Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

The Flaherty Defense Firm is a dedicated and experienced law firm. It is located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Our criminal defense attorney protects all of our clients’ rights with passion and purpose. We have defended thousands of people who have been criminally charged with anything from simple misdemeanors to serious felonies. Through negotiating with prosecutors, working to suppress illegally obtained evidence before a trial , or using his extensive courtroom experience, our Fort Walton Beach criminal defense lawyer handles each case personally, thoroughly, and effectively.

-DUI (Drunk Driving)

An arrest for DUI does not have to equal a conviction. Many different legal strategies exist to fight a DUI charge. You can come in for a free consultation where you will receive honest advice about your DUI charge. We will help you make informed decisions and will do everything possible to protect your rights and prevent a conviction.

-Domestic Violence

Depending on the circumstances, our Fort Walton Beach, Crestview and Destin domestic violence defense attorney can negotiate to get your charges reduced or dismissed. If a trial is in your best interests, we will aggressively defend you in court. We will do everything in our power to keep a conviction off your record and to keep you out of jail. We will also keep you informed on the progress of your case and describe your options clearly so you can make informed decisions at every step.

-Assault/ Battery

The legal definitions of “assault” and “battery” are different from state to state. Basically, in Florida, an assault is committed when you threaten to hit or harm someone. When you actually do hit or harm someone is when battery is committed. If you are facing charges of assault and/or battery in or around the Fort Walton Beach, Crestview and Destin areas, our firm can defend you with passion and purpose if you are charged with either of these crimes. We have experience with both assault and battery cases and will protect your presumption of innocence. We will do whatever it takes to defend you against these charges.

-Drug Charges

Our Fort Walton drug crimes defense attorney has devoted his entire career to protecting clients outside the courtroom and fighting for them inside it. Possession of certain amounts of controlled substances can constitute “trafficking” for which penalties can be extremely severe, including minimum mandatory prison sentences. He understands this and is an especially vigilant advocate for your rights if accused of a drug crime in Florida. You don’t want to go to prison, and you don’t want the many problems a felony on your permanent record can create for the rest of your life. With our help, both can be avoided.

-Sex Charges

Few criminal charges carry a worse social stigma than one of criminal sexual conduct. Being accused can ruin your reputation and destroy your family. And if you are found guilty, you will face a very long, mandatory prison sentence, and will have to register as a sex offender upon your release. At our firm, we know what it takes to prepare the best defense possible against these charges. Our Fort Walton Beach, Crestview and Destin sex crimes defense attorney will review all of the evidence and will interview and challenge the testimony of the alleged victim and other witnesses for the prosecution. If the best option is negotiation then we will work toward the most favorable agreement. However, we will proceed to trail if it is likely to produce the best results. It is possible to avoid being designated a sexual offender or predator in some cases.

-Theft/ Burglary/ Robbery

If you’ve been accused of theft, burglary, or robbery, the legal process can be confusing and intimidating. You could face serious penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, if you do not effectively defend yourself in court. You need a lawyer to tell you what charges and penalties you’re facing, what to expect form the system, and what options you have. You need an attorney you can trust. That is the service our Fort Walton Beach theft/ burglary/ robbery defense lawyer provides to all prospective clients.

-Record Sealing/ Expungements

Record Sealing, or Expungement, is a civil legal action where you petition the court to seal or remove your criminal records from view or access by others. If you or someone you know needs legal assistance in or around the Fort Walton Beach area in having a criminal record sealed or expunged, we can help. We can determine your eligibility for an impingement and advise you of your legal options in an initial consultation, free of charge.

-BUI (Boating Under the Influence)

With over 1200 miles of beaches, Florida is a boater’s paradise. You must be careful, though. A little afternoon sunshine and the smell of alcohol on your breath can land you in jail. In the sunshine state, boating under the influence (BUI) is just as serious of a crime as driving under the influence (DUI). BUI arrests may be made by the Coast Guard, city police, or Fish and Wildlife officers. If you or some one you know has been charged or arrested for BUI in or around the Fort Walton Beach area, we will provide aggressive and thorough representation for you, both in and out of court. Our criminal defense attorney is knowledgeable and skilled in defending cases of BUI.

I grew up in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, a small town in the heart of Florida's Emerald Coast. After graduating from Brown University and Yale Law School, I practiced law in DC and Virginia until 2003, when my family moved back down to my hometown. My wife Lori holds an MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University. We have two daughters, Jodi and Lindsay.

Southern Star Immigration, P.A., which I helped launch this year, is a law firm concentrating on bringing high-quality immigration law services to underserved communities in the Southeast. We don't believe that people should have to travel for many hours to big cities for immigration representation, when we can provide the same services more affordably in their home areas. We currently serve Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola, and Panama City in Florida, and maintain a branch office in Enterprise, AL from which we can serve the Montgomery and Wiregrass areas of Alabama.

Attorney Information
Meet Michael Leininger

Attorney Michael R. Leininger began his legal career in real estate law and commercial law serving small businesses in a variety of ways. Since founding Leininger Law Firm, P.A., in Destin, Florida, he has become increasing involved with family law, criminal defense and estate planning/probate for individuals.

Litigation has always been an important portion of his legal practice and he has extended that into the area of personal injury, contract law, contract disputes and commercial litigation.

Known for his rigorous attention to detail and his commitment to being overly-accessible at all times, he is a lawyer with unwavering honesty, fairness and integrity.

For more information about Michael R. Leininger, use the link below.

* Michael Leininger

Free Initial Consultation

If you are in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach or surrounding area, please call 850-650-9916 or send us an e-mail to arrange for a free initial consultation. We are a full service law firm, offering a full range of legal services to individuals and small businesses throughout the Florida Panhandle.