Craig A. Epifanio

Whenever I became a lawyer I knew that my main goal was to help people. The longer I practiced, I realized that most people that need a lawyer were GOOD people that unfortunately found themselves in the wrong situation. I have applied that philosophy by only representing those that are facing these bad circumstances. Furthermore, I have never changed my commitment to representing those who are accused of crimes, unlike many former prosecutors, whose allegiances were once with the state to prosecute and convict the accused at any cost.

As former President of the Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL), it was my duty to maintain relationships with all involved in the criminal legal community---that includes judges, prosecutors, and other criminal defense attorneys. With over a decade of experience, representing 1000+ clients, and in-depth knowledge of the criminal law, I know the court system and how to get the best resolution possible for each individual client. Since it is so important to trust your lawyer, you will meet directly with me. I will cover all aspects of your case, whether your case is a complex criminal matter in Federal court to a DUI to traffic infractions. No case is too small and this office treats all criminal/DUI/traffic cases as serious. While we are compassionate towards our clients, we take an aggressive stance in defending your case.

Furthermore, while I have a lot of practical legal experience, my clients are like me in that they are down-to-earth everyday people. For example, as an avid motorcycle enthusiast, I often talk to people that have either been accused of crimes on their motorcycle or have been injured by other drivers while on their motorcycle. I am able to personally understand their stories better than most attorneys due to my personal experiences as a rider. Among other pursuits, I often go boating and water skiing as well. Therefore, I deal with and have a better understanding of the BUI (Boating Under the Influence) laws and help clients to avoid the pitfalls of a BUI charge or even a Reckless Boating charge.

Even though I was president of PACDL, I do a significant amount of work in Hillsborough County. This includes Tampa and Plant City. A good relationship has been forged with many of the prosecutors as fellow lawyers in the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office as well. Further, while the bulk of my practice is in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Pasco counties, I have traveled throughout the state to defend people on several matters. Additionally, I have been a member of the Federal court's Middle District of Florida since 2000; thus, I can cover a Federal case from Jacksonville to Orlando to Tampa to Fort Meyers.

I have never been afraid to go to trial, even when the odds are stacked against my client. Whether my client decides to fight his DUI because he knows the machine can't be right, or whether I have to go to Panama on a multi-ton drug trafficking case to help prove my client's innocence. Whether it is an entrapment issue by an officer in the park restroom or a 10-20-Life shooting case, the power of the government is enormous and you need someone on your side.

Initial consultations at our office are always free. So please call our office regarding your legal issue in the St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa area to set up an appointment to meet me at my St. Petersburg location or at satellite offices in Tampa or Largo.

I defend those charged with all types of criminal matters, DUI, or traffic laws from St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Pinellas Park, Kenneth City, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Redington Beach, Indian Shores, South Pasadena, Gulfport, Seminole, Largo, Dunedin, Oldsmar, Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Riverview, Brandon, Plant City, New Port Richey, Dade City, Lutz, Wesley Chapel, Bradenton, Palmetto, or Sarasota.