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St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal Defense Attorney in St. Petersburg, FL
Strategic defense for serious criminal cases when your freedom, record, license, job, and reputation may be at stake.
When you are facing a criminal charge, the first steps matter. What you say, what you sign, what you ignore, and how quickly you get legal help can all affect the direction of your case.
Richard J. McKyton, P.A. represents people facing DUI, drug possession, probation violation, criminal traffic, and juvenile offense cases throughout St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and the Tampa Bay Area.
You do not have to figure this out alone. And you should not wait until the case gets worse to understand your options.
Clear answers. Careful strategy.
Direct communication, careful preparation, and defense work focused on the facts of your case.
30+Years Practicing LawDecades of experience defending your rights.
DirectAttorney CommunicationYou work directly with Richard McKyton.
TrialPreparation When NeededPrepared in court. Focused on results.
Pinellas& Tampa Bay DefenseProudly serving our community and beyond.
Early Action Matters
Protect Your Rights Before the Case Moves Further
A criminal accusation can touch almost every part of your life. The goal is simple: protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and build a defense based on the facts of your case.
Sometimes, the pressure starts before you even know exactly what the State is claiming. The sooner you understand your rights, the sooner you can make informed decisions about the next step.
Four Critical Steps
How to Protect Your Rights After a Criminal Charge
Every case is different, but these steps help create clarity, reduce risk, and give your defense the strongest possible start.
Understand the Charges and Stakes
A misdemeanor, DUI, drug charge, or felony may affect your record, license, employment, freedom, and future. Richard McKyton explains the practical consequences in plain English.
Review the Evidence and Build the Defense
A strong defense starts with details: police reports, body camera footage, testing, warrants, statements, and the circumstances of the stop, search, arrest, or investigation.
Fight for the Best Possible Outcome
Some cases may resolve through dismissal, reduced charges, diversion, negotiated pleas, or withheld adjudication. Others require motion practice, hearings, or trial preparation.
Why Choose Richard McKyton
Steady Guidance When the Process Feels Overwhelming
When you are facing a criminal charge, you need more than someone who shows up in court. You need a defense attorney who can slow the process down, look closely at the evidence, explain what is happening, and push back when the facts or law support it.
With Richard McKyton, you get direct communication, careful preparation, and a defense approach that does not rely on fear or empty promises. You get clear answers, practical strategy, and representation that understands what is at stake.
What Clients Can Expect
- 30+ years practicing law in Florida
- Courtroom-tested defense strategy
- Direct communication and honest case assessment
- Careful review of evidence and procedure
- Strategic negotiation and motion practice
- Trial preparation when needed
- Clear fee structure
- Focused representation for serious criminal matters
Recognition
Award-Winning and Highly Respected
Richard McKyton has built a reputation for serious legal work, strong preparation, and client-focused representation. Criminal defense requires judgment, discipline, and an attorney who understands that every case carries real consequences.
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense Cases We Handle
From DUI and drug charges to probation violations and juvenile matters, each case is reviewed carefully with the goal of protecting your rights and future.
DUI / DWI
A DUI arrest can affect your driver’s license, insurance, employment, and record. Richard McKyton reviews the stop, testing process, video evidence, and administrative license issues to identify where the case may be challenged.
Drug Possession & Trafficking
Drug charges often depend on how evidence was found, who had access to it, and whether the search was lawful. Search and seizure issues, lab testing, and chain of custody can play a major role.
Probation Violations
A probation violation can put your freedom at immediate risk. Allegations may involve missed appointments, failed tests, new arrests, unpaid costs, or failure to complete conditions.
Juvenile Offenses
A juvenile charge can affect a child’s education, record, future, and family stability. The goal is not only to address the charge, but to protect the child’s future.
Case Results
Focused on the Strongest Path Forward
The goal in every case is to identify the strongest strategy available, whether that means challenging evidence, negotiating for reduced penalties, seeking dismissal where the facts support it, or preparing for trial.
Past results do not guarantee or predict future outcomes. Every case is different, and results depend on the facts, evidence, law, court, and many other factors.
- Felony drug charges dismissed after evidence was challenged.
- DUI reduced to reckless driving with no jail time.
- Probation violation resolved with reinstatement and no additional incarceration.
- Juvenile case resolved with focus on record protection and future impact.
- Drug possession case challenged based on search and seizure concerns.
Client Testimonials
Trusted When the Stakes Are Personal
Clients turn to Richard McKyton for clear communication, careful strategy, and steady guidance through stressful legal matters.
I hired Mr Rich Mckyton for a criminal matter. He looked into all the facts carefully and we looked at our best options. He planned out a great defensive strategy that worked out brilliantly. I was facing a felony conviction for possession of an illegal substance. He got all knocked down to a misdemeanor conviction.
His team was always accessible to me throughout the process via email or phone and kept me well informed on the status of my case. I highly recommend the firm to anyone that needs an experienced attorney and will definitely use them in the future. My case was dismissed and I am very grateful for his help.
Excellent Attorney who is Knowledgeable, Professional and Cares about his clients. I hired Mr. McKyton to help me with a ticket I received. He went over and above to help me. It was not a big case for him but it was for me. He was able to reduce my fine and remove the points from my driving record.
After speaking to multiple attorneys, I knew right away he was the right person for the job. He was able to obtain the best possible outcome for my situation and I couldn't be more thankful. If you are looking for an attorney to explain everything to you, make you feel comfortable, and get the best results possible, then look no further than Richard McKyton.
I talked to three lawyers prior to talking with McKyton. His knowledge, patience, care and communication is all shown there on the spot, as well as his guidance. Very pleased and impressed with my outcome thanks to Richard. I could not thank him enough. Would recommend.
Criminal Defense FAQs
Questions People Ask After an Arrest or Criminal Charge
What should I do after being arrested in Florida?
Stay calm, do not argue with law enforcement, and do not answer questions about the case without legal guidance. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney.
Should I talk to police without a lawyer?
No. Even if you believe you can explain the situation, your words may be used against you later. Before giving a statement, answering questions, or agreeing to an interview, speak with a criminal defense lawyer.
Do I need a criminal defense attorney for a misdemeanor?
Yes, it is still worth speaking with a criminal defense attorney. A misdemeanor can affect your record, job, license, housing, education, and future opportunities.
Can criminal charges be dismissed in Florida?
Sometimes. A dismissal may depend on the facts, evidence, witness issues, legal defenses, procedure, constitutional violations, or whether the State can prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
What happens after a DUI arrest in Florida?
You may face both criminal court consequences and driver’s license issues. DUI cases can involve the traffic stop, field sobriety exercises, breath or blood testing, officer observations, video evidence, and administrative deadlines.
What happens if I violate probation in Florida?
A probation violation can lead to serious consequences, including possible jail time, modified probation, additional conditions, or revocation of probation.
Can I seal or expunge my criminal record?
Maybe. Eligibility depends on the charge, outcome, prior record, and Florida law. Not every case qualifies, but sealing or expungement may help limit public access to certain criminal records.
What happens if there is a warrant for my arrest?
Do not ignore it. An attorney may be able to help you understand the reason for the warrant, address a missed court date or pending charge, and work toward resolving the issue safely.
Can police search my car without permission in Florida?
It depends on the facts. Police may need consent, probable cause, a warrant, or another legal basis to search a vehicle. If evidence was found during a vehicle search, the legality of that search may be important to the defense.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?
The cost depends on the charge, complexity, number of court appearances, evidence involved, and whether the case may require motions, hearings, negotiations, or trial preparation. Richard J. McKyton, P.A. provides clear fee information before representation begins.
Do Not Wait
Protect Your Rights Now
If you were arrested, charged, contacted by police, or told you may be under investigation, now is the time to speak with a criminal defense attorney.
Do not assume the case will go away on its own. Do not talk to law enforcement without legal guidance. Do not miss a court date. Do not ignore paperwork from the court or State Attorney’s Office.
Free, Confidential Case Review
Call 727.894.3159
