the client--rolled his window down and began yelling at and threatening the client. Our client got out of the car afraid of what the other driver would do next. The other driver raised a can of pepper spray and the client used his pepper spray in self-defense. The arrest affidavit claimed the incident was on video and that they had two independent witnesses. Alec was able to make it to court to fight for his client the next morning, ensuring that the judge set a low enough bond for his client to make it home quickly. However, expecting a misdemeanor battery charge, Alec and the client were shocked when officers arrested the client for Burglary [...]
Two Firm Attorneys Appointed to Criminal Law Section Leadership of the St. Petersburg Bar Association
Two St. Petersburg criminal defense attorneys were appointed to leadership roles in the Bar Association’s Criminal Law Section.
Excellence Recognized: Six Attorneys Recognized as 2026 Florida Super Lawyers
Six attorneys at Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. were selected for the 2026 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.
2026 Best Law Firms Awards Recognizes Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A.
we are honored to announce that we have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Awards.
Felonies Dismissed and Battery Reduced in High-Stakes Domestic Case
Facts of the Case: My client was facing devastating felony and misdemeanor charges that put his freedom and entire future at risk. He was initially arrested for False Imprisonment, Domestic Battery by Strangulation, Battery, and a Violation of Pre-Trial Release. Upon release, my client was picked up again for another Violation of Pre-Trial Release and held without bond. The Strategy: My immediate objective was to get my client released. I had him enroll in a BIP, Anger Management, and a Parenting Class while in custody. That in combination with his positive history allowed us to present a compelling argument for reinstatement of bond. From the outset, I recognized that the allegations rested almost entirely on the testimony of the alleged victim. We immediately launched our own diligent investigation, conducting a thorough review of the discovery, the parties' history, and all external evidence. Armed with these findings, I scheduled the alleged victim’s deposition. My strategy was to use the information from our investigation to meticulously expose inconsistent statements and significant issues concerning her credibility and reputation. The Outcome: The deposition was the turning point [...]
Deposition Exposes Witness Credibility Issues and Secures Dismissal
Facts of the Case: My client was facing serious charges - he was initially arrested for Domestic Battery and Tampering with a Witness, which was compounded when he was later charged with a Violation of Pre-Trial Release for allegedly violating the no-contact order. Due to the Violation of Pre-Trial Release, a warrant was issued and his bond was revoked. With three separate charges—a seond degree felony and two first degree misdemeanors —the State was seeking to revoke his bond entirely, threatening significant jail time, and a permanent criminal record that would ruin his professional life. Deposition as a Negotiation Tactic: Our immediate priority was twofold: first, I successfully argued for his bond to be reinstated, securing his freedom while the charges were pending. With him released, I pivoted to an aggressive litigation strategy. I knew the entire case hinged on the credibility of the alleged victim. I immediately scheduled her deposition. My plan was to meticulously expose her inconsistent statements, provable falsehoods, and utter disregard for the court's process, thereby destroying her viability as a State witness. The Outcome: The deposition was the [...]
Inhale/Ingest/Possess Harmful Chemical Dismissed
Facts of the Case: My client, a 22-year-old on vacation in St. Petersburg, was arrested and charged with Inhalation/Ingestion/Possession of a Harmful Chemical Substance, a third-degree felony. The incident put his entire career in jeopardy. This was his first offense, and a felony conviction would have been a devastating blow to his future. The Solution – A Proactive Approach: With the right strategy, I hoped to prevent a permanent stain on my client’s record. Instead of waiting for the State Attorney's Office to file charges, we immediately took a proactive approach. We wanted to demonstrate to the State that this was an isolated incident for a young man who otherwise had a bright future and was remorseful for his actions. I had my client take a series of deliberate steps to show his commitment to making things right. First, he completed a substance abuse evaluation which, as expected, showed no indication of a substance abuse problem. We also obtained a clean drug screen, further supporting the finding from the evaluation. To round out our case, we secured several powerful character reference letters from [...]
Client’s Truck Returned After Forfeiture
Facts: My client's truck was seized by St. Petersburg Police Department (SPPD) following an alleged aggravated assault. The alleged victim claims to have seen my client brandish a firearm through the back window of the truck while both vehicles were on the road. SPPD initiated civil proceedings to seize the vehicle permanently, arguing that it was used as an instrumentality in the commission of a felony. The Solution - Undermining the Instrumentality Argument: Our defense strategy focused on a direct attack against the legal theory that the truck was an "instrumentality of the offense." We argued that the allegations did not support that the vehicle was a tool used to facilitate or commit the alleged crime. We meticulously researched and presented relevant case law, demonstrating a clear legal precedent for distinguishing between a vehicle as a setting versus a vehicle as an instrument. The Outcome: Our defense led to a successful resolution. After reviewing supporting case law, SPPD agreed to release the vehicle. The truck was promptly returned to my client, providing a positive outcome despite the ongoing criminal allegations. This victory was [...]
Potential Life Sentence Reduced to Second Degree Misdemeanor
Facts: My client, who suffers from advanced Parkinson's disease, was charged with Burglary with Battery. The alleged victim claimed our client reached into their car and punched them in the face. A conviction for this charge could have resulted in a life sentence. The Solution: Exposing the Inconsistencies: The claim was particularly unbelievable given my client’s medical condition, which severely impacts his mobility and coordination. The prosecution's case was built on the alleged victim’s credibility, which we identified as a significant weakness. We immediately began building our defense by focusing on the numerous issues with the prosecution’s case. We presented evidence that demonstrated our client's physical limitations due to Parkinson’s, making it highly improbable for him to have committed the alleged battery. We also exposed the alleged victim’s inconsistencies and credibility issues, effectively undermining the state’s case. We presented these issues to the state attorney's office and emphasized that pursuing such a severe felony charge against an elderly man with a debilitating medical condition was unjust. The Outcome: Our persistent defense and the clear weaknesses in the prosecution’s case led to a successful [...]
Mandatory Prison Avoided and Felony Charge Reduced to Misdemeanor
Alec Waid's client was arrested for Felonious Possession of a Firearm, DUI, and Resisting an Officer without Violence. The State charged the Firearm charge with a three-year minimum-mandatory prison sentence. Making matters worse, Alec's client was on probation for a DUI in another county when he was arrested for the new charges in Pinellas. Typically, the client would have been put in custody on a zero bond because of the probation violation. It is also typical for prosecutors to not negotiate away from a prison sentence when a minimum-mandatory charge is picked up while a client is on probation. However, Alec acted fast and got the client admitted to an inpatient treatment program before the out-of-county judge revoked his bond on the probation violation. Because the client did well in the treatment program, the Judge agreed not to take Alec's client into custody. That left the issue of helping the client avoid prison time on the new felony charges in Pinellas County. Through depositions of the officers, Alec was able to identify three viable constitutional violations that could lead to all of the [...]
11 Lawyers Acknowledged in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 Edition
Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. celebrates 11 attorneys recognized in the 2026 editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch.
St. Petersburg Trespassing Charge Against School Employee Dropped
A school employee, arrested for trespassing at a bar on Central Avenue, faced criminal charges over a simple misunderstanding. Our client, for whom English is a second language, was arrested by the St. Petersburg Police Department after a confusing interaction with a bouncer. Our client had paid entry, but when he attempted to come back in after going to a different bar, he was told he could not come in. At the time, he was standing on a public sidewalk—not private property—when the arrest occurred. Our client was worried because of his employment at a local private school. Once we were retained, we immediately reached out to the Pinellas County State Attorney and explained the circumstances from our client's point of view and provided proof that he had paid entry. Additionally, we explained the potential consequences of the charges and that this was a misunderstanding, not a pattern of conduct. Given these facts, the prosecution dropped the case completely.
Warrant Withdrawn – Military Base Access Reinstated
An outstanding arrest warrant for an old traffic offense nearly prevented a proud father from attending his son's graduation from Army basic training. Our firm stepped in to lift the warrant, resolve the case, and ensure he didn't miss this milestone moment. The Problem: Warrant Blocks Base Access Our client had an old, unresolved case for driving on a suspended license in Pinellas County. This resulted in an active bench warrant, making it impossible for him to enter the federal military base to see his son graduate boot-camp. The client, who lives out-of-state, was facing the heartbreaking possibility of missing this once-in-a-lifetime event. The Solution: Withdrawing the Warrant & Using a Plea in Absentia Time was critical. Our criminal defense team immediately contacted the Pinellas County court to set a court date to withdraw the warrant and resolve the underlying case without requiring him to return to Florida. We used a powerful legal tool: the Plea in Absentia (PIA). What is a Plea in Absentia? A Plea in Absentia is a court-approved procedure in Florida that allows a person to resolve a misdemeanor [...]
Charges Dropped or Reduced After DUI at Salty J’s in St. Pete
Facts: My client stopped by Salty J's on 4th St. in St. Petersburg after work. As she pulled out of the small parking lot, she was in a minor accident. Seeing no damage, she began to pull away and the other driver called the police. The St. Petersburg Police Department arrived and my client was investigated for DUI. She was eventually arrested for DUI and leaving the scene. During the search of her car, they found Xanax pills not inside a prescription bottle. Despite the fact that my client told the officers that she had a prescription, she was arrested for a felony possession of a controlled substance too. She was taken to the Pinellas County jail and was eventually released on bond. She then hired me to help. The Case: The easiest part of the case was the felony charge. She immediately provided me with her prescription and that charge was dropped. The case was then reassigned to misdemeanor prosecutors. My client was not eligible for the diversion program in Pinellas called DROP because of the accident. I had her complete DUI [...]
DUI Reduced to Reckless Driving After Fender Bender in St. Pete
Facts: My client was coming home after having drinks. When she stopped for a light, she misjudged the distance and rear ended the car in front of her causing minor damage. She pulled off the road into a parking lot and the other car followed her. The police were called and they began a DUI investigation. She was asked to perform field sobriety tests and she refused. She also refused to blow into the intoxilyzer. She was arrested for DUI and leaving the scene of an accident. They were both misdemeanors. She was also given a ticket for careless driving. The Case: I knew that because of the accident, she would not be eligible for the Pinellas County diversion program called DROP. But, I had her begin all of the conditions that she would have been expected to do in DROP-DUI school, MADD VIP, community service, etc. She completed all the tasks that I gave her. I then wrote a lengthy letter asking the prosecutor to reduce the DUI to a reckless driving. The Result: The prosecutor agreed to reduce the DUI to [...]
Arrest at Joey Brooklyn’s in Downtown St. Pete Dropped
Facts: My client was visiting St. Petersburg on vacation. He went out with a friend in downtown St. Pete. While he was at Joey Brooklyn's, he was asked to leave by security because of his level of intoxication. The security guard got physical and my client was removed. The St. Petersburg Police were nearby, heard the yelling, and responded. They immediately arrested my client for disorderly intoxication. During the arrest, the officer alleged that my client swatted his hand away and tensed up while being handcuffed. My client was charged with two misdemeanors: disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest. He was taken to the Pinellas County Jail where he stayed until he saw a judge the following day. He was released on ROR. The Case: He was assigned a public defender, but was never contacted by them. He got worried about what was going on with the case and hired me to get involved. I immediately contacted the prosecutor and sent a letter explaining the circumstances. My client had no prior record and was injured as a result of the incident. I felt like [...]
Child Abuse Charges Dropped, Extradition Avoided, Probation Violation Dismissed
A chaotic brawl in downtown St. Petersburg can lead to serious, life-altering charges, even when the situation is not as it seems. Our client, a Manatee County resident, and his visiting brother were facing this exact scenario, arrested for child abuse following a public altercation with what turned out to be a 17 year old. The situation was made even more dire because our client was on felony probation for out of state charges. The Stakes Were High: Felony Child Abuse Charges: A conviction would result in a permanent felony record for both brothers, severely impacting their futures. Held Pending Extradition: Our client was being held in Pinellas County with no bond, pending extradition for the probation violation. Revoked Probation: The new arrest triggered a potential violation of our client's probation, meaning he faced significant jail time back home. Our Strategy: Our investigation revealed that the incident was a case of mutual combat, where our client had suffered significant injuries not a malicious act of child abuse. We immediately obtained the medical records from our client which we provided to the prosecutor, highlighting [...]
Two DWLSR Charges – From Potential Felony & Jail Time to Civil Infractions
One of our recent clients was arrested for two criminal DWLSR charges in two months in Pinellas County. As a third-time offender, our client faced a felony charge for one of the charges and a potential mandatory 10-day jail sentence under a new Florida law on the other. The Stakes Were High: A felony conviction carrying a permanent criminal record. A mandatory 10-day jail sentence under a new Florida statute for a third offense. A 5-year license revocation from a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) designation. Our Strategy: After reviewing our client's history, we discovered that his license had been suspended because he had paid a ticket in Palm Beach County, was adjudicated, and labeled a Habitual Traffic Offender. We filed a Motion to Withdraw Plea in Palm Beach County, successfully arguing that our client had not understood the consequences of the original plea. As a result, the HTO designation was removed and our client was able to get a valid license. The Result: Once our client was able to get a valid license, we persuaded the prosecutor to amend the felony charge and [...]
Brother Charged with Brawling Has Case Dropped
Facts: My client was out in downtown St. Petersburg with his brother. The two men are both athletic and big guys. As they were walking to another bar, his brother made a comment to a girl passing by that she was pretty. Apparently, there were two other men with the girl who did not like that. One of the guys walked up to the brother and pushed him. Because my client's brother was so big, the push did not do much and he laughed at the guy. The guy did not like that either, and punched him in the face causing a brawl. St. Pete Police responded immediately and arrested my client. He was charged with brawling, a misdemeanor, and taken to the Pinellas County Jail. The Case: My client had no prior record and was simply trying to defend his brother who had been punched in the face. He was a student and had good grades. I asked for his school records and transcripts. I sent all of the information over to the prosecutor and asked for the charge to be dismissed. [...]
Obstruction Charge on St. Pete Beach Dropped
Facts: My client was visiting and staying in St. Pete Beach for a business trip. While in town, he went to a local restaurant with one of his work partners. The men had dinner and drinks. While at the bar, my client began arguing with some other customers and was asked to leave. The bartender called the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. When the Deputy responded, he approached my client aggressively and asked him for identification. When my client asked why, he was slammed to the ground and arrested for obstruction, a misdemeanor. He was taken to the Pinellas County Jail and posted a $500 bond. Within a few days of the arrest, he found me online and hired me to help. The Case: My client had a good job and was a professional person. It was pretty clear that the Deputy simply didn't have patience for him and jumped the gun on the arrest. I sent a detailed letter explaining the situation and his background. I asked for the obstruction charge to be dropped. The Result: The prosecutor agreed with me and dropped [...]
Disorderly Intoxication Arrest in Downtown St. Pete Dropped
Facts: My client was in downtown St. Pete for the night. He was bar-hopping and drank too much. Eventually, he was asked to leave by security. He started arguing with the security outside, which alerted the St. Pete Police. He was quickly arrested for disorderly intoxication. He was taken to the Pinellas County Jail and released on ROR. He then hired me to help. The Case: The charge was still in the investigation stage by the prosecutor and there was no court date yet. It was good that I was able to get involved early on. The case was not that complicated and I asked the prosecutor to drop the charge based on the fact that he was already punished enough by being arrested. The prosecutor pointed out that he had several prior alcohol-related incidents out of state. The Result: I was able to work out a deal. My client completed 20 hours of community service and the charge was dropped. No formal charges were filed and he never had to go to court.
Arrest for Brawling Outside of Good Night John Boy Dropped
Facts: My client and his wife were out with friends at Good Night John Boy in downtown St. Petersburg. At some point, a drink was spilled and another group of customers started an argument. The argument continued out on the street. After words were exchanged, the other group ran after my client and his wife and a fight ensued. Several people were arrested for disorderly conduct and brawling. My client was arrested for disorderly conduct for brawling and taken to the Pinellas County Jail. He hired me the following day after bonding out. The Case: My client was adamant that he was simply defending his wife and friends. He went to a local business and was able to obtain video footage of the other people running after them and starting the fight. I knew that this evidence would be strong in his favor. I sent a detailed letter to the prosecutor along with the video and asked for the charge to be dismissed. The Result: After the prosecutor reviewed the file, he agreed to dismiss the charge.
Child Abuse Charge on Neighbor’s Teenage Son Dropped
Facts: My client was outside in his neighborhood one evening with his girlfriend. They were hanging out with their neighbors and a group of teenage boys playing basketball. At some point, the neighbor's son and his friends started arguing. My client knows the boy well and went over to calm things down. In the process, the boy said something and my client grabbed him by the neck. Everything settled down and nothing else happened that night. The following day at school, the boy complained to his counselor about being choked by my client. The counselor called the police and the boy's father. The boy's father does not know my client and does not live in the neighborhood. When the police went to the boy's house, he showed them a Ring camera video of my client grabbing him by the neck. Even though both the boy and his mother did not want my client charged, the police arrested him for child abuse. I was hired to defend him. The Case: I did not have access to the video, but the prosecutor said it looked [...]
Success Stories
Ten Attorneys Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 Edition
Ten attorneys from Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. were honored in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers in America for their excellence.
Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. Win Tampa Bay Times “Best of the Best” for 2026 in Defense Law
Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. is proud to announce our eighth consecutive Tampa Bay Times Best of the Best award.
Punishable by Life Felony Dismissed Within a Month
Alec Waid's client called in before he was even arrested after he had to defend himself from another rage-filled driver. Specifically, when the client was driving to work in St Pete with his wife, another car came out of nowhere acting aggressively toward the client--honking his horn, pulling in front of him, and brake checking the client. When they reached a red light, the other driver--in front of the client--rolled his window down and began yelling at and threatening the client. Our client got out of the car afraid of what the other driver would do next. The other driver raised a can of pepper spray and the client used his pepper spray in self-defense. The arrest affidavit claimed the incident was on video and that they had two independent witnesses. Alec was able to make it to court to fight for his client the next morning, ensuring that the judge set a low enough bond for his client to make it home quickly. However, expecting a misdemeanor battery charge, Alec and the client were shocked when officers arrested the client for Burglary [...]
Two Firm Attorneys Appointed to Criminal Law Section Leadership of the St. Petersburg Bar Association
Two St. Petersburg criminal defense attorneys were appointed to leadership roles in the Bar Association’s Criminal Law Section.
Excellence Recognized: Six Attorneys Recognized as 2026 Florida Super Lawyers
Six attorneys at Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. were selected for the 2026 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.
2026 Best Law Firms Awards Recognizes Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A.
we are honored to announce that we have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Awards.
Felonies Dismissed and Battery Reduced in High-Stakes Domestic Case
Facts of the Case: My client was facing devastating felony and misdemeanor charges that put his freedom and entire future at risk. He was initially arrested for False Imprisonment, Domestic Battery by Strangulation, Battery, and a Violation of Pre-Trial Release. Upon release, my client was picked up again for another Violation of Pre-Trial Release and held without bond. The Strategy: My immediate objective was to get my client released. I had him enroll in a BIP, Anger Management, and a Parenting Class while in custody. That in combination with his positive history allowed us to present a compelling argument for reinstatement of bond. From the outset, I recognized that the allegations rested almost entirely on the testimony of the alleged victim. We immediately launched our own diligent investigation, conducting a thorough review of the discovery, the parties' history, and all external evidence. Armed with these findings, I scheduled the alleged victim’s deposition. My strategy was to use the information from our investigation to meticulously expose inconsistent statements and significant issues concerning her credibility and reputation. The Outcome: The deposition was the turning point [...]
Deposition Exposes Witness Credibility Issues and Secures Dismissal
Facts of the Case: My client was facing serious charges - he was initially arrested for Domestic Battery and Tampering with a Witness, which was compounded when he was later charged with a Violation of Pre-Trial Release for allegedly violating the no-contact order. Due to the Violation of Pre-Trial Release, a warrant was issued and his bond was revoked. With three separate charges—a seond degree felony and two first degree misdemeanors —the State was seeking to revoke his bond entirely, threatening significant jail time, and a permanent criminal record that would ruin his professional life. Deposition as a Negotiation Tactic: Our immediate priority was twofold: first, I successfully argued for his bond to be reinstated, securing his freedom while the charges were pending. With him released, I pivoted to an aggressive litigation strategy. I knew the entire case hinged on the credibility of the alleged victim. I immediately scheduled her deposition. My plan was to meticulously expose her inconsistent statements, provable falsehoods, and utter disregard for the court's process, thereby destroying her viability as a State witness. The Outcome: The deposition was the [...]
Inhale/Ingest/Possess Harmful Chemical Dismissed
Facts of the Case: My client, a 22-year-old on vacation in St. Petersburg, was arrested and charged with Inhalation/Ingestion/Possession of a Harmful Chemical Substance, a third-degree felony. The incident put his entire career in jeopardy. This was his first offense, and a felony conviction would have been a devastating blow to his future. The Solution – A Proactive Approach: With the right strategy, I hoped to prevent a permanent stain on my client’s record. Instead of waiting for the State Attorney's Office to file charges, we immediately took a proactive approach. We wanted to demonstrate to the State that this was an isolated incident for a young man who otherwise had a bright future and was remorseful for his actions. I had my client take a series of deliberate steps to show his commitment to making things right. First, he completed a substance abuse evaluation which, as expected, showed no indication of a substance abuse problem. We also obtained a clean drug screen, further supporting the finding from the evaluation. To round out our case, we secured several powerful character reference letters from [...]
Client’s Truck Returned After Forfeiture
Facts: My client's truck was seized by St. Petersburg Police Department (SPPD) following an alleged aggravated assault. The alleged victim claims to have seen my client brandish a firearm through the back window of the truck while both vehicles were on the road. SPPD initiated civil proceedings to seize the vehicle permanently, arguing that it was used as an instrumentality in the commission of a felony. The Solution - Undermining the Instrumentality Argument: Our defense strategy focused on a direct attack against the legal theory that the truck was an "instrumentality of the offense." We argued that the allegations did not support that the vehicle was a tool used to facilitate or commit the alleged crime. We meticulously researched and presented relevant case law, demonstrating a clear legal precedent for distinguishing between a vehicle as a setting versus a vehicle as an instrument. The Outcome: Our defense led to a successful resolution. After reviewing supporting case law, SPPD agreed to release the vehicle. The truck was promptly returned to my client, providing a positive outcome despite the ongoing criminal allegations. This victory was [...]
Potential Life Sentence Reduced to Second Degree Misdemeanor
Facts: My client, who suffers from advanced Parkinson's disease, was charged with Burglary with Battery. The alleged victim claimed our client reached into their car and punched them in the face. A conviction for this charge could have resulted in a life sentence. The Solution: Exposing the Inconsistencies: The claim was particularly unbelievable given my client’s medical condition, which severely impacts his mobility and coordination. The prosecution's case was built on the alleged victim’s credibility, which we identified as a significant weakness. We immediately began building our defense by focusing on the numerous issues with the prosecution’s case. We presented evidence that demonstrated our client's physical limitations due to Parkinson’s, making it highly improbable for him to have committed the alleged battery. We also exposed the alleged victim’s inconsistencies and credibility issues, effectively undermining the state’s case. We presented these issues to the state attorney's office and emphasized that pursuing such a severe felony charge against an elderly man with a debilitating medical condition was unjust. The Outcome: Our persistent defense and the clear weaknesses in the prosecution’s case led to a successful [...]
Mandatory Prison Avoided and Felony Charge Reduced to Misdemeanor
Alec Waid's client was arrested for Felonious Possession of a Firearm, DUI, and Resisting an Officer without Violence. The State charged the Firearm charge with a three-year minimum-mandatory prison sentence. Making matters worse, Alec's client was on probation for a DUI in another county when he was arrested for the new charges in Pinellas. Typically, the client would have been put in custody on a zero bond because of the probation violation. It is also typical for prosecutors to not negotiate away from a prison sentence when a minimum-mandatory charge is picked up while a client is on probation. However, Alec acted fast and got the client admitted to an inpatient treatment program before the out-of-county judge revoked his bond on the probation violation. Because the client did well in the treatment program, the Judge agreed not to take Alec's client into custody. That left the issue of helping the client avoid prison time on the new felony charges in Pinellas County. Through depositions of the officers, Alec was able to identify three viable constitutional violations that could lead to all of the [...]
11 Lawyers Acknowledged in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 Edition
Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. celebrates 11 attorneys recognized in the 2026 editions of Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch.
St. Petersburg Trespassing Charge Against School Employee Dropped
A school employee, arrested for trespassing at a bar on Central Avenue, faced criminal charges over a simple misunderstanding. Our client, for whom English is a second language, was arrested by the St. Petersburg Police Department after a confusing interaction with a bouncer. Our client had paid entry, but when he attempted to come back in after going to a different bar, he was told he could not come in. At the time, he was standing on a public sidewalk—not private property—when the arrest occurred. Our client was worried because of his employment at a local private school. Once we were retained, we immediately reached out to the Pinellas County State Attorney and explained the circumstances from our client's point of view and provided proof that he had paid entry. Additionally, we explained the potential consequences of the charges and that this was a misunderstanding, not a pattern of conduct. Given these facts, the prosecution dropped the case completely.
Warrant Withdrawn – Military Base Access Reinstated
An outstanding arrest warrant for an old traffic offense nearly prevented a proud father from attending his son's graduation from Army basic training. Our firm stepped in to lift the warrant, resolve the case, and ensure he didn't miss this milestone moment. The Problem: Warrant Blocks Base Access Our client had an old, unresolved case for driving on a suspended license in Pinellas County. This resulted in an active bench warrant, making it impossible for him to enter the federal military base to see his son graduate boot-camp. The client, who lives out-of-state, was facing the heartbreaking possibility of missing this once-in-a-lifetime event. The Solution: Withdrawing the Warrant & Using a Plea in Absentia Time was critical. Our criminal defense team immediately contacted the Pinellas County court to set a court date to withdraw the warrant and resolve the underlying case without requiring him to return to Florida. We used a powerful legal tool: the Plea in Absentia (PIA). What is a Plea in Absentia? A Plea in Absentia is a court-approved procedure in Florida that allows a person to resolve a misdemeanor [...]
Charges Dropped or Reduced After DUI at Salty J’s in St. Pete
Facts: My client stopped by Salty J's on 4th St. in St. Petersburg after work. As she pulled out of the small parking lot, she was in a minor accident. Seeing no damage, she began to pull away and the other driver called the police. The St. Petersburg Police Department arrived and my client was investigated for DUI. She was eventually arrested for DUI and leaving the scene. During the search of her car, they found Xanax pills not inside a prescription bottle. Despite the fact that my client told the officers that she had a prescription, she was arrested for a felony possession of a controlled substance too. She was taken to the Pinellas County jail and was eventually released on bond. She then hired me to help. The Case: The easiest part of the case was the felony charge. She immediately provided me with her prescription and that charge was dropped. The case was then reassigned to misdemeanor prosecutors. My client was not eligible for the diversion program in Pinellas called DROP because of the accident. I had her complete DUI [...]
DUI Reduced to Reckless Driving After Fender Bender in St. Pete
Facts: My client was coming home after having drinks. When she stopped for a light, she misjudged the distance and rear ended the car in front of her causing minor damage. She pulled off the road into a parking lot and the other car followed her. The police were called and they began a DUI investigation. She was asked to perform field sobriety tests and she refused. She also refused to blow into the intoxilyzer. She was arrested for DUI and leaving the scene of an accident. They were both misdemeanors. She was also given a ticket for careless driving. The Case: I knew that because of the accident, she would not be eligible for the Pinellas County diversion program called DROP. But, I had her begin all of the conditions that she would have been expected to do in DROP-DUI school, MADD VIP, community service, etc. She completed all the tasks that I gave her. I then wrote a lengthy letter asking the prosecutor to reduce the DUI to a reckless driving. The Result: The prosecutor agreed to reduce the DUI to [...]
Arrest at Joey Brooklyn’s in Downtown St. Pete Dropped
Facts: My client was visiting St. Petersburg on vacation. He went out with a friend in downtown St. Pete. While he was at Joey Brooklyn's, he was asked to leave by security because of his level of intoxication. The security guard got physical and my client was removed. The St. Petersburg Police were nearby, heard the yelling, and responded. They immediately arrested my client for disorderly intoxication. During the arrest, the officer alleged that my client swatted his hand away and tensed up while being handcuffed. My client was charged with two misdemeanors: disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest. He was taken to the Pinellas County Jail where he stayed until he saw a judge the following day. He was released on ROR. The Case: He was assigned a public defender, but was never contacted by them. He got worried about what was going on with the case and hired me to get involved. I immediately contacted the prosecutor and sent a letter explaining the circumstances. My client had no prior record and was injured as a result of the incident. I felt like [...]
Child Abuse Charges Dropped, Extradition Avoided, Probation Violation Dismissed
A chaotic brawl in downtown St. Petersburg can lead to serious, life-altering charges, even when the situation is not as it seems. Our client, a Manatee County resident, and his visiting brother were facing this exact scenario, arrested for child abuse following a public altercation with what turned out to be a 17 year old. The situation was made even more dire because our client was on felony probation for out of state charges. The Stakes Were High: Felony Child Abuse Charges: A conviction would result in a permanent felony record for both brothers, severely impacting their futures. Held Pending Extradition: Our client was being held in Pinellas County with no bond, pending extradition for the probation violation. Revoked Probation: The new arrest triggered a potential violation of our client's probation, meaning he faced significant jail time back home. Our Strategy: Our investigation revealed that the incident was a case of mutual combat, where our client had suffered significant injuries not a malicious act of child abuse. We immediately obtained the medical records from our client which we provided to the prosecutor, highlighting [...]
Two DWLSR Charges – From Potential Felony & Jail Time to Civil Infractions
One of our recent clients was arrested for two criminal DWLSR charges in two months in Pinellas County. As a third-time offender, our client faced a felony charge for one of the charges and a potential mandatory 10-day jail sentence under a new Florida law on the other. The Stakes Were High: A felony conviction carrying a permanent criminal record. A mandatory 10-day jail sentence under a new Florida statute for a third offense. A 5-year license revocation from a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) designation. Our Strategy: After reviewing our client's history, we discovered that his license had been suspended because he had paid a ticket in Palm Beach County, was adjudicated, and labeled a Habitual Traffic Offender. We filed a Motion to Withdraw Plea in Palm Beach County, successfully arguing that our client had not understood the consequences of the original plea. As a result, the HTO designation was removed and our client was able to get a valid license. The Result: Once our client was able to get a valid license, we persuaded the prosecutor to amend the felony charge and [...]
Brother Charged with Brawling Has Case Dropped
Facts: My client was out in downtown St. Petersburg with his brother. The two men are both athletic and big guys. As they were walking to another bar, his brother made a comment to a girl passing by that she was pretty. Apparently, there were two other men with the girl who did not like that. One of the guys walked up to the brother and pushed him. Because my client's brother was so big, the push did not do much and he laughed at the guy. The guy did not like that either, and punched him in the face causing a brawl. St. Pete Police responded immediately and arrested my client. He was charged with brawling, a misdemeanor, and taken to the Pinellas County Jail. The Case: My client had no prior record and was simply trying to defend his brother who had been punched in the face. He was a student and had good grades. I asked for his school records and transcripts. I sent all of the information over to the prosecutor and asked for the charge to be dismissed. [...]
Obstruction Charge on St. Pete Beach Dropped
Facts: My client was visiting and staying in St. Pete Beach for a business trip. While in town, he went to a local restaurant with one of his work partners. The men had dinner and drinks. While at the bar, my client began arguing with some other customers and was asked to leave. The bartender called the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. When the Deputy responded, he approached my client aggressively and asked him for identification. When my client asked why, he was slammed to the ground and arrested for obstruction, a misdemeanor. He was taken to the Pinellas County Jail and posted a $500 bond. Within a few days of the arrest, he found me online and hired me to help. The Case: My client had a good job and was a professional person. It was pretty clear that the Deputy simply didn't have patience for him and jumped the gun on the arrest. I sent a detailed letter explaining the situation and his background. I asked for the obstruction charge to be dropped. The Result: The prosecutor agreed with me and dropped [...]
Disorderly Intoxication Arrest in Downtown St. Pete Dropped
Facts: My client was in downtown St. Pete for the night. He was bar-hopping and drank too much. Eventually, he was asked to leave by security. He started arguing with the security outside, which alerted the St. Pete Police. He was quickly arrested for disorderly intoxication. He was taken to the Pinellas County Jail and released on ROR. He then hired me to help. The Case: The charge was still in the investigation stage by the prosecutor and there was no court date yet. It was good that I was able to get involved early on. The case was not that complicated and I asked the prosecutor to drop the charge based on the fact that he was already punished enough by being arrested. The prosecutor pointed out that he had several prior alcohol-related incidents out of state. The Result: I was able to work out a deal. My client completed 20 hours of community service and the charge was dropped. No formal charges were filed and he never had to go to court.
Arrest for Brawling Outside of Good Night John Boy Dropped
Facts: My client and his wife were out with friends at Good Night John Boy in downtown St. Petersburg. At some point, a drink was spilled and another group of customers started an argument. The argument continued out on the street. After words were exchanged, the other group ran after my client and his wife and a fight ensued. Several people were arrested for disorderly conduct and brawling. My client was arrested for disorderly conduct for brawling and taken to the Pinellas County Jail. He hired me the following day after bonding out. The Case: My client was adamant that he was simply defending his wife and friends. He went to a local business and was able to obtain video footage of the other people running after them and starting the fight. I knew that this evidence would be strong in his favor. I sent a detailed letter to the prosecutor along with the video and asked for the charge to be dismissed. The Result: After the prosecutor reviewed the file, he agreed to dismiss the charge.
Child Abuse Charge on Neighbor’s Teenage Son Dropped
Facts: My client was outside in his neighborhood one evening with his girlfriend. They were hanging out with their neighbors and a group of teenage boys playing basketball. At some point, the neighbor's son and his friends started arguing. My client knows the boy well and went over to calm things down. In the process, the boy said something and my client grabbed him by the neck. Everything settled down and nothing else happened that night. The following day at school, the boy complained to his counselor about being choked by my client. The counselor called the police and the boy's father. The boy's father does not know my client and does not live in the neighborhood. When the police went to the boy's house, he showed them a Ring camera video of my client grabbing him by the neck. Even though both the boy and his mother did not want my client charged, the police arrested him for child abuse. I was hired to defend him. The Case: I did not have access to the video, but the prosecutor said it looked [...]
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