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Brett McIntosh

About

A question that I am often asked is "Why have you dedicated so much of your career to defending criminals?"

The answer is this. First, experience has proven to me that many people who find themselves arrested or accused of a crime are hardworking, decent people who have made a mistake. Often these mistakes are the end point of complex and difficult circumstances in a person’s life that have ultimately led to an error in judgment. For these individuals, the unfamiliar process of an arrest can be particularly stressful and confusing. These individuals need help navigating the dark waters of the Court process and this turbulent time in their life. With proper guidance and representation, these persons will return to being the productive citizens and family members they have been and that they want to be again. There will always be plenty of people to cast stones at the accused.  However, it is my belief that being an effective advocate for the person in this circumstance benefits us all.

Second, experience and raw statistics has also proven that there are many more people who are falsely accused of crimes than most people will ever realize. In my years practicing law, I have seen false or mistaken accusations leveled at my clients by strangers, friends, family members, domestic partners, employers, employees, and law enforcement. Too often these accusations result in an arrest and irrevocable damage to the accused.  I take pride in knowing that I have helped individuals fight back when faced with false or mistaken accusations and that I have played a role in restoring freedom and reputation to those who might otherwise have met a different plight.

Finally, I enjoy a good challenge. I represent people and my goal is to not allow my clients to be steamrolled by a system that too often devalues personal rights in the pursuit of security. I have spent my entire life and over 20 year professional career in this community.

My philosophy in creating McIntosh Law was to build a firm dedicated to personalized, superior, results-oriented representation. I believe in supporting this philosophy by surrounding myself with dedicated professionals with strong community ties.

There are well over 150 completed criminal trials amongst the attorneys at McIntosh Law. Each attorney has handled all manner of misdemeanor and driving offenses as well as serious and complex felony cases. Not only do we have experience  “handling" these cases, we have experience winning them.

Not Guilty verdicts for our clients have included  DUI, DUI with Accident and Personal Injury, Battery, Trespass, Assault, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Drug Possession, Trafficking, Aggravated Battery,  Sexual Assault, Attempted  Murder, DUI Manslaughter, Second Degree Murder, and others.

I am not going to send you a flier in the mail to tell you how aggressive we are. In Mexico, I learned that bulls are aggressive in the ring but they most often lose to the matador.  Our approach to your case will be individualized and based upon what our experience dictates will achieve the best results for you.

Brett McIntosh is a trial attorney and member of the Florida bar since 1993.  He is also licensed to practice in the Federal Court of Florida's Middle District.

Areas of Practice

  • Criminal Law

Bar Admissions

  • Florida, 1993
  • U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida, 1995

Education

  • Nova Southeastern Law University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    • J.D.

Honors and Awards

  • Jim Slater Award for Professionalism for Criminal Law -- Voted by Judges of the 12th Circuit which includes Sarasota, Manatee & Desoto Counties, 2015

Publications

  • "The Runaway Train". Article on Gang Related Rico prosecutions in State Court. Florida Defender Magazine.

Specialized DUI Training

  • Two-time graduate of National College of DUI Defense intensive Summer Session presented at Harvard Law School.
  • Axion analytical lab training 40-hour intensive course on Forensic Chromatography (blood testing ).
  • NHTSA Certification in Field Sobriety Testing Procedure. Over 40 hours of additional DUI-specific CLE credit.

Past and Present Professional Memberships & Associations

  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Past President Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Sarasota Chapter
  • Chapter Representative Manatee County Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
  • Manatee County Bar Association
  • Sarasota County Bar Association
  • Inn of Court Sarasota
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • Peer Review BV Rated Martindale Hubble.

Legal Commentary or Analysis Provided to - 

  • Court TV
  • Local affiliates for ABC & Fox
  • SNN
  • Sarasota Herald
  • Bradenton Herald
  • Guest Editorialist Sarasota Herald,
  • ME TV Panelist: Youth Sports & Juvenile Crime
  • Florida Bar
  • Avvo Rating
  • Avvo Reviews
  • Avvo Clients' Choice Award
  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

A Seasoned Criminal Defense Team Trusted By Thousands

Five-Star Reviews from Clients Like You


    "Best criminal defense attorney"
    Our family found ourselves in need of a criminal defense attorney. We had not lived in Florida too long and wasn't sure where to turn. We first went to the yellow pages hiring an attorney who did not care for justice and looked for an easy way out. Seeking new counsel we had several recommendations direct us to Mr. McIntosh. Hiring Brett, co-counsel Kevin and legal secretary Sherry was the best decision we ever made. Brett was committed, knowledgeable and aggressive. Brett's credibility and reputation amongst fellow attorneys, the state attorney's and judges provide a solid foundation for Brett and his team to fight for us and allow justice to prevail. There is no other criminal defense attorney with this experience and knowledge to fight for you. I was told that Brett was the best and our family can say from first hand experience that is the case.
    - AVVO Reviewer
    "Extremely professional"
    Brett helped with a felony case of a family member. He was very communicative. His assistant kept us informed and up to date on all the proceedings. At the court you could definately see he was well respected by his colleagues. When he started on our case you could see why. I would say that you certainly can not go wrong hiring him. I can't begin to explain how much he helped us when 3 other lawyers has messed us around so badly. Truly goes above and beyond. So much kindness to those who need it
    - AVVO Reviewer
    "Highly recommended"

    Brett McIntosh was refereed to me by a friend of my family. He was able to get one of my charges dropped and the other changed to a misdemeanor. He explained everything to me and made me feel less worried about the outcome. He handled my whole case very well. He is one of the best around and you will be in very good hands with him on your side. Thank you Brett.

    - AVVO Reviewer - Finn
    "The Absolute Best"
    After being arrested for something that I was not responsible for, I sought legal assistance. I met with several attorneys before deciding Mr. McIntosh was the best candidate. The circumstances of my arrest were very stressful for me. Mr. McIntosh expressed my need to be patient to let the case work out. He was always very courteous and professional, as was his co-counsel and legal secretary. My many phone calls and emails were promptly answered. My mind was set at ease many times when I contacted Mr. McIntosh to see how things were progressing, he made the situation much less stressful. I was very comfortable in trusting and believing in Mr. McIntosh and his legal advice. As my case progressed I was offered a plea by the state that I was not comfortable accepting, as I was not guilty of the charge against me. Mr. McIntosh was very forthcoming of what the consequences could be if we went to trial and it did not go my way. He also gave me the courage to believe that the truth is what I needed to stand by. We proceeded to trial, I was very scared but trusted Mr. McIntosh that the truth would come out. The charges were dropped before trial. I do not believe another attorney would have worked as diligently as he did to show the prosecutor what the facts were or to guide me to stand up for myself as he did. He is very knowledgeable and professional. I would highly recommend him to anyone and everyone. I hope to never need the assistance of another attorney again, but in the event I did...he is the only attorney I would call.
    - AVVO Reviewer
    "A Truly Fantastic Team"
    I've know Brett Mcintosh and his fantastic team for a few years now. Not only has he been excellent with communication, advice and support but his team has as well. They have been there for me every step of the way.
    - Haley D.
    "Knowledgable and Friendly"
    Brett and Kevin are outstanding, diligent lawyers who work extremely hard on behalf of their clients. I felt they offered the most realistic approach and were willing to work hard for the best outcome possible.
    - Carla W.
    "Mr. McIntosh came highly recommended!!!"
    Mr. Brett McIntosh came highly recommended and did not disappoint! Being from out of state, I was very skeptical. Never being in any kind of trouble in my life and being charged with a felony I was very intent on proving my innocence. Brett and his staff always returned my phone calls promptly, was very patient with me and answered all of my questions thoroughly. He listened to me and was very upfront and honest about my situation. Not only did he get my charges dropped but, also expunged from my record! Brett and his staff went above and beyond for me and I will be forever grateful! If you need a good honest and upfront attorney, Brett is definitely the person you want to hire! Much thanks!!
    - AVVO Reviewer - Dan
    "Best Criminal Defense Lawyer"
    I was arrested for a DUI and POSSESSION FIREARM CONVICTED FELON. Mr. Brett was smooth and excellent from beginning to finish. He was compassionate, calming, and confident when delivering defense strategy during my initial consultation. He provided me with case updates when needed, and more importantly, a sense of reassurance throughout the entire process. And in dramatic fashion, Brett got us the best possible plea offer to avoid prison, keep me working and home with my family. I am beyond satisfied with the results; I consider his fee as a life-saving investment. The courtroom personnel treat him with a certain level of respect, and you get the sense as a client that you have hired the best possible lawyer.
    - AVVO Reviewer

100+ Years of Combined Experience Decades of Experience, United for Your Defense

Standing Together When the Storms Rage

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