Brett McIntosh
Services Handled
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
A Seasoned Criminal Defense Team Trusted By Thousands
Five-Star Reviews from Clients Like You
-
"The man"Bret is the best attorney for criminal defense in manatee and sarasota counties. I was wrongfully accused and Bret took the challenge to go up against a police dept. Bret was more than fair when it came to price. Bret treated me like a friend, he took his time learning about the case from both sides. He also seemed to enjoy going to trial and standing up for what was right and THAT is why he is the best. He's passionate about righting the wrong. Not matter how big or small your case is, Mr. Mcintosh will approched it with confidence and certain type of "swag" that everyone in the room respects.- AVVO Reviewer - Jarrod
-
"The Lincoln lawyer"Mr. McIntosh is by far the best criminal defense attorney in the Manatee County and Sarasota county area. I’m not proud to say that I have needed hired representation more than one time. Mr. McIntosh is who I have used every time. I have also referred other people to Bret and he has proven himself time and time again. It doesn’t matter what legal matters you are facing, You will not regret hiring Bret McIntosh.- AVVO Reviewer - Jarrod
-
"Excellent Attorney"
For the first time in my life I got myself into some legal trouble, and was charged with a DUI. After speaking with others who have had similar legal issues I chose to hire Brett McIntosh as he came highly recommended, and I see why. He was very upfront and clear about where he saw my case going and also was honest and reasonable with his fees. He used the details of my case to afford me every legal avenue that I had available. This resulted in a favorable outcome for me. What a relief. Brett is a great lawyer, do yourself a favor and talk with him if you need a criminal defense lawyer. Thank you Brett for your hard work on my case.
- AVVO Reviewer -
"Amazing lawyer!"I unfortunately got myself into a second DUI situation that was possibly winnable, and Brett pushed it as far as he could take it, even informing me of how the police officer was going to testify to give me a chance to accept a plea agreement (which i did) . Let me remind you I could've taken this to court with a chance to win, but it would have been my word against the police officers, a risk i didn't want to take. With the plea agreement and in front of the Judge, Brett made me look great making great and valid points for the Judge to accept his offer over the states with certain stipulatioins, i'm not going into specifics but alot of people don't get half a good of deal on their first DUI. Brett was very thorough, he did a great job and well respected in the court room. He comes highly recommended by me, just hope I don't require his expertise again.- AVVO Reviewer - Lucas
-
"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
-
"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
-
"A++"My family hired Brett McIntosh for my son's criminal defense. He was everything one would hope for in a criminal defense attorney...not only was he knowledgeable, professional and experienced, he has an easy-going manner that is so pleasant and compassionate. We are grateful we found him!- AVVO Reviewer
-
"Criminal Defense"
Brett McIntosh took on my case after I fired another attorney and he was very fair and honest with me. Most lawyers I hired previous to Mr. McIntosh would promise whatever you wanted to hear in consultation then when they received the money things would change. Mr McIntosh was completely honest with me and even gave me a discount because of the 7,000 paid to the previous lawyer. When we got to court not did he only get everything he thought he could he actually did better. In a troubling time a lawyer becomes more then representation in court they become your hope your counsler and I would recommend him to anyone.
- AVVO Reviewer - Jeremy F.