Law Firm Overview

Pinellas County Criminal Defense Attorney
R. Lane Lastinger, P.A.

I am the only criminal defense attorney in my firm. This means that you will only deal with me and I will not hand your case off to an associate. I am assisted by my legal assistant Tiffany Jones and a law clerk. My philosophy is to provide you with the legal representation and attention that I would desire and expect if I were in your situation. My practice is exclusively criminal defense in Pinellas County . The age of the general legal practice is long past. With new legislation and weekly judicial decisions constantly changing the law and its application, to be the best, an attorney must have a main focus. My focus is limited to criminal defense, in state court and in Pinellas County . This means that every case I handle is against the same law firm, the Pinellas County Office of the State Attorney. I deal everyday with the same attorneys, judges and court personnel. This allows me to use my knowledge, experience and reputation to uniquely tailor a defense that is designed specifically for your issues and legal situation. It is always my advice to clients to hire an attorney in the county where you are charged.

This has been my focus for over 10 years now. I currently handle a wide range of criminal matters ranging from 1^st degree murder/death penalty cases to traffic ticket defense. There are not very many state charges that I have not dealt with on numerous occasions. I am a trial attorney and I try cases. When hiring a trial attorney you should inquire about their trial statistics and the number of jury cases they have tried to a verdict recently. Not all cases are good trial cases but any case is made better when the state knows you are presented by an able and experienced trial attorney.

There is a crucial window of time in any criminal case. This is the period between the arrest date and the date official charges are filed by the Office of the State Attorney. Frequently law enforcement will allege charges that will ultimately be dropped or reduced by the attorney making the filing decision. It is an assistant state attorney that may have to present that case to a jury and therefore they are a bit more particular about the charges that they file. Their decision is based on a meeting called an invest where they interview the law enforcement officer and witnesses. Most of these decisions are made without someone presenting your version of the events. DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU! Whether you hire me or another attorney, the sooner you have an experienced advocate the better. The end result may likely mean reduced charges or no charges at all.

Finally, meet an attorney before making the hiring decision. Look in their eyes and see if they appear to know what they are talking about. Is their practice focused? When is the last time they had a jury trial in Pinellas County ? How many cases have they tried? Will the attorney you hire be your attorney in court? How many times previously have they handled a case like yours? Your attorney may ultimately hold your freedom in his or her hands. Hiring the right attorney is an important decision. Take the time to find an attorney that is right for you and right for your case.

From charges of drunk driving to homicide, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer who will stand up for your rights. Contact R. Lane Lastinger today.

R. Lane Lastinger, P.A.

275 96th Avenue North, Suite 5

St. Petersburg , FL 33702

Phone: 727-894-2692 Fax: 727-490-3532

E-mail

The law office of R. Lane Lastinger, P.A., accepts clients from Pinellas County, Florida, including the cities of St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Pinellas Park, Largo, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Madera Beach, Belleair Bluff, Indian Rocks Beach, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Kenneth City, Seminole, Dunedin, and Treasure Island.

Areas of Practice

• Criminal Law
• DUI/DWI
• Traffic Violations
• White Collar Crimes
• Murder
• Homicide
• Manslaughter
• Weapons
• Juvenile
• Drug Charges
• Probation Violation
• Felony Charges
• Traffic Offenses

Honors and Awards

• Victor O. Wehle Trial Advocacy Award, 1994

Pro Bono Activities

• St. Petersburg Museum of History Board of Directors, 2001 - 2007
• Law Explorers - Advisor, Mock Trial Team, 1997 - 2005

West Practice Categories

RICO Act, Grand Jury Proceedings, Criminal Law, Criminal Fraud, DUI/DWI, Drug Violations, Federal, Felonies, Juvenile Crimes, Misdemeanor, Parole & Probation, Sex Offenses, Traffic Violations, Victims' Rights, White Collar Crimes, Juvenile Law, Firearms, Transportation Law