Larry Sandefer has handled well over 5,000 criminal cases. Over 200 of these have resulted in jury trials of from one day to several weeks in length. These trials have included numerous first degree murder cases, multi-jurisdictional drug and homicide conspiracies, drug trafficking, sales and possessions, sexual battery, lewdness and exposure charges, arson, white collar crimes including trade secrets and fraud, robbery, theft, assault and battery, domestic violence, traffic deaths, DUI, resisting arrest, shoplifting, abuse allegations of children and the elderly, embezzlement, insurance fraud, burglary, kidnaping, and many other criminal charges.

After almost 30 years in criminal law in Florida, Mr. Sandefer is familiar with and has worked very often with the Judges and prosecutors assigned to the criminal and civil courts. He is a former prosecutor of over eight years, with experience as both a Lead Trial Attorney and a Division Director in the State Attorney's Office. In those positions, he not only tried the most serious cases, he also over saw several trial divisions and trial attorneys. He was involved with the investigation and decision making aspects of these charges. As a member of the homicide investigation unit, he was often called out to the scene of homicides.

In 1986, Mr. Sandefer opened his own office and has continued in the defense of criminal cases since that time. He was one of the first attorney's in the State of Florida to become Board Certified in criminal trial law, that occurred in 1987. He has maintained that certification continually since that date. This vast background of experience gives him the knowledge of both sides of a criminal case from both a decision making perspective and a trial perspective, and the understanding of what affects those decisions by the prosecution and what goes into those decisions. What this means for you is the knowledge, the experience, and the court room skills to assist you in your defense.

Mr. Sandefer has continued his training through continuing education courses involving violent crime, organized crime, defending capital cases in Florida, narcotic investigation techniques, and various advanced education programs by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is a graduate of the Criminal Trial Advocacy Institute at the University of Florida and has attended Masters of DUI Courses of the Florida Bar and the DUI Defender Courses in Las Vegas, Nevada of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Mr. Sandefer has been honored with the national recognition of being named to the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers in America. This is a register which lists only the most distinguished law practices, those that signify the highest levels of legal ability and the adherence to professional standards of conduct, ethics, reliability, and diligence.

Mr. Sandefer has achieved a prestigious rating of AV by Martindale-Hubbell. This rating is a result of a peer review system based upon the confidential opinions of practicing attorneys and judges. Martindale-Hubbell has been recognized for over a century as the most respected source of authoritative information about members of the legal community. An AV rating reflects an attorney who has reached the heights of professional excellence and is recognized for the highest level of skill, integrity, and ethical standards.

Achievements, Experience, and Background

Assistant State Attorney, 1978 - 1986

• Lead Trial Attorney
• Division Director
• Elite Homicide Response Unit
• DUI/Traffic Court Supervisor

Admitted to Practice before:

• All Florida State Courts including Florida Supreme Court (1978)
• The United States Supreme Court (1982)
• The United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (New Orleans) (1981)
• The United States Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals (Atlanta) (1981)
• The United States Middle District of Florida (1978)

Education and Awards:

• Bachelors Degree Auburn University, 1972
  • Selected to National Leadership Honorary
  • President Phi Delta Theta Fraternity
  • Assistant Director of Auburn Free University
  • Dean's List
• Masters studies in counseling at Northern Michigan University 1974
• Juris Doctor, University of Florida, 1977
  • Chief Defense Counsel Honor Court, 1976
  • Student Supreme Court Justice, 1977
  • President Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity, 1977
• United States Air Force Officer 1972 - 1975 (active)
• Appointed Special Investigator regarding irregularities in the 410th Combat Support Group Transport Squadron
• Achieved Board Certification as a Criminal Trial Attorney by The Florida Bar in 1987. One of the first attorneys in the state to be awarded certification as a criminal trial lawyer.
• Named to Who's Who in America 1997 - present
• Named to Who's Who in American Law 1997 - present
• Named to Leadership Pinellas 1998
• Graduate of United States Drug Enforcement
  Administration (DEA) School on Undercover Narcotics Enforcement Techniques
• Graduate Criminal Trial Advocacy Institute at University of Florida
• Former Adjunct Professor of Criminal Law and Civil Law at St. Petersburg Junior College
• Guest lecturer:
  • University of Florida School of Law
  • Pinellas Police Academy
  • Pasco Police Academy
• Past Chairman of Florida Bar Grievance Committee 6D, 1991
• Past Chairman of Florida Bar Grievance Committee 6A, 2000
• AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, highest rating
• Named to the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

Professional Organizations

• Association of Trial Lawyers of America
• Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association
• Pinellas County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
• National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
• Clearwater Bar Association
• St. Petersburg Bar Association
• Florida Bar
• Colorado Bar

Community Involvement

• Co-organizer and participant of mock trial presented annually for area high school students
• Kiwanis
  • Community Service Chair 1995
• Indian Rocks Beach
  • City Commissioner 1994 - 2000
  • Board of Adjustment 1994
  • Parks & Recreation Board 1992-1993
• Paint Your Heart Out Clearwater
• Close Up Foundation