Michael Brainard Hines

Michael Brainard Hines

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 19 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Gainesville, FL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Violent Crime, DUI & DWI, Juvenile

106 NW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 19 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2006

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Michael Brainard Hines

106 NW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL, 32601

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Michael Brainard Hines's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

57 Client Reviews

5 star (57)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Priscila | January 1, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Honest and sincere

We are extremely grateful for the support and dedication shown throughout our family matter. Communication was clear, compassionate, and honest from start to finish. I felt confident and supported every step of the way.

Posted by Shannon | December 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best in North Central Florida

I cannot recommend Michael Hines highly enough—he is simply one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Gainesville and the Eighth Judicial Circuit. When I faced serious misdemeanor charges stemming from a domestic incident that was completely misrepresented, Mr. Hines took my case and turned a nig...htmare situation into a complete dismissal. From the very beginning, Mr. Hines was professional, responsive, and genuinely caring. He meticulously reviewed all the evidence, including 911 recordings, body camera footage, officer statements, and inconsistencies in the accuser’s accounts. His thorough preparation and strategic highlighting of these evidentiary weaknesses led the State Attorney’s office to dismiss the charges entirely. Without his expertise, I could have faced the continued consequences, which have impacted my job, finances, family, and reputation. What sets Mr. Hines apart is his deep knowledge of the local courts, his calm and approachable demeanor during a stressful time, and his relentless advocacy for his clients. He kept me informed every step of the way, explained complex legal processes clearly, and fought tirelessly to protect my rights and reputation. If you’re facing criminal charges in North Central Florida—whether DUI, domestic violence, or any other matter—do yourself a favor and hire Mr. Michael Hines. He delivered results far beyond what I hoped for, and I’m forever grateful. Thank you, Mr. Hines, for giving me a piece of my life back!

Posted by Ariana | July 26, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Professional and effective

I could not have asked for a more professional and effective attorney. He kept me posted with all happenings of my case and always answered/texted back when I reached out to him. He did the work and got my case dismissed.

Posted by Marie | April 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Michael is brilliant

Michael is a brilliant professional who is compassionate, honest, and down to earth. He was accessible when we had questions, and was thorough in his explanations. He uses his extensive knowledge to go above and beyond to insure you receive the best possible outcome. We are so thankful we found Mich...ael and highly recommend him.

Posted by Ashlynn | April 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The HERO Mr. Hines

Finding a juvenile lawyer is very hard, when I finally found and talked Mr. Hines I knew he was the one! From the beginning he was straightforward, he would explain everything in a way I would understand. And if I had any questions he was there to answer them. He was very professional and very knowl...edgeable. The only regret I have is I didn’t find him sooner! He had my son’s case for only 2 wks and I got more information from him than I did from the public defender that had his case for over 3 wks. Even when the detention center gave me a hard time releasing my son, Mr. Hines quickly jumped in and he was released! He really was a hero! If you are in need of a great defense lawyer he would be the one i recommend.

See All Client Reviews

Michael Brainard Hines's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Catherine Holly Yach Gleason headshot
Catherine Gleason

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. As a fellow lawyer in the community, Mike is someone who I enjoy watching in the courtroom. He has a keen eye for case evaluation and is very knowledgeable of the law."

Carey Wagner Meldon headshot
Carey Meldon

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael has a wonderful reputation in North Central Florida when it comes to criminal defense. He's passionate about providing clients with aggressive, ethical, and creative legal representation. I would highly recommend Michael to any of my friends who needed a local criminal defense litigator."

Travis Drew Eden Mydock headshot
Travis Mydock

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. As a former Assistant State Attorney, I know that Michael is an experienced criminal defense attorney and zealous advocate for his clients."

John Anthony George Terrezza headshot
John Terrezza

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael is smart, committed to practicing criminal defense, and relentlessly defends his client's rights, even in tough circumstances. I can honestly say I miss working with him."

Adam J Lee headshot
Adam Lee

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Michael Hines. Michael works tirelessly to get the best possible results for his clients."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

A Daniel Vazquez headshot
A Vazquez

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Hines. He is an experienced litigator and highly respected among his colleagues in the local bar for his intelligence, compassion, legal skills, and wit. He has a proven track record and is well-established in the local bar association."

Alvaro Felipe Guerrero headshot
Alvaro Guerrero

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jon Dirk Uman headshot
Jon Uman

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is incredibly talented, knowledgeable, and skilled. He identifies, understands, and resolves complex issues in favor of his clients. His courtroom demeanor, comfort, and presence are unmatched and any client would be lucky to retain him."

View All Endorsements
Adam J Lee headshot
Adam Lee

Criminal defense lawyer

Dean R Galigani headshot
Dean Galigani

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

2021 - Present

Owner, Michael Hines Law Firm

2005 - Present

Associate, Law Offices of Lloyd L. Vipperman, Jr.

2013 - 2021

Attorney, Galigani Law Firm

Associations

2015 - Present

Eighth Circuit Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

President

2015 - Present

James C. Adkins, Jr. American Inn of Court

Member

2006 - Present

Florida Bar Association

Member

2006 - Present

Florida Bar Association, Criminal Law Section

Member

2006 - Present

Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association

Member

2006 - Present

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2016 - 2017

Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association

Board of Directors

Education

2005

University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2001

University of Virginia

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2016

James C. Adkins, Jr. American Inn of Court

Expert Witnesses, Daubert, and Frye

2015

Gerald T. Bennett Prosecutor/Public Defender Trial Training Program

Trial Skills Lecturer

2014

Gerald T. Bennett Prosecutor/Public Defender Trial Training Program

Trial Skills Lecturer

2011

University of Florida Trial Practice

Cross examination, Guest Lecturer

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution