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Ricardo Rivera

Criminal defense Attorney at Tampa, FL

5.0   135 reviews

also known as Rick Rivera

  • Licensed for 16 years
    State FL
    Acquired 2006
    Status
    Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Ricardo

Learn Ricardo’s areas of practice.

Rick and his wife Patricia enjoy sailing and spending time at the beach. He is an Angel Tree sponsor and former police officer. He joined the firm in 2007. For a free consultation, call.

 

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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  135 customer reviews
5 Star
 
99%
4 Star
 
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1 Star
 
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Posted by Nelson | September 15, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
great lawyer
Mr Rivera was an excellent lawyer throughout the course of my case. He went above and beyond in getting my case dismissed and i’ll be extremely grateful for that.
Posted by David | September 10, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best attorney!
I was pulled over and charged with Dui and the first person I knew who to call was Rick Rivera! So many people recommended him. And I listened! I never once had to worry about my license or my case. He was in traffic court getting me a permit and I never lost my license. I drove the whole time my case was pending… and I didn’t have to get a blower or anything. I just prayed and put my trust into Mr Rivera and my charges were dropped.. it was worth every penny for his representation, and I couldn’t thank him enough. Literally my life would have been over! Like my job , whole world, everything I built, would have been on pause or have to go through a lot of mess. That’s if I would have chose a different attorney of course. I needed a slam dunk. Not a rookie looking for their first strike out. He is a master of what he does. And if you do get pulled over for dui. Don’t think twice, I promise you that this is your best choice. Hands down 10 out of 10 stars! Literally never lost one night of sleep of this real life night mare. Rick Rivera was the angel that made my life still incredible! Thanks again!
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Posted by Adam | August 17, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
GREAT JOB BY MR RIVERA !!
Rick Rivera did an outstanding job on my case . I highly recommend Mr. Rivera ! He was straight forward , detailed ,fast and professional. He responded to all my concerns and helped me stay calm during a stressful period . Mr. Rivera was able to get my charges dismissed . Thank you so much for your hard work to get this resolved for me . 5 Stars from me. If I need an attorney in the future I will be coming back to this firm !
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Posted by anonymous | July 27, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome experience
He always kept in contact with me and kept me updated with new info about my case, he was able to get my case reduced to my liking and made the process a lot smoother. I recommend to anyone in a situation to go through Rick!
Posted by Jessica | July 25, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Multiple charges dismissed
I hired Mr. Rivera for some big time charges. I was ultimately facing, two punishable by life charges. Felony burglary, and felony battery. Rick successfully got both charges, dismissed and streamlined the process. He is a master in his art. I will recommend him 10 out of 10 times to anybody I believe deserves it. The security I feel, in having Rick as my go to in my legal battles. I cannot compare. He is truly amazing.
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Posted by Charles | January 31, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Criminal case
I was referred to Rick Rivera from a friend of mine who's retired Pinellas county sheriff. After meeting the GOAT I explained this case to Rick and I knew immediately that I wanted to hire him in his professional service in this criminal case I was involved in. I say GOAT because he was like Brady in the SuperBowl but actually in the court room. He knew exactly what to say in court in this case and how to get it Dismissed legally. He also explained to me everything in detail which I thought was great. God Bless him and Laura and the rest of the people involved in the office. I would definitely recommend Rick as your attorney and Laura if you need any real professional help. Don't waste your time or money with anyone else. Thanks again to the GOAT aka Rick Rivera.
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Posted by Francisco | July 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic work!!
Have used Rick on 2 occasions and he has delivered on both! An outstanding price for the product Rick offers. Fast and very intelligent, Rick and his assistant are a superb team to have in your corner when facing life's more challenging times and judge.
Posted by Morgan | June 23, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Trust Rick Rivera
I was stopped by an officer because he saw me go partly on the sidewalk to make a right turn. He then did a DUI investigation and I was arrested for DUI. I refused the breath test and was booked. I hired Rick Rivera to represent me. He did a great job on my case and to my shock got my case reduced to a Reckless Driving. If you need an attorney I would highly recommend Rick and the Law Office of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett.
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Posted by Timothy | May 5, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dedicated and professional lawyer
I was charged with violating my probation and it was clear to me that the judge was planning on throwing me in jail. I fired my old attorney and hired Rick Rivera. Although we were set for an evidentiary hearing, Rick was able to take care of it for me. I didn’t have the hearing, didn’t go to court, and most importantly didn’t do any jail time. My probation was terminated. If you need an attorney I would highly recommend Rick and the Law Office of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett.
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Posted by anonymous | April 23, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A Grateful Client
I was arrested for DUI and hired Rick Rivera. He, and his team were excellent... responsive, always answering any questions and kept me timely informed... He got the best for me under the circumstances of my case.....even afterwards, Rick responded quickly towards any residual questions, as well as some additional help and recommendations.. If you need an attorney, I would highly recommend Rick and the Law Office of Carlson, Meissner, Hart, & Hayslett
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Posted by anonymous | April 23, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommend Rick Rivera
I was arrested even though I hadn’t done anything wrong. I met with Rick on the day I got out of jail and hired him on the spot. Rick knew all the ins and outs of the system and told me what he would do to get the charges dropped. Within 3 weeks of my arrest Rick had the charges dropped. If you need an attorney I would highly recommend Rick and the Law Office of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett.
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Posted by anonymous | February 29, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent hire for your individual situation...!
I was arrested for a bogus Domestic Battery charge. I was told Rick Rivera was the best attorneys in town so I hired him. The State wanted me to do a year probation and 7 months of classes. They also wanted to revoke my bond and throw me back in jail. Rick handled it just right. Not only did I not go back to jail but the state was forced to reduce the charge to Disorderly Conduct. I was not convicted and only had to pay a small fine. No probation and no classes. If you need an attorney I would highly recommend Rick and the Law Office of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett.
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Posted by Antoine | February 26, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Review for Rick Rivera
I was arrested for DUI. I hired Rick Rivera. He won my DMV hearing so I never lost my license. Although the State initially refused to reduce my case Rick was able to get the judge to throw my breath test results out. After that the State relented and I got a Reckless Driving. If you need an attorney I would highly recommend Rick and the Law Office of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett. Appreciate the all the hard work.
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Posted by Elijah | December 18, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Good work
Got my case dismissed quickly I was only on probation for 6 months on a second dui charge I had only 150 community service hours and did more hours instead of paying all the court fees and fines
Posted by anonymous | December 18, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great service provided!
Mr. Rivera was quick to hop on my case, and kept me updated throughout the process which he clearly described. Have received the best possible outcomes in every facet so far, and would highly recommend his services!
Posted by Rafael | December 10, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A great Law Firm
Words can't describe how thankful I am to have been referred to this law firm. They went above and beyond to help me get through a terrible situation.
Posted by Ray | December 2, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Attoney!
I was arrested for DUI in Tampa and blew a .145 and .153. I hired Rick and he got right to work on my case. He won my DMV hearing so I never lost my license and there is no evidence of a DUI on my driving record. He also got my case reduced to a Reckless Driving and got the state to withhold adjudication so that I will be able to seal this entire incident off of my record. If you need an attorney I would highly recommend Rick and the Law Office of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett.
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Posted by Jesse | November 20, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great at his job
I hired Rick after I was arrested for two felonies and two misdemeanors. Rick did a good job for me and most importantly kept me from doing any time and from having any convictions on my record. If you need an attorney I would highly recommend Rick Rivera.
Posted by Heather | September 30, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommended!
I was referred to Rick by my step-father. Rick handled his felony DUI and got him a Reckless Driving and got his 18 month Driver License suspension to go away. Upon consulting with Rick, I hired him as my attorney to handle my DUI, I was not disappointed. Rick works hard for his clients and did a great job for me. If you need an attorney I would highly recommend Rick and the Law Office of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett.
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Posted by anonymous | September 27, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer and team to have on your side!
I was out in St. Pete with friends when I was turned away at a bar because they didn’t like what I was wearing. I later tried to go in another bar and an officer arrested me for “Disorderly Conduct.” He said both bars were owned by the same people and since I was turned away at the first bar my night was over. He took me to jail for no reason. I hired Rick and he got straight to work on my case. He got the video, which proved that the officers claims were false. When Rick got with the state and showed them the video my charges were dropped. If you need an attorney I would highly recommend Rick and the Law Office of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett
  • 2007 - Present
  • Public Defender
  • Office Of The Public Defender, 6th Judicial Circuit
  • 2006 - 2007
  • Law Enforcement Officer
  • Police Department
  • 1996 - 2001

Education

  • The Florida State University College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2005
  • State University of New York
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • N/A

Legal Cases

  • State v. Rich
  • Not Guilty after Jury Trial
  • State v. Meyer
  • Reduced To Reckless Driving, won DMV hearing sparing client from 18 month suspension.
  • State v. Perez
  • Not Guilty after Jury Trial
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Clearwater Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Florida Bar
  • Member
  • N/A

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish
  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2019
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2019
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • The National Trial Lawyers
  • 2018
  • Book Award (Evidence)
  • Florida State University
  • 2005
  • Book Award (Criminal Procedure)
  • Florida State University
  • 2004
View all awards

Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Meeting on security issues
  • Stand your Ground/Self Defense
  • 2017

Attorney endorsements

Received (24)
Given (19)
Endorse Ricardo
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 06
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Ricardo. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 07
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Rick for a number of years and he was hands down the hardest working attorney I have ever had the pleasure of working with!"
Unknown Attorney | Nov 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Great attorney and a passionate advocate, I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Nov 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 24
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Ricardo Rivera is a professional. He knows his stuff. He is well prepared. And he aggressively represents his clients. He knows how law enforcement operates, which makes him uniquely qualified to be an excellent defense attorney."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 19
Relationship: Co-worker
"Rick Rivera is a highly ethical well-respected aggressive criminal defense attorney who enjoys an excellent reputation in the legal community. He has probably accumulated more not guilty verdicts the Tampa Bay area than any other lawyer over the past five years. If you want a strong litigator who cares about his clients Rick is your attorney. I strongly recommend this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 15
Relationship: Co-worker
"We recruited Rick to work at the firm because of the positive recommendadtions we recieved from trusted members of the legal community. Well, Rick has exceeded all our expectations as a criminal defense lawyer. He is without question one of the smartest, most thorough lawyers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He has an incredible courtroom presence and his trial results reflect it. He is our rising star! He has taught this old dog new tricks. I highly endorse Rick!!!"
Unknown Attorney | Sep 11
Relationship: Co-worker
"Ricardo Rivera's experience from various angles of the criminal justice system is invaluable. He is an aggressive and caring attorney that will fight for your rights."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 11
Relationship: Co-worker
"Rick is an outstanding attorney who fights hard in and out of the courtroom for his clients. I recommend him to anyone needing an attorney for a dui or other criminal matter."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 10
Relationship: Co-worker
"Rick is a fine criminal defense attorney of the highest moral and ethical character. I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 10
Relationship: Co-worker
"Rick is an advocate for his criminal defense clients and I am fortunate to know him. I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 10
Relationship: Co-worker
"Rick Rivera is an attorney of the highest ethical and moral standards working at the offices of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett. He is an excellent criminal trial attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Sep 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Rick is a first-class attorney."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 10
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 09
Relationship: Co-worker
"Ric is very thorough in his case evaluation and trial preparation. He is an experienced, knowledgeable and no-nonsense trial lawyer who is committed to providing his clients with quality representation. I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Opposing lawyers shake in their loafers when Rick enters the Courtroom. Good man and a great attorney"
DUI and DWI Attorney | Sep 07
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"As a former traffic prosecutor I handled many cases against Mr. Rivera. Mr. Rivera always "kept me on my toes" based upon his extensive knowledge of DUI law and I have personally argued against him in court as he was advocating for his client. As a former police office and public defender he knows the intricacies of DUI law and always does the best job he can for his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 06
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this excellent lawyer."
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