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Richard Earl Hornsby
About Richard
Biography
One of the best criminal defense lawyers in Florida over the past two decades, Richard Hornsby has developed a reputation for achieving exceptional results under difficult circumstances. He is recognized as an expert in criminal trial law by the Florida Bar and prides himself on obtaining the most favorable result possible for his clients. If you find yourself in need of an aggressive criminal defense attorney, the only real option is Richard Hornsby.
Richard Hornsby is a third generation Central Floridian and a second-generation criminal defense lawyer. Richard obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Master of Science in Forensic Science, and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. He also holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida.
Richard is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by the Florida Bar and Board Certified in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Richard serves as the Legal Analyst for the Central Florida NBC affiliate, WESH 2 News, and is frequently called upon to provide legal commentary for the Orlando Sentinel.
In 2007 he was voted Best of the Bar in Criminal Defense by the Orlando Business Journal. In 2016 he was recognized as a Legal Elite by Orlando Style Magazine. In 2021 he was recognized as a Legal Elite by Florida Trend Magazine. And he has been recognized in Super Lawyers Magazine every year from 2012 through 2022.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
26 years | 5,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 25 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Location
Richard E. Hornsby, PA
1217 East Robinson Street, Orlando, FL, 32801
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Richard Earl Hornsby's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
319 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (319)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (244)
Advocacy (150)
Recommendation (139)
Professionalism (129)
Communication Style (94)
Responsiveness (94)
General Knowledge (72)
Character & Conduct (67)
Practice Area Knowledge (58)
Trustworthiness (56)
Cost of Services (34)
Compassion (19)
Punctuality (15)
Staff & Support (5)
Payment Plans (4)
Showing 6 - 10 of 319 reviews
Posted by anonymous | August 19, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Nightmare - Zero stars
There is no way these 5 star reviews are legitimate. This lawyer is a complete jerk and I had the most stressful experience allowing this man to handle my case. I won’t get long winded but the review before mine (May 19) hits the nail on the head. Do not hire this man if you want a lawyer that has an...
Richard Hornsby
Replied last March 02, 2025It is difficult to respond to a completely anonymous review that does not mention any specifics about the legal work performed or the result obtained. But the results of every case I have resolved in the last ten years are posted on my website. And of my 2024 cases, 2/3 of the cases were dismissed outright. The other 1/3 were resolved in an extremely favorable manner, which means your case was resolved more than favorably (and if you are the client I think you are, your case went from a first degree felony with a mandatory prison sentence to a misdemeanor and six months of probation). So, you're welcome. Which means (1) either you are a former client who has unreasonable expectations and believes a criminal lawyer should be a babysitter instead of an aggressive defense attorney; or (2) you were not actually a client.
Posted by anonymous | May 18, 2024
Consult Only
Please consider all reviews which mention him being "terse, brusque" or any other term indicating you will not be met with any compassion, empathy, or patience when you call to inquire about a case. If I didn't feel so strongly about being treated with respect, a little dignity, and as a human being,...
Richard Hornsby
Replied last May 20, 2024You called seeking representation to get compensation for personal property (phone and another small item) that was broken during an argument with a boyfriend. I advised I was a criminal defense attorney and do not handle these type of matters. I then advise you the only way to obtain restitution civilly was to file a small claims lawsuit and advise you to file it yourself and where to file it. You then said you wanted a lawyer "no matter the cost" and I explained that (1) I doubt any lawyer would take on a small claims lawsuit and (2) if they did, they would charge you more than the items are worth and you would not be entitled to reimbursement for your lawyer's fees. Being a lawyer requires giving sound legal advice and telling people the truth, not telling them what they want to hear (which I assume you equate to being comassionate, empathetic, and petient). Regardless, I think giving a lawyer a one star review who took up his valuable time to give you sound legal advice even though he does not practice in the area of law you needed, shows that the real person without any self awareness, compassion, or empathy is you.
Posted by Perry | November 13, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
5 Star
Richard Horsby was a beacon of hope to my family at a time when our options of a satisfactory resolution seemed nearly impossible. He is wicked smart and really made a difference in my case and my life. Richard got the case dismissed with nothing but the truth! He has a concise, terse, pithy persona...
Posted by anonymous | November 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Attorney Review
If you want a straight forward guy who will take care of your case fast, this is your attorney. Although he is brusque, he will resolve your case in your best interest.
Posted by Shadow | November 08, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Richard Hornsby is a professional lawyer with great expertise
Richard Hornsby was extremely professional and worked diligently on my case. He stayed on my case and I thank him for helping me to win my case. If I ever needed help again he will be the first lawyer I will call R. Jeanbaptiste
Richard Earl Hornsby's Lawyer Endorsements
"Richard Hornsby is a heavy weight. If myself or a family member was in trouble for any serious felony case, Richard would my top pick in Orlando. Richard Hornsby does not play! He is outstanding at law and as a person. First class."
"Richard is one of the finest lawyers I know and a ferocious litigator. Some people may misunderstand his bluntness, but he cuts to the core of issues without wasting clients time with sugar-coating."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have had the pleasure of knowing Richard Hornsby since he was a rising star in the Public Defender’s Office more than a decade ago. Richard is a gifted trial lawyer and fearless legal advocate on behalf of his clients. I enthusiastically endorse this criminal defense lawyer."
"Through the years I've sent several referrals to Mr. Hornsby and I will continue to do so, this guy knows what he's doing. I endorse this lawyer."
"Richard is a superb attorney. His knowledge of the law and prowess in the courtroom is widely known throughout central Florida. I highly recommend Richard Hornsby."
"I endorse this lawyer. Highly respected in the legal community."
"Mr. Hornsby is an attorney who has that very rare"special sauce" that makes him one of best trial attorneys in Florida. He possesses a wide range of knowledge, along with a tenacious will, that when put together, allow him to get the optimal results for each of his clients. Our Firm highly endorses Mr. Hornsby."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Hornsby aggressively defends every case he handles, and is a great advocate for his clients. Clients are well informed and expertly represented. Mr. Hornsby is also a very helpful resource for colleagues. My endorsement is not just that of a colleague, but also that of a former client."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. If you are looking for a real trial lawyer, then Richard should be your choice. He is a relentless advocate for his clients, and doesn't shy away from taking cases to trial. Top notch."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Richard Hornsby is very well known locally as a dedicated, talented, and passionate advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"This Hornsby fellow is a rare breed in our age of declining jury trials and plea-bargain, conveyor-belt justice. Good on his feet and good in his seat, Richard's motion practice is built on thorough research and creativity - I know because I've seen his pleadings. It is often enough to seriously wound the State's prosecution. But if one goes to trial, woe unto those who seek harm for his client. Richard's unrelenting trial preparation and ferocious advocacy speaks, I think, to his respect for the best traditions of our great profession. F.Lee Bailey once said a good criminal defense lawyer has to be a maverick and a renegade. That sure fits Hornsby. There are many fine lawyers in this town, but if there was a survey that polled Orlando criminal lawyers whom they would hire if a loved one was arrested for a serious crime (and it could not be themselves or their partners), I believe Richard would be on the short-list."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Hornsby is a damn good trial lawyer. He likes to say he is a better trial lawyer than me. He is not afraid to take a case to trial. He is gifted. I only beat a few times at trial when we were very young so I know he is solid. He also has sharp as a tack legal mind. He thinks highly of himself but I think it is well deserved. I think highly of him too. His theatrics in the courtroom do not go unnoticed (by me) and as such, he wins over a jury."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
J. Michael Price
Criminal defense lawyer
Whitney Boan
Criminal defense lawyer
Paula Coffman
Appeals lawyer
Michael Stanfield
Criminal defense lawyer
A. Fowinkle
Criminal defense lawyer
Patrick Grozinger
Criminal defense lawyer
Shon Douctre
DUI and DWI lawyer
Stuart Hyman
DUI and DWI lawyer
John Overchuck
Personal injury lawyer
George Via
Criminal defense lawyer
William Ponall
Criminal defense lawyer
Kelly Sims
Criminal defense lawyer
Gisela Laurent
Criminal defense lawyer
Lyle Mazin
Criminal defense lawyer
Lawrence Hornsby
Securities and investment fraud lawyer
Brett Hartley
Criminal defense lawyer
Rajan Joshi
Criminal defense lawyer
Thomas Feiter
Criminal defense lawyer
Eric Barker
Criminal defense lawyer
Derek Brett
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2021
Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2016
Legal Elite, Orlando Style Magazine
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2014
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2013
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2013
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2012
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2009
Board Certification in Criminal Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2008
Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law, The Florida Bar
2007
Best of the Bar, Criminal Defense, The Orlando Business Journal
2000
Trial Practice Book Award, The University of Florida College of Law
Work Experience
2005 - Present
Owner, Richard E. Hornsby, P.A.
2003 - 2004
Associate, Woolfolk & Jordan, P.A.
2000 - 2003
Assistant Public Defender, Office of the Public Defender
Associations
2022 - Present
Florida BarCriminal Procedure Rules Committee
2013 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2013 - Present
NORML Legal CommitteeLifetime Member
2004 - Present
Association of Trial Lawyers of AmericaMember
2001 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersLifetime Member
2001 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
2001 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2007 - 2008
Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersPresident
2006 - 2010
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, City of OrlandoMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. R.S.
Not Guilty
State v. F.A.F
Not Guilty
State v. V.S.D.
Not Guilty
State v. V.L.T.
Not Guilty
State v. A.B.Z.
Not Guilty
State of Florida v. C.M.
Not Guilty
State of Florida v. Ezekiel G. Keys
Not Guilty on all Counts
State of Florida v. Renee Estrada
Not Guilty
State of Florida v. Chaddrick D. Greene
Not Guilty
State v. Lianzhi Zuo
Not Guilty on all counts.
State v. Sean D. Kelley
All counts dismissed by Judge.
State v. Brian C. DuPuy
Not Guilty
State v. Christian C. Mauro
Not Guilty
State v. Lenton J. Jones
Not Guilty: all Felonies; Guilty: all Misdemeanors
State v. Rodrick Payton
Not Guilty on all First Degree Felonies
State v. Sean D. Kelley
Dismissed by Judge
State v. William F. Flynn
Not Guilty
State of Florida v. Eugene G. Davis
Not Guilty on all Counts
State v. Chad B. Schneider
Not Guilty
State v. Ryan D. Maxey
Prosecutor dismissed case halfway through trial
State v. Mark D. Young
Not Guilty
State v. Emilio C. Rodriguez
Not Guilty of First Degree Misdemeanor
State v. Marquiz T. Crawley
All counts dismissed by Judge
State v. Karen D. Nelson
Not Guilty
State v. Peter J. Johnson
Not Guilty
State v. Alfonzo B. Lewis
Not Guilty
State v. Kelly E. Duncan
Not Guilty
State v. Erin K. Fitzpatrick
Hung Jury
State v. Edwin Jean-Baptiste, Jr.
Not guilty on all counts
State v. Vincent Noble
Prosecutor dismissed case halfway through trial
State v. Gerald Gorski
Not Guilty
State v. Christopher L. Herrmann
Not Guilty
State v. Horace H. Catinna
Not Guilty
State v. Luis O. Perez
Prosecutor dismissed case halfway through trial
State v. Richard L. Bentley
Not Guilty on all counts
State v. Marcus J. Fountain
Not Guilty
State v. Sharese T. Newsome
Not Guilty
State v. Ronald L. Roberts
Prosecutor dismissed case after Jury Selection
State v. John E. Buchy
Dismissed by Judge
State v. James Bennett
Not guilty
State v. Shandreka R. Simmons
Not Guilty
State v. Lanavorety Woodson
Not Guilty on Felony
State v. Anderson Jacob
Not Guilty of Felony; Guilty of Misdemeanor
State v. Wilfred Gregory
Not Guilty
State v. Fausto A. Baez
Not Guilty of Felony; Judge Dimissed Misdemeanor
State v. Lennon L. Pickett
Not Guilty on All Counts
State v. Dennis W. Servis
Guilty. However, Reversed on Appeal.
State v. Archie D. Helton
Not Guilty
State v. Ferdinand Gonzalez
Guilty of First Degree Misdemeanor
State v. John C. Saunders
Not Guilty
State v. Floyd L. Lane
Not Guilty
State v. Brian B. Steward
Not Guilty
State v. Angel J. Leon
Not Guilty
State v. Mariana L. Rivera
Not Guilty
State v. Ludie J. Smith
Not Guilty
Education
2014
University of Florida College of Pharmacy
Master of Science in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
2003
University of Central Florida
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
2000
University of Florida, College of Law
Juris Doctor
1996
University of Florida
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2008
Public Defender Training College
Jury Selection for Real Attorneys
2007
Public Defender Training College
Effective Closing Arguments
2006
Public Defender Training College
Search and Seizure in Florida
2004
Public Defender Training College
Basics in Criminal Pleadings
Publications
2006
The Defender
Basics in Criminal Pleadings
2002
The Defender
In Defense of Unlicensed Drivers: § 322.34
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Had a case in 2012 and now is closed. But I was informed that i have a warrant , how can be possible if the probation is over
26 Feb 2024
Q&A
Do I have to provide my evidence before trial?
27 Feb 2024
Q&A
How do I file a motion to the courts to request approval to go to St.Thomas islands with my fiancé to visit her mother?
14 Feb 2024