Criminal Defense Attorney in Clearwater

Defending Your Rights in the Heart of Pinellas County

When dealing with criminal charges in Clearwater, the decisions you make in the first hours after an arrest can shape the outcome of your entire case. Whether you are facing a DUI after a night near the beach, a domestic battery allegation, or a felony drug charge, having an attorney who understands how cases move through the local court system gives you a critical advantage. Clearwater serves as the Pinellas County seat, and cases filed here are handled at the Pinellas County Justice Center - a courthouse where procedural knowledge and established professional relationships matter.
R. Curtis Murtha, PA brings more than two decades of criminal defense experience to Clearwater residents and visitors who find themselves facing charges. As a former Assistant State Attorney who served as Lead Trial Attorney in Pinellas County, we understand how prosecutors build cases because we once sat on that side of the courtroom. That perspective informs every defense strategy we develop, from challenging traffic stops along Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard to contesting evidence gathered during investigations tied to the city's active tourism and entertainment corridors.

Strategic Defense Built on Prosecution Experience

Our approach begins with a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding your arrest. Law enforcement officers in Clearwater are required to follow specific procedures during traffic stops, searches, and arrests. When those procedures are not followed, we file motions to challenge the evidence or suppress it entirely. This is not a theoretical exercise - it is the kind of aggressive, detail-oriented defense that comes from years of handling cases on both sides of the courtroom.
Clearwater's position as a major Gulf Coast destination means criminal charges here often involve visitors unfamiliar with Florida law, as well as long-time residents navigating complex situations. We handle every criminal matter, including DUI and BUI, drug possession and trafficking, assault and battery, theft, burglary, sex offenses, firearm charges, probation violations, and white collar crime. Every client receives direct, personal attention because we are a solo practice - you will never be handed off to a clerk or associate.
If you are facing criminal charges in Clearwater and need a defense attorney who will stand with you at every stage, schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your situation today.

What Sets Us Apart in Clearwater

Choosing the right criminal defense attorney means finding someone with the courtroom skill, local knowledge, and dedication to fight for the best possible result. We bring a combination of experience and personal commitment that larger firms cannot replicate.

  • Former prosecutor with firsthand knowledge of how the Pinellas County State Attorney's Office builds and pursues criminal cases
  • Extensive trial experience spanning felony and misdemeanor charges, from DUI and drug offenses to violent crimes and white collar matters
  • Direct attorney-client relationship throughout your entire case, with no handoffs to associates or paralegals
  • Familiarity with Clearwater's court system, including bond hearings, motion practice, and trial proceedings at the county justice center
  • Assistance with record sealing and expungement after case resolution, helping clients move forward with a clean slate

Our goal is to protect your freedom, your reputation, and your future. If you need a criminal defense attorney who will give your case the aggressive, personal attention it deserves, contact us for a free consultation in Clearwater and take the first step toward building your defense.

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