Michael Ray Buchanan

Michael Ray Buchanan

5.0
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 39 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Gainesville, FL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence

1800 N Main St, Gainesville, FL

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 75%

* Drug Related Offenses * DUI * Murder * Manslaughter * Robbery * Burglary * Theft * DUI Manslaughter * Vehicular Homicide * Domestic Violence * Assault * Battery * Sexual Battery * Aggravated Battery * Resisting Arrest * Juvenile Crime * Violation of Restraining Orders * Lewd and Lascivious Conduct * Disorderly Conduct * Disorderly Intoxication * Trespassing * Criminal Mischief

40 years

75%
DUI and DWI 20%

40 years

20%
Domestic Violence 5%

Juvenile, Dependency, Domestic Violence Civil Injunctions

40 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 39 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1986

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

DeThomasis & Buchanan, PA

1800 N Main St, Gainesville, FL, 32609-8606

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Michael Ray Buchanan's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

4 Client Reviews

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

Posted by anonymous | April 28, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Outstanding Service

This is the second time we've worked with Michael Buchanan for a family legal matter. This issue was a bit more delicate and consequential than the last. Michael was extremely helpful and professional throughout the process, and he navigated us to the best conceivable outcome. He gave tremendous advi...ce and worked very effectively within the system to negotiate the best result. He also made himself easily accessible and was promptly responsive whenever we had questions. And he is a really nice guy to boot. I would highly recommend him.

Posted by anonymous | July 10, 2014

Experienced and Efficient

I hired Mr. Buchanan to defend me against an incorrect charge. He was very prompt, honest, efficient and knowledgeable. I hired him on a Tuesday and by Wednesday of the following week the charges were dismissed! He really took a lot of the stress and anxiety out of the process, I highly recommend ...him.

Posted by Nicole | July 16, 2013

The Facts

Mr. Buchanan is a man that I respect on so many levels. He was courteous, professional, but still showed the caring side when needed by the family of the accused. Mr. Buchanan, was the one who would read law books for hours to try to find another way to help the defense. He searched for days for fact...s, and ideas of how to help improve the case overall. Mr. Buchanan is a wonderful attorney who pays close attention to detail and is always available for a phone conference, trial review, or any questions as to the process of the case. Mr. Buchanan's staff are courteous, friendly and always ready to lend a hand for any specifics you may need. You don't have to worry about a flashy commercial, tacky ads, or an over-zealous office, they are there to practice law and that is exactly what they do. During the two years of the case they never gave up, or stopped trying to figure out a way and after two long years we were able to hear the words Not Guilty. If it wasn't for Mr. Buchanan and his partner Mr. DeThomasis this would not of been the verdict that day, and for that I will be eternally grateful. I am proud to know Mr. Buchanan and will continue to spread the good word he has done!

Posted by anonymous | September 12, 2011

Excellent Service

Mr. Buchanan was very thorough and knowledgable. he treated us with respect and courtesy. he was excellent at keeping us informed of the developments and he successfulloy argued the case to our benefit. I would recommend Mr. Buchanan without reservation.

See All Client Reviews

Michael Ray Buchanan's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Robert J. Warren headshot
Robert Warren

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mr. Buchanan for over 20 years and endorse him without hesitation. He has vast experience in all aspects of criminal defense and has gained a reputation in the legal community as a fierce and very talented advocate 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."

Martha Ann Lott headshot
Martha Lott

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse this lawyer. Michael Buchanan handled many criminal cases before me during my 22+ years as a judge. He is professional, knowledgeable and an excellent advocate."

Michael Owen Massey headshot
Michael Massey

Unknown lawyer | Apr 09

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jefferson Monroe Braswell headshot
Jefferson Braswell

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Buchanan and his law firm are easily considered the top criminal defense firm in Gainesville and the 8th Judcial Circuit for Florida. His experience in representing individuals charged with crimes is invaluable if you need representation. You will always find his representation to be sincere and attentative. In the last 20 years, I have referred more than 25 cases to Mr. Buchanan always with outstanding results exceeding my expectations. If you need a criminal defense attorney, I give Michael and his law firm my absolute highest recommendation."

View All Endorsements
Juan Carlos Calama headshot
Juan Calama

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert J. Warren headshot
Robert Warren

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Martha Ann Lott headshot
Martha Lott

Litigation lawyer

Jefferson Monroe Braswell headshot
Jefferson Braswell

Business lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2015

A.V. Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

A.V. Rating 1998 - 2015, Martindale-Hubbell

1996

Meritorious Public Service, Eighth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee "B"

1993

President's Award, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Eighth Judicial Circuit Chapter)

1990

Devoted and Invaluable Services, Gainesville Police Department

Work Experience

1988 - Present

Partner, DeThomasis & Buchanan, PA

1986 - 1988

Lawyer, Office of the Public Defender

1983 - 1985

Certified Legal Intern, Office of the Public Defender

1981 - 1983

Law Clerk, Law Office of Larry Turner

Associations

1990 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1989 - Present

Florida Bar Association, Criminal Law Section

Member

1987 - Present

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Eighth Judicial Circuit chapter)

Member

1986 - Present

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1986 - Present

Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association

Member

1995 - 1996

Alachua County Jail Population Task Force

Member

1993 - 1996

Eighth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee "B"

Member

1992 - 1993

Eighth Judicial Circuit Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

President

1992 - 1993

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Board of Directors

1991 - 1992

Eighth Judicial Circuit Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Secretary/Treasurer

1989 - 1993

American Civil Liberties Union, Alacua County

Legal Panel Member

Education

1984

University of Florida, College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1981

University of Central Florida

BA - Bachelor of Arts (Magna Cum Laude)

Speaking Engagements

2011

2011 PROFESSIONALISM SEMINAR

Professionalism in Criminal Defense

2007

Case Evaluation and Selection for Young Lawyers

Criminal Defense, Case Evaluation and Selection

1999

1999 Professionalism Seminar

Professionalism in Criminal Defense

Publications

2014

2012

Criminal Law Blog: reasonabledoubt.org Understanding Florida’s Underage Drinking Law

2011

Criminal Law Blog; reasonabledoubt.org Today In Crime History

2011

Criminal Law Blog: reasonabledoubt.org Understanding Florida’s Pre-Trial Intervention Program

2011

Criminal Law Blog: reasonabledoubt.org Understanding Alachua County’s Drug Court Program

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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