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Tim Michael Flaherty
About Tim
Biography
I started Flaherty & Merrifield in 2004 with one simple goal: to provide the very best criminal defense representation in Fort Walton Beach and throughout Okaloosa County. Over the years, my team and I have defended thousands of people accused of criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including Sex Crimes, Domestic Violence, DUIs, and Homicide. As president of the local chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a member of organizations such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, I stay up to date on current legal issues and continually expand upon his skills as an attorney.
Brandy Merrifield is my partner. We focus 100 percent of our practice on criminal defense. We will do whatever it takes to get the best possible result in a case. Some cases are worked out through a negotiation with the prosecutor. Other cases are litigated in court with pretrial motions to dismiss or suppress. Some cases are fought at trial. Whichever direction your case goes, Brandy and I know what moves to make in order to put you in the best position possible. Rest assured, you will be in good hands.
No matter what you are accused of, you deserve to have someone on your side who will fight for you and defend you. That is exactly what we are prepared to do for you. Call Flaherty & Merrifield and let us help.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
25 years
DUI and DWI
20%
25 years
Domestic Violence
10%
25 years
Juvenile Law
10%
25 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 24 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Licensed in Iowa for 14 years
State: Iowa
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Location
Flaherty & Merrifield
1817 Lewis Turner Blvd #E, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32547
Flaherty & Merrifield
550 N Main St #E, Crestview, FL, 32536
Flaherty & Merrifield
1008 Airport Rd, Suite B, Destin, FL, 32541
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Tim Michael Flaherty's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 26 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | October 11, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Simply great!
I had never had to hire a criminal defense lawyer before and i hope i don't have to in future, but for the one time i did, maaan, am i happy i went with what my gut told me when looking for one! Flaherty and maryfield were nothing less then amazing! Answered every question. Super friendly staff. Make...
Posted by Alexander | April 2, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The best Criminal Lawyer in Okaloosa County
Flaherty Defense Firm treated me with professionalism, always let me know what they needed from me and were always quick to act on my case. I would have never gotten through my case with the amount of stress that it put on me, but they treated me like part of their family and I am grateful that I wen...
Posted by Tommy | May 17, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
3rd Offense DUI
Flaherty's defense team is the best possible choice you can make after making the bad ones to put you in a place of needing a lawyer. I contacted Flaherty's office and set up a consultation. When I met with Mr. Flayerty he was very straight forward on the severe consequences I was facing for 3rd Offe...
Posted by anonymous | February 22, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Domestic Assault Attorney
I live out of state and was charged with a Domestic Assault case while on vacation in Florida. During this stressful time Tim and his staff at Fleherty Defense Firm took on my case and handled it from beginning to end. They were fair in regards to payment and took on all the responsibility of my cour...
Posted by anonymous | March 16, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Wrongfully accused by wife or soon to be ex wife!!!
If you have been wrongfully accused an been arrested. Flaherty Law Firm is the representation you will need. Mr. Flaherty will fight for you and I can personally say, he will stand his ground when it comes to getting you out on bail. Their paralegal and office manager are always on call 24/7 to ans...
Tim Michael Flaherty's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. I have observed Mr. Flaherty practicing law for several years and know him to be a very talented attorney and any client he represents is in good hands."
"I endorse this lawyer. Diligent and hard working."
"Mr. Flaherty is a well respected and seasoned professional whose practice has shown itself to be among the best in the state of Florida. Between his years of experience in defending clients to the incredible staff that surrounds him, Mr. Flaherty is well known for his intelligence and diligent work ethic. His reputation for success in trial is completely deserved and I would recommend his services to any in need of criminal defense in the Florida panhandle."
"I endorse this lawyer. Truly exceptional and professional attorney with an outstanding reputation in the legal field for providing high quality representation and results for his clients!"
"I have known Tim for several years. While I was a prosecutor in Okaloosa County I handled many cases for which Tim was the lawyer on the other side. Tim is a fantastic criminal defense attorney and is also a genuinely good person. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Tim and I have worked against each other many times and he is an outstanding advocate who understands the law."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Tim his entire life, and can speak to his character and the passion in which he approaches the advocacy of his clients. He truly cares about his cients, and that is a character trait, that is lacking, among all to many attorneys. Being his cousin, and a lawyer myself, we have the opportunity to talk about our practices, at family gatherings. He knows his area of the law and is not afraid to role up his sleeves and fight for his clients. I've referred clients of mine to Tim, and they have always had great feedback on how handled their issues."
"I endorse this lawyer. I routinely refer criminal law cases to Tim Michael Flaherty because I know he will represent his clients with the highest level of integrity. Tim brings experience and dedication to every client."
"Tim is professional, effective, and works hard for his clients. I would recommend his services."
"Tim can find his way to the courthouse and knows what to do when he gets there. He is calm under fire and handles the difficulties of this challenging area of law with one of the most professional attitudes I have seen."
"It is a significant pleasure to extend my full and unqualified endorsement of Tim Flaherty. I have known Tim for approximately 10 years in both a professional and social manner. My association with Tim began in my capacity as a young attorney just getting into the practice of law. I was employed right out of law school with little to no knowledge of how the legal system worked; however, with Tim’s help the transition went well. Soon on I noticed that Tim quickly emerged as the type of attorney who is well liked by his peers, respected by his staff and involved in the affairs of the community. Because of the insular nature of Northwest Florida, attorneys have the opportunity to know each other very well, both inside and outside of our individual practice. As a senior partner with Kilpatrick & Newlin, P.A. and as a member in good standing of the Florida Bar and Northern District Federal Bar, I have no reservation in fully endorsing Tim Flaherty. D. Keith Kilpatrick"
"I endorse this lawyer. Tim is a passionate advocate for his clients. He is thorough and knowledgable in the area of criminal defense."
"I endorse this lawyer. He has the experience combined with the expertise to handle any criminal matter, providing positive results. He is also one of the few attorneys in the area that I would reccomend in handling a major criminal case."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is knowledgeable, effective and aggressive advocate."
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Experience
Honors
2024
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys - Northern Florida, America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys
2018
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2018
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2001
Order of Barristers, Southern Illinois University School of Law
2001
Captain, Moot Court Trial Team, Southern Illinois University School of Law
Work Experience
2004 - Present
Owner, Flaherty Defense Firm
2001 - 2004
Assistant Public Defender, State of Florida
2000 - 2001
Capital Case Law Clerk, Capps Law Firm
Associations
2021 - Present
Okaloosa-Walton County Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersPresident
2017 - Present
American Institute of Criminal Law AttorneysMember
2015 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationTop 100 Trial Lawyers
2014 - Present
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana LawsLifetime Member
2013 - Present
Okaloosa County Teen Court ProgramJudge
2013 - Present
Florida Bar, Criminal Law SectionAttorney Member
2011 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2010 - Present
U.S. District Court, Northern District of FloridaMember
2004 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2001 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2001 - Present
Okaloosa-Walton Bar AssociationMember
2015 - 2018
National College of DUI DefenseMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Okaloosa County 2014CF-619
Felony Reduced To Misdemeanor
Okaloosa County 2013CF-2877
Felony Reduced To Misdemeanor
Okaloosa County 2013CF-2853
Sex Charge Reduced
Okaloosa County 2013CF-2159
Downward Departure
Okaloosa County 2013CF-1162
Sex Charge Reduced
Okaloosa County 2013CF-2095
Sex Charge Dropped
Okaloosa County 2012CF-2748
Not Guilty Verdict
Okaloosa County 2012CT-2530
DUI Dismissed
Okaloosa County 2011CF-949
Sex Charge Reduced
Okaloosa County 2010CF-899
NOT GUILTY
State of FL vs. AM
DUI Dismissed
State of Florida v JH
DUI Dismissed
State of FL vs. PS
Case Dismissed
State of FL vs. CM
Case Dismissed
State of Florida vs JC
Case Dismissed
State of Florida vs DG
Case Dismissed
State of Florida vs. MJ
Not Guilty
State of Florida vs. SC
Not Guilty
State of Florida vs CE
DUI Dismissed
Education
2001
Southern Illinois University School of Law
Juris Doctorate
1997
Northwest Missouri State University
B.S.
Speaking Engagements
2014
Okaloosa County Teen Court
Role Of Defense Attorney
2013
Okaloosa County Teen Court
Career As An Attorney
Publications
N/A
Fort Walton Beach Defense Blog
Fort Walton Beach Defense Blog
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Do I qualify for a downward departure?
24 Dec 2018
Q&A
With pending felony charges, is it worth it to to apply to graduate programs and/or to jobs in general?
13 Dec 2016
Q&A
Will I go to jail for violating Pretrial intervention by smoking pot on a 3rd degree felony theft charge?
19 Dec 2016