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Richard G. Canina
About Richard
Biography
AGGRESSIVELY DEFENDING THE ACCUSED SINCE 1985.
For nearly 40 years, attorney Richard G. Canina has been practicing exclusively in the area of criminal defense law in Brevard County, FL. Mr. Canina graduated with Honors from The University Of Florida at age 20, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He later attended Stetson University College of Law, where he received his Juris Doctorate. While at Stetson, Mr. Canina served as Vice President of Sigma Nu Phi Legal Fraternity and successfully completed an internship with the Office of The Public Defender, Sixth Judicial Circuit.
After graduating from law school Mr. Canina took a position with the Brevard County Public Defender’s Office, where he served as an Assistant Public Defender in the trial division for nearly five years. As an assistant Public Defender, Mr. Canina aggressively defended thousands of clients with charges ranging from misdemeanor traffic offenses to first degree premeditated murder.
Mr. Canina is a full member of the Florida Bar. He is also licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. He has been a member of several legal organizations including the Brevard County Bar Association, The Orange County Bar Association, The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers. He has recieved numerous awards and accolades including a perfect 5 out of 5 Martindale Hubbell Client Rating, a perfect 10 "Superb" Avvo Rating,and the Client's Choice award. Most recently, he was named to the prestigious "Top 100 Trial Lawyers" List by the The National Trial Lawyers and was awarded the "Superior DUI Attorney" ranking by the National Advocacy for DUI Defense.
Mr. Canina has dedicated his career to defending the legal rights and freedoms of the accused. His practice focuses 100% on criminal defense and criminal trial practice. He is proud of the fact that he has never worked as a state prosecutor. His philosophy is to unconditionally help his client no matter what the allegations may be.
DISCLAIMER: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. Areas of practice and Attorney Bio does not reflect Board Certification. Client reviews and testimonials are solely the opinions of said reviewers and in no way constitute the views/opinions of the lawyer. Prospective clients may not obtain the same or similar case results.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
41 years | 7,500 cases
DUI and DWI
20%
41 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 40 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1985
No misconduct found
Location
The Canina Law Firm
1901 S. Harbor City Blvd, Suite 804, Melbourne, FL, 32901
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Richard G. Canina's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
40 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Cody | June 06, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
FANTASTIC
This is my first time in my life needing a lawyer of any kind! Scared to death, facing false accusations and the possibilities of me losing my children I was petrified and had NO IDEA what to do. I was referred to Rick by a close friend, first was my injunction hearing I needed taken care of immediat...
Posted by anonymous | July 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Gets the Best Results Possible!!!
This guy works miracles! I was coming home from a bar after a pretty wild night and was stopped by the Palm Bay PD. Cop saw a bunch of beers in my car and said I failed all the sobriety test. I was arrested for DUI. I thought it was hopeless after a few lawyers told me I’d probably get convicted and ...
Posted by anonymous | May 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Incredible Job!
Hired Richard Canina for my daughter who was arrested for multiple felony domestic violence charges. We met with several different lawyers, but Rick immediately stood out among the crowd. Let me tell you: this man is the REAL THING...incredibly intelligent, detail oriented, and caring throughout the ...
Posted by anonymous | August 26, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
5 stars isn't enough!
This lawyer had exactly 10 days from the day i retained him to get with prosecutor and not only hit a "GRAND SLAM!" (Exact words of Mr. Canina Sr.) But got me a deal you couldn't even imagine.. and Mr. Canina Jr. stayed in contact with me at the jail up to the minute I was released from custody! If y...
Posted by Steve Pescatore | May 13, 2015
a lawyer you can trust.
I have hired Mr. Canina on numerous occasions. He has always been straight forward, and never told me he could do something he couldn't. I recommend him to anyone I know who needs legal counsel.
Richard G. Canina's Lawyer Endorsements
"Rick Canina is a superb criminal defense attorney and a great role model. I highly endorse and recommend him!"
"I endorse attorney Richard Canina. He donates his time to provide excellent legal answers on Avvo from citizens seeking advise. A respected member in the legal industry."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Richard. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Richard is a man of experience and expertise. If you have been unjustly accused of committing a crime, you can count on Mr. Canina to competently counter such a claim in court."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the pleasure of referring several people to Rick for his assistance. He is very attentive to the needs of his clients and is very well respected in our legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Richard is a legal go-to guy in the area of criminal law. His legal background & responses on Avvo are excellent."
"When you hire Rick Canina you have a lawyer you can count on. I have known Rick for over 20 years and he is a steady, smart, professional and aggressive when appropriate. When I used to be a prosecutor, I knew I was in for a fight because Rick is a foot soldier of the constitution and will protect his clients to the bitter end. He is a great lawyer!"
"Rick was a worthy adversary when I practiced criminal law as a prosecutor. He is considered an outstanding criminal defense attorney in Brevard County."
"I endorse this lawyer. Rick has a reputation as a superior criminal defense lawyer. His ethics are impecable and his competency is first class."
"I have known Rick for more than 20 years, and he is an excellent criminal defense attorney with a proven track record. He is well-respected in the legal community for his knowledge and skill."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr Canina for 30 years and I have always found him to be honest and forthright as well as being a very intelligent and skilled attorney."
"Rick Canina is a highly qualified defense attorney with a capable staff."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Attorney Canina. From his answers and time on Avvo, it is clear he is dedicated to serving those in need and his clients. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community, for free, and I applaud him for doing it to such a great level. Kudos."
"I have known Attorney Canina since shortly after having moved to Brevard County. We’ve previously represented codefendants in the same matter. As a fellow Brevard County criminal defense attorney, I am well aware of what it takes to be effective in this field and in this county. Rick has a solid background in criminal defense and has handled a variety of cases. His efforts and professionalism both inside and outside of the courtroom can only serve to benefit his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer. He's the reason I became a lawyer :)"
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Experience
Honors
2016
Superior DUI Attorney, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2015
Recognition for Service, PAL
2015
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Superior DUI Attorney, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2014
Top Contributor Award, Avvo
2013
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2013
Top Contributor Award, Avvo
1985
Certificate of Merit - Public Defender Clinic, Stetson College of Law
1980
Honor Society, University of Florida
N/A
Graduated Cum Laude, University of Florida
Work Experience
2008 - Present
Owner/Founder, Richard G. Canina P.A.
1990 - 2008
Partner, Mitchell and Canina P.A.
1985 - 1990
Assistant Public Defender, Public Defender's Office, 18th Jud. Circuit
1984 - 1985
Certified Legal Intern, Public Defender Clinic
1983 - 1984
Criminal Law Clerk, Lee Fugate P.A.
1981 - 1982
Certified Corrections Officer, Florida Department Of Corrections
Associations
2010 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
1995 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1987 - Present
United States District Court for the Middle District of FloridaMember
1985 - Present
Florida BarMember
1985 - Present
Brevard County Bar AssociationMember
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
Sigma Nu Legal Fraternity
Vice President
Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. R.H.
Client pled open to the court. The Judge reinstated him to probation and,finding grounds for a downward departure sentence, placed him on community control and probation for the computer solicitation charge while withholding adjudication.
State v. S.W.
The State agreed to amend the charge to vehicular homicide, which avoided the mandatory minimum. The client pled open to the court and was sentenced to 90 days in the Brevard County jail followed by 2 years of community control and 13 years of probation.
State v. L.B.
The State agreed not to file formal charges for witness tampering. The client pled open to the court and was sentenced as a Youthful Offender to 364 days in the Orange County Jail followed by 5 years of probation. Adjudication was withheld.
State v. J.S.
The State agreed not to seek jail time and to amend the charge to Willful Wanton Reckless Driving
United States of America v. L.K.
The client was sentenced to three years of Federal Probation.
State v. T.P.
Client pled open to the court and was awarded a downward departure sentence of community control and probation, avoiding prison and jail time.
State v. J.L.
Client was found not guilty by jury
State v. K.F.
Client was found not guilty by jury
State v. J.O.
The client was found Not Guilty After trial
State v. R.G.
The charge was amended to Willful Wanton Reckless Driving
Education
1985
Stetson University College of Law
Juris Doctor
1982
Florida Corrections Officers Training Institute
1980
University of Florida
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1977
St. John the Baptist DHS
NY State Regents Diploma
Speaking Engagements
1992
Brevard County Bar Association
Administrative Hearings in DUI Cases
1991
Guest Lecturer
Florida's Habitual Felony Offender and Habitual Violent Felony Offender Statutes
1985
Women In Law Seminar
Discrimination Against Women in Corrections
Publications
N/A
Website
melbournedefenselaw.com
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I had a DUI in Florida in 1999. Will this show up on an FBI background check?
23 Sep 2014
Q&A
In florida, is bond revoked if no contact order is broken even if the victim and i have been communicating for months?
06 Jul 2013
Q&A
My boyfriend went to jail for VOP GRAND THEFT and VOP CRIM USE OF PERSONAL ID
04 May 2013