Richard Earl Hornsby

Richard Earl Hornsby

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 25 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Orlando, FL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

1217 East Robinson Street, Orlando, FL

About Richard

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Criminal Defense 100%

26 years | 5,000 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 25 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2001

Member in Good Standing

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

4.8 /5.0

319 Client Reviews

Showing 26 - 30 of 58 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Richard | February 28, 2014 | DUI & DWI

Needed a great attorney for my DUI case.

I was in need of an excellent lawyer after getting myself into "sticky situation". The referral came from someone in my family about his effectiveness in the courtroom (as a defense attorney). Truthfully, I expected to have "the book thrown at me" and didn't think an attorney would help me out with... my situation. I'm very glad I listened to my sibling. I told my scenario to Mr. Hornsby. In turn, he responded with his experience dealing with my type of scenario along with the probabilities/percentages of success. He also mentioned that it would be a long process; so, patience would be needed. Mr. Hornsby was realistic on the figures but said he would do his best to provide a satisfactory outcome. He also disclosed his fee for which was fair at the time. The case was worked with for over a year for which it was handled to have the best outcome possible for me. Communication was excellent from the time of the initial meeting all the way up to the court date. All of his directions, recommendations, anticipation of court requirements (i.e. DUI class, counseling, etc.) were concise and any questions (on my part) were answered. So, for the time being...I comfortably completed some of the "prerequisites" (for which the court would eventually impose on me) that Mr. Hornsby advised on while I awaited my court date. Mr. Hornsby worked his magic. After a year and four months, he managed to reduce my DUI to Reckless Driving. Considering that this was my second DUI case, I believe Mr. Hornsby "hit it out of the park". I'm more than pleased with this "victory" and consider that "fair price" I payed (for his expertise and assistance) to be a steal. Many thanks..., Mr. Hornsby.

Posted by Luis | February 14, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Look no further...

Not sure if this review qualifies since Richard Hornsby did not actually handle my case directly. What I can say is that this is a Truly honest lawyer. When I requested his services he was somewhat busy with more urgent cases; I just needed an early termination of probation. Hornsby gave me the op...tion of having Lyle Mazin handle my case. I can't thank him enough for introducing me to Lyle Mazin. If Hornsby is The Best, then Lyle Mazin is his twin brother. To be honest, I get the same kind of vibe from both of them...both of them have this suppressed intensity about them ready to be unleashed on the prosecution. My case case was not easy, I was actually asking for early termination at 1/4 of the way. Lyle saw an opportunity to get me out of my situation and pursued it with the skill of master and the zeal of a warrior . These guys are on a league of their own. If you're looking for a lawyer, don't risk getting stuck with someone who is just gonna take your money just to make a bullshit deal with the prosecution just because they don't truly care about you or just don't have the skill and the guts to get in the prosecution's face and argument on your behalf. The guy who handled my case before Attorney Mazin was of the type described in the previous sentence. I felt like he was the prosecution's pet or something. My charges would've been dropped if I had Mazin on my side then. Mazin and Hornsby are true public servants and live sacrificially in order to give their clients the best outcome possible. They could be out suing and getting mega rich, but instead they choose to battle, not to get rich, but to help a brother out. I hope God pays them back for their sacrifice, they deserve more than just money, I hope they live lives with God's favor on their side. Lyle Mazin is the Man! and so is Richard Hornsby, thanks for not dropping me...thanks for taking care of me by introducing me to Lyle Mazin. By the way, Lyle Mazin has plaques all over his walls...he was named Top 40 under 40, Top 100 trial lawyer, and the list goes on. Richard Hornsby is also just as distinguished. I truly wish these guys the best, cause they're the best.

Posted by Haley | January 09, 2014 | DUI & DWI

Best Possible Outcome!

I was referred to Mr. Hornsby by an attorney for one of my relatives. I was charged with a DUI and I was under the legal drinking age. Mr. Hornsby was able get me entered into a pre-trial Diversion program, however, I was pulled over for driving with a suspended license, before I completed the prog...ram. Mr. Hornsby was not only able to get that ticket reduced to just a court fine, but was also able to still get my DUI down to a reckless driving conviction. The only jail time I served was the night of my initial arrest. Given my circumstances, I couldn't have hoped for a better outcome. I would recommend Mr. Hornsby to anyone who is seeking the best legal representation in the state of Florida!

Posted by Megan | January 09, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Possession of Alcohol Underage

Mr. Hornsby was wonderful. He took my case right away and immediately took my statement and explained that 3 things need to occur in order for a person to be charged with possession of alcohol underage. He explained that because one of those three things had not occurred in my situation, that I had a... good case. I provided him with the information of witnesses. I had a court date scheduled but never had to attend because Mr. Hornsby spoke with the prosecutor and got them to dismiss my case. I am more than pleased with the service Mr. Hornsby has provided me.

Posted by Karen | December 03, 2013 | Criminal Defense

100% Legal Defense Thumbs Up

I hired Mr. Richard Earl Hornsby after 5 months of extensive research of Criminal Defense Lawyers throughout the Central Florida Area. My Husband was facing many years in Prison due to Violating his probation (5 Felony Counts) in the state of Florida. Mr. Hornsby was extremely Confident and Knowledge...able of the Florida Statues in every which way and therefore knew exactly how he would approach my husbands charges with the State Attorneys Office. This was not a lightweight case that Mr. Richard Hornsby had his hands on. This case was very complex, and Mr. Hornsby took it on without a sweat. Thanks to the knowledge and professionalism this lawyer has under his belt is the reason my husband can live his life again outside of the Criminal Justice System. In the court room, Mr. Hornsby spoke so eloquently, to the point where the State and the Judge just allowed him to speak in a manner in which they trusted and believed to be so. There where no questions from the state as to Mr. Hornsby being incorrect about anything he was bringing forward in this case. A lawyer as such holds a lot of weight and is very well respected in the Judicial System. It was a blessing that I decided to hire Mr. Richard Hornsby to defend my husband in a case that could have determined the fate and well being of our family.

See All Client Reviews

Richard Earl Hornsby's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Richard
Shon Joseph Douctre headshot
Shon Douctre

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Michael Stephen Stanfield headshot
Michael Stanfield

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Alejandro Rivera headshot
Alejandro Rivera

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Paula Colette Coffman headshot
Paula Coffman

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Jayson Thomas Zortman Jr. headshot
Jayson Zortman

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

A. Jay Fowinkle headshot
A. Fowinkle

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Jeffrey Nicholas Ivashuk headshot
Jeffrey Ivashuk

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Highly respected in the legal community."

Jacob Vickers Stuart Jr. headshot
Jacob Stuart

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in 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."

Elizabeth E. Bourdon headshot
Elizabeth Bourdon

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Patrick John Grozinger headshot
Patrick Grozinger

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

James Scott Herman headshot
James Herman

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 11

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Mark Edward Campbell headshot
Mark Campbell

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Richard Hornsby is very well known locally as a dedicated, talented, and passionate advocate."

Karen Rodriguez Ibarrondo headshot
Karen Ibarrondo

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gray Richard Proctor headshot
Gray Proctor

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

David Lee Redfearn headshot
David Redfearn

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Christopher John Atcachunas headshot
Christopher Atcachunas

Criminal defense lawyer | May 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christopher Chad Cronon headshot
Christopher Cronon

Criminal defense lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Jeffrey R Caffee headshot
Jeffrey Caffee

Violent crime lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

John Kingry Overchuck headshot
John Overchuck

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
J. Michael Price II headshot
J. Michael Price

Criminal defense lawyer

Whitney Stacel Boan headshot
Whitney Boan

Criminal defense lawyer

Paula Colette Coffman headshot
Paula Coffman

Appeals lawyer

Michael Stephen Stanfield headshot
Michael Stanfield

Criminal defense lawyer

A. Jay Fowinkle headshot
A. Fowinkle

Criminal defense lawyer

Patrick John Grozinger headshot
Patrick Grozinger

Criminal defense lawyer

Shon Joseph Douctre headshot
Shon Douctre

DUI and DWI lawyer

Stuart Ira Hyman headshot
Stuart Hyman

DUI and DWI lawyer

John Kingry Overchuck headshot
John Overchuck

Personal injury lawyer

George Carson Via headshot
George Via

Criminal defense lawyer

William Rudolf Ponall headshot
William Ponall

Criminal defense lawyer

Kelly Bryan Sims headshot
Kelly Sims

Criminal defense lawyer

Gisela Then Laurent headshot
Gisela Laurent

Criminal defense lawyer

Lyle Barrister Mazin headshot
Lyle Mazin

Criminal defense lawyer

Lawrence Henry Hornsby Jr. headshot
Lawrence Hornsby

Securities and investment fraud lawyer

Brett Hartley headshot
Brett Hartley

Criminal defense lawyer

Rajan Joshi headshot
Rajan Joshi

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas Bert Feiter headshot
Thomas Feiter

Criminal defense lawyer

Eric Harold Barker headshot
Eric Barker

Criminal defense lawyer

Derek B Brett headshot
Derek Brett

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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 Bar

Criminal Procedure Rules Committee

2013 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2013 - Present

NORML Legal Committee

Lifetime Member

2004 - Present

Association of Trial Lawyers of America

Member

2001 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Lifetime Member

2001 - Present

Orange County Bar Association

Member

2001 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2007 - 2008

Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

President

2006 - 2010

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, City of Orlando

Member

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

See More Legal Cases

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

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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