The Criminal Defense Attorneys Doctors, Lawyers, Accountants, Police Officers, Military Members, South American Drug Cartels, Professional Athletes, Entertainment Figures, And First Time Offenders Call When They Need A Criminal Defense Attorney.
So Should You.
Tampa Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Extensive Criminal Defense Experience In Federal And State Courts
Firm founder Mark J. O’Brien is a former prosecutor who has handled thousands of criminal cases. Because of this experience, our law firm is prepared to litigate any federal or state criminal case, no matter how complex. For example, our criminal defense law firm has handled hundreds of cases in federal court, including many white collar criminal prosecutions. As a result, we understand the unique issues involved in federal prosecutions.
Our Tampa white collar attorneys take on all kinds of fraud cases such as health care fraud, mortgage fraud and tax evasion allegations in Florida.
We also defend individuals charged with federal and state drug crimes. Federal courts and the state of Florida aggressively prosecute drug crimes, levying harsh penalties against offenders. Our Hillsborough County criminal defense attorneys represent individuals charged with crimes ranging from conspiracy to committing drug trafficking or importation to possession of marijuana, oxycodone or prescription drugs, and the manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine.
Our law firm also represents individuals in appeals and post-conviction motions.
White Collar Crimes
Drug Crimes
Sex Crimes
Whistleblower Claims
25 Year Sentence Vacated
The Second District Court of Appeal, after a full briefing and oral argument, sided with O’Brien Hatfield Reese, PA in a recent direct appeal. While represented by an attorney unaffiliated with our firm, a jury convicted Marcus Sanders of trafficking 200 grams of methamphetamine and sentenced to twenty-five years by Judge Steinbeck in Lee County, Florida.
Judge Black, along with Judge Wallace and Judge LaRose, ruled the circuit court judge erred in denying Mr. Sanders’ motion for judgment of acquittal and reversed his judgment and sentence and remanded him for discharge. Mr. Sanders is a free man. In reaching his decision Judge Black opined: “In short, the only evidence presented by the State to establish possession was Sanders’ close proximity to the bag containing contraband and his “unusual” behavior. This court has repeatedly held that such evidence is insufficient.” Attorney Rachael E. Reese handled this direct appeal. Sanders v. State, 15-2360 (2nd DCA 2017).
This video captures the moment we told Mr. Sanders of his appellate victory through a prison phone call. From the point he was arrested to the point of this call, Mr. Sanders fought for nearly three years to right his wrongful arrest and conviction. While no one can return those three years to Mr. Sanders, we are thrilled to return him, as a free man, to the rest of his life. In this video you are able to hear the raw emotion in Mr. Sanders’ voice when he learns his fight resulted in victory. Mr. Sanders graciously allowed us to post this video to our website to give hope to anyone going through the same struggle he went through.
Meet our Team Members
Media Coverage
O’Brien’s Investigators Looking into Bail Bondsman Shooting
Life Sentence Vacated
With a lawyer unrelated to our law firm by his side, Thurston McBride went to trial, was found guilty, and was sentenced to life in prison. We represented him at his circuit court evidentiary hearing on his 3.850 ineffective assistance of counsel motion and the circuit court ruled against us. We appealed. The Fifth District Court of Appeal sided with us, reversed the circuit court’s denial of our 3.850 motion, ruled that Mr. McBride’s trial counsel was ineffective, and ordered a new trial. Thurston McBride v. State, 1D17-2825 (Leon County).
Extensive Criminal Defense Experience in
Federal and State Courts
“Mark, thank you for everything. I will forever be indebted to you. You have stood by me and believed in me when it was not the popular thing to do. You are an amazing advocate.”
Adam Filthaut
- Former Partner at the Law Firm of Adams and Diaco (Robert Adams and Stephen Diaco)
- MJ (Todd Schnitt) Morning Show/Bubba the Love Sponge Clem Trial
- Phil Campbell DUI Setup/Florida Bar Trial