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Criminal Defense Your Legal Lifeline in Stormy Seas

Sarasota Criminal Defense Firm

Serving Manatee County, Sarasota County & Lakewood Ranch, FL

Being investigated by law enforcement, arrested, or charged with a crime is a stressful and often humiliating experience. You may believe you have little chance of avoiding a conviction based on the evidence against you. However, that is never true. You are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. You have constitutional rights, such as the right to an attorney, to remain silent, and to due process.

You must take advantage of these rights to protect yourself against unfair treatment or tactics that may be used against you. Securing proven criminal defense representation should be your first order of business in pursuing the best possible outcome.

At McIntosh Law, you can work with a team of proven professionals with over 100 years of combined experience. Our firm has been in practice since 1993 and is led by Attorney Brett McIntosh, who has earned a Distinguished rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, a leading legal directory in the nation. We work as a team, which means you can have the benefit of multiple legal minds, including that of a former prosecutor. 

Discuss your case directly with a defense lawyer at our Sarasota law firm. Contact McIntosh Law at (941) 299-0701 or online to schedule a consultation. 

A Seasoned Criminal Defense Team Trusted By Thousands

Five-Star Reviews from Clients Like You


    "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
    "Case involving a Juvenile"
    My 16 y/o son was facing 3rd degree felony charges for something he didn't do. After hearing Brett is the best criminal defense attorney in town, I hired him, and was not disappointed! Brett is passionate about the law and people's rights and recommended we fight this. We could've just bowed down and went thru the juvenile probation system, but what would that be teaching my son? He's a good kid & applying for college scholarships...having a record would've ruined so many things he's worked so hard for. We could not have done this without Brett. He is very professional, knowledgeable & thorough. He's very confident in his abilities, as he should be. When he walked into the courtroom, you could tell how well respected he was by the other attorneys, as well as the cops and even the judge! He's definitely somebody you want on your side. My son's case was dismissed. Had it not been for Brett's guidance & expertise throughout this whole process, we would not have had the outcome that we did. I would recommend Brett McIntosh to anyone who needs a criminal defense attorney. He's very passionate about the law and his job, and truly cares about his clients from start to finish. I also have to say thank you to attorney Kevin Griffith who works w/ Brett. I'm extremely happy and can't say enough good things about Brett McIntosh and the whole team at McIntosh Law.
    - AVVO Reviewer
    "Highly Esteemed in the Community"
    Brett was able to get my charges reduced, and our case was handled very well.  Mr. McIntosh is highly esteemed within the law community by his peers. He is a man of integrity and honesty, and his staff is excellent.
    - Laurie H.
    "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
    "Excellent in every way"

    I have known Brett for over 7 hears. In addition to being a valuable contributor to society here in Sarasota, he has helped me personally (with a DUI) and more recently helped my son with legal challenges. Brett was able combine my son's charges and their restitution in a manageable way. He was able to prevent irreparable harm to his future. During two very stressful periods of our lives, he and his staff were courteous and always got back with us. Their help was invaluable.

    - AVVO Reviewer - Debbie
    "Case involving a Juvenile"
    My 16 y/o son was facing 3rd degree felony charges for something he didn't do. After hearing Brett is the best criminal defense attorney in town, I hired him, and was not disappointed! Brett is passionate about the law and people's rights and recommended we fight this. We could've just bowed down and went thru the juvenile probation system, but what would that be teaching my son? He's a good kid & applying for college scholarships...having a record would've ruined so many things he's worked so hard for. We could not have done this without Brett. He is very professional, knowledgeable & thorough. He's very confident in his abilities, as he should be. When he walked into the courtroom, you could tell how well respected he was by the other attorneys, as well as the cops and even the judge! He's definitely somebody you want on your side. My son's case was dismissed. Had it not been for Brett's guidance & expertise throughout this whole process, we would not have had the outcome that we did. I would recommend Brett McIntosh to anyone who needs a criminal defense attorney. He's very passionate about the law and his job, and truly cares about his clients from start to finish. I also have to say thank you to attorney Kevin Griffith who works w/ Brett. I'm extremely happy and can't say enough good things about Brett McIntosh and the whole team at McIntosh Law.
    - AVVO Reviewer
    "An Exceptional Ally"
    I am beyond pleased with the service received from this attorney. They demonstrated absolute professionalism, combined with a level of personal care and attention that made me feel not just as a client, but as a valued individual.
    - Simon M.
    "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

Our Criminal Defense Services in Sarasota

Our team handles both state and federal criminal matters, including the following:

  • Appeals and post-conviction review: Involves challenging a conviction or sentence after trial, typically through filing appeals to higher courts to overturn or modify the decision.
  • DUI: Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, with legal implications including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time.
  • Felony DUI: Elevated DUI charges due to factors like repeat offenses or causing injury, leading to harsher penalties.
  • Domestic violence: Charges involving abuse or violence in domestic situations, with potential consequences including restraining orders, fines, and imprisonment.
  • Drug crimes, including drug trafficking and prescription drug charges: Offenses related to controlled substances, including possession and distribution, with penalties based on the substance and quantity.
  • Federal crimes: Offenses violating U.S. federal law are investigated by federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, and prosecuted in federal courts, often resulting in severe penalties. 
  • Homicide and vehicular manslaughter: Charges involving the unlawful killing of another person, with varying degrees of severity and potential for significant penalties.
  • Juvenile crimes: Offenses committed by minors, focusing on rehabilitation over punishment, leading to consequences like probation or detention.
  • Professional licensing defense, including for the construction industry: Defending against actions that threaten professional credentials due to allegations of negligence or fraud. 
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Turn to McIntosh Law for Exceptional Criminal Defense Representation 

Criminal arrests and charges can have high stakes. Your freedom and future may be on the line; choosing the right criminal defense firm is essential. 

Our proven trial lawyers have decades of experience and can put their combined knowledge and skills to work for you. With a team approach of multiple attorneys working on every case, we bring exceptional representation to every client. 

Call (941) 299-0701 or complete our online contact form to consult a Sarasota attorney at McIntosh Law about your criminal defense case.

  • Deep Local Knowledge & Dedication

    With over 25 years serving Manatee County, McIntosh Law is committed to defending our community’s rights with integrity.

  • Powerful Team Approach

    You don’t just get a lawyer—you get an entire team collaborating for your success. Our attorneys and paralegals have over 100+ years of combined experience.

  • Strategic & Experienced Defense

    Your case deserves a personalized strategy. Every team member has over twenty years in law, ensuring a skilled, thoughtful defense tailored to your specific case.

  • Proven Success

    Trusted by thousands, we know what it takes to navigate complex criminal cases, bringing experience and results-driven focus to every stage of your defense.

Contact Us Today Struggling to Stay Afloat?

Our Team is Here to Help

Reach out today to schedule your initial consultation.

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