William Wooten Hanlon

PRO

William Wooten Hanlon

also known as Will Hanlon

4.9
91 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 31 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Tampa, FL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Sex Crime, Domestic Violence

210 N Pierce St, Tampa, FL

About William

Biography

All my efforts are aimed at results in order to preserve my client's future.

The final result is all that matters.

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 70%

I have been practicing criminal law in tampa and the west coast of central Florida for over 20 years. I handle a wide array of criminal cases with a focus on sex crimes, violence, and drug charges. I also defend the accused on DUI, gun charges, and violations of probation.

33 years

70%
Sex Crime 20%

20%
Domestic Violence 10%

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2017 2016 2015
...
+ 2
Distinguished Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 31 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1994

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Hanlon Law

210 N Pierce St, Tampa, FL, 33602

criminalattorneytampa.net/

Hanlon Law

405 6th S, #2, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33701

criminalattorneytampa.net/

Hanlon Law

1605 Main St, Ste 1115, Sarasota, FL, 34236

criminalattorneytampa.net/

Hanlon Law

1111 3rd Ave W, Ste 310, Bradenton, FL, 34205

criminalattorneytampa.net/

Hanlon Law

600 Cleveland St, Ste 1100, Clearwater, FL, 33755

criminalattorneytampa.net/

Hanlon Law

300 S Orange Ave, Ste 1160, Orlando, FL, 32801

criminalattorneytampa.net/

Online Presence

Other places you can find William online.

William Wooten Hanlon's Reviews

Showing 21 - 25 of 26 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Sebastian | May 02, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Hanlon is a Tiger! Facing possible 15 yrs prison w/ three charges including a serious felony. Each one dismissed!

I was facing 15 years in prison in a blink of an eye. An irrational mistake spun out-of-control cost me my career, relationships, and my freedom. I had no previous charges, so jail was traumatizing as I encountered subhuman treatment. Bugs were crawling everywhere in my cell, guards bantered I would ...not be granted bail based on my charges, claiming they were out of toilet paper and blankets; it was surreal. Within the first 24 hours I was contemplating suicide; I could not endure the thought of my elderly mom passsing while I was in prison. Upon bail, I needed to find representation quickly. I insisted on hiring the first attorney I talked to, because the web was saturated with options. I promtly changed my mind as attorneys began calling me back. They sounded unsure, monotone, unapethetic, slightly lethargic, and a couple didn't even want to hear the details of my situation. They reminded me of old dogs sitting on a porch. I began remembering horror stories from friends who described their previous attorneys as "just not giving a damn." When I called Mr. Hanlon, he actually answered the phone personally. He sounded alive and confident, and he wanted to know the details of my case. If I didn't know any better, he was already assembling a strategy in his head to save my behind. I thought to myself, "This guy is a tiger." However, he was also empathetic; he had a humane character. I immediately felt assured and comfortable speaking with him; disclosing to him that I was scared and nearing an emotional breakdown. He gave me examples of previous cases similar to mine that he had represented where he was able to attain dismissal of all charges. He even began working on my case before I rendered payment for his services. I felt confident of my decision to hire Mr. Hanlon through the whole process. He took care of everything and communicated with me personally through every step. He is knowledgeable, experienced, organized, and professional. It was comparable to a house lifted from my shoulders when he called me with the good news. My confidence in him allowed me to rest assured while he worked on my case, which enabled me to focus on a new career and regain my life. I am forever grateful to him. If you need aggressive, experienced, and professional representation - don't hire an old dog - hire a tiger. William Hanlon saved my life...period. - Sebastian K.

Posted by anonymous | April 08, 2013 | DUI & DWI

DUI case lowered from a Felony to a Misdemeanor Reckless Driving

Will helped me dramatically with my DUI case. I originally started out with a Felony DUI where I was facing jail time and a ten year loss of drivers license. As a newly graduated college student, I was very scared about getting a felony and never being able to get the career level job I need. Continu...ing graduate school onward to finish a doctorate degree was in jeopardy. I needed someone that was confident and understood the importance of this case, and it being imperative that he either get the charges dropped or at the least get them lowered. Will did what he said he was going to do for me which was get my charges lowered to a reckless driving and continue on with my life, school, and career. That was the biggest thing in hiring Will was he was going to do what he said he was going to do for me and my family. Will definitely succeeded in this case and I would hire him again for any legal matter I needed handled, he is worth every penny I paid. The case outcome was a big relief to myself, family, and friends when he helped me get the result I needed. I recommend Will's knowledge, business manor, value, and years of experience to anyone needing legal representation.

Posted by anonymous | February 28, 2013 | Criminal Defense

All 3 Feloney charges dismissed! An Attorney that knows the Judical System and was able to have all Feloney charges dismissed

Will Hanlon is an overall exceptional person to meet. When he came in contact with my case he knew first hand that he was going to get the job done. At the time I was an emotional wreak and did not know what would happen. First, Will met me in his office on a Sunday morning and gathers as much inform...ation as possible. The next day Will was contacting the States Attorney’s Office learning more about my case. I listened to him and followed his strategy and he actually did it! He was able to get the charges dismissed! I was even surprised how fast he got my case dismissed despite all the horrible allegations made against me. If you have criminal charges pending against you I would make my first call to Will... I got my life back and with no criminal charges.. Cant say enough

Posted by anonymous | February 13, 2013 | Criminal Defense

A man of integrity, Competence and Compassion

I found Will through Angie's list - of all places. When I first met with Will the first thing he did was reassure me that we will get through this and that he would work for the best possible outcome. To me, that meant reducing the severity of the charge and perhaps probation. He articulated what h...is plan was to addressing the issues and an approximation of the time it might take. I spoke several times with Will and although briefly on each occasion, he gave me exactly the information I needed. Sometimes things were vague, but such is the nature of this process sometimes. On a personal level I believe Will to be an honest person with a high degree of integrity. He did not lead me on, but kept me informed. His staff was always professional and I was never made to feel judged. The results that Will got on my behalf exceeded my wildest expectations. It has been only 20 days since my arrest and Will was successful in avoiding any charges being filed. Just so those of you that might be reading these reviews don't think that the charge was serious - it was. It was a 3rd degree felony charge (sex crime) and would have most certainly ruined my life, relationships and been even more difficult for my family. Because of Will's knowledge of the system and credibility with law enforcement, he accomplished what I only dreamed would be the outcome - no charges filed. I hope to never need Will's services again, but I do highly recommend him professionally as someone that will work hard to achieve the best results for you. I see that others that have commented in a way that contradicts this, but my experience with Will resulted in a positive outcome and I recommend that if you are looking for or in need of a criminal defense attorney - the first call you make should be to William W Hanlon.

Posted by Jesse | February 07, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Mr. Hanlon accomplished what other Lawyers claimed, "There is nothing that could be done by any Lawyer."

I asked Mr. Hanlon to represent me over a year ago and I refuse to go with someone else now. He was honest with me the entire time he has represented me. He made me feel calm through major crimes from sealing a felony to serious 3rd DUI charges with another list of charges that had serious consequenc...es simultaneously. Charges like every lawyer I called either hung the phone up on me because it wasn't possible or just told me it wasn't possible. All I did was get lucky when I called and spoke to he's paralegal. She is the most resourceful person I now know. My case was dismissed and my record is sealed. They saw a way to help me get another chance at life and seen it through. He was always up front with me, and knows the law. Mr. Hanlon seemed like a good family man that is just doing the best job he can... And it defiantly showed.

See All Client Reviews

William Wooten Hanlon's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse William
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Richard Canina

Unknown lawyer | Jul 08

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I worked for him while in law school. Excellent attorney! When people are accused of serious crimes, they call Will Hanlon simply because he is the BEST!"

Gus Michael Centrone headshot
Gus Centrone

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse William. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Stephen Andrew Spaid headshot
Stephen Spaid

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Hanlon is a well respected and hard-working attorney in the Tampa Bay community. Over the years as a criminal defense attorney, he has provided exceptional representation for his clients."

Kevin John Fitzsimmons headshot
Kevin Fitzsimmons

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Will is a hard working defense lawyer that does not shy away from the often needed battle."

Jonathan Stuart Gilbert headshot
Jonathan Gilbert

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Will Hanlon is an excellent attorney and brings a wealth of experience to his representation of his clients who have been accused of crimes. Will is not just a criminal defense attorney; he is a well-seasoned trial lawyer -- he has been defending criminal cases for more than 20 years -- and is known as a lawyer who is able to get the best results for his clients because he is willing and able to take his cases to trial."

Keith Adam Warshofsky headshot
Keith Warshofsky

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have know Mr. Hanlon for just about twenty years. I found him to always be up on the subject and very dependable. I endorse this lawyer."

Lisa Smith Bedwell headshot
Lisa Bedwell

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the pleasure to work with Wil Hanlon on a variety of legal matters and find him to not only be erudite in his chosen field, but a good and decent man. I very much endorse him and recommend him to anyone who seeks legal counsel in the area of criminal defense, as he is both a good man and an exemplary lawyer."

Steven David Parker headshot
Steven Parker

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Will Hanlon's hard work and zealous representation of clients has earned him a reputation as an excellent and highly skilled, as well as tough and tenacious, criminal defense trial lawyer. I trust him to provide the best criminal defense to the people I refer to him."

Vanessa Anne Nye headshot
Vanessa Nye

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Hanlon. For the 20 years I have known him he has never failed to impress on how good of an attorney he really is. Dedicated to his profession, he is extremely knowledgeable in the area of criminal law and goes above and beyond for his clients. Mr. Hanlon cares deeply about every client and goes the extra step to ensure the absolute best result for every individual he represents. He is empathetic, diligent and professional. Respected by prosecutors, judiciary and the defense bar, Mr. Hanlon provides astute representation to achieve amazing results. I have learned a lot from his guidance; he inspires me to be a better lawyer. I highly recommend Mr. Hanlon if you are charged with a crime. He will represent you from start to finish. Most importantly, you will be extremely satisfied at the amazing results."

Nancy Lee Browder headshot
Nancy Browder

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known William Hanlon for over 15 years. As a criminal defense attorney, William is deeply committed to every aspect of his clients' lives. His credentials, knowledge, skill and reputation are outstanding. He is a dedicated professional that puts his clients first. William has been fighting for his clients since he started his legal career as a Public Defender and his passion continues in his private practice. I would recommend William to anyone faced with a criminal charge."

Andrew Zachary Tapp headshot
Andrew Tapp

Criminal defense lawyer | May 31

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Will Hanlon is a dedicated and tenacious attorney with whom I've had the pleasure of working. As an attorney and an advocate, Mr. Hanlon is experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about his work and the defense of his clients. I fully endorse Mr. Hanlon and would recommend his services to anyone seeking a good criminal defense attorney."

Theodore James Rechel headshot
Theodore Rechel

Criminal defense lawyer | May 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. As a family law attorney, I frequently have clients who face criminal charges and need a referral for a talented criminal defense attorney. Will is the only guy on the list. He has achieved excellent results for each of my clients I have sent to him, usually getting the charges dismissed before trial by aggressively undermining the State's case. He is passionate, intelligent, intense, creative and aggressive. I have found him to have a keen legal mind and he is extremely resourceful. If I were facing criminal prosecution, I'd hire Will in a heartbeat."

John Allen Schifino headshot
John Schifino

Criminal defense lawyer | May 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I enthusiastically endorse William. My firm often refers criminal matters to William and he always provides our clients and referrals with excellent service. He is passionate about his work and a zealous advocate."

View All Endorsements
Jonathan Stuart Gilbert headshot
Jonathan Gilbert

Corporate and incorporation lawyer

Steven David Parker headshot
Steven Parker

Personal injury lawyer

Keith Adam Warshofsky headshot
Keith Warshofsky

DUI and DWI lawyer

Dennis A. Lopez headshot
Dennis Lopez

Personal injury lawyer

Lisa Smith Bedwell headshot
Lisa Bedwell

Family lawyer

Edward Charles McFadden Jr. headshot
Edward McFadden

Criminal defense lawyer

Nancy Lee Browder headshot
Nancy Browder

Family lawyer

Vanessa Anne Nye headshot
Vanessa Nye

Criminal defense lawyer

Andrew Zachary Tapp headshot
Andrew Tapp

Family lawyer

John Allen Schifino headshot
John Schifino

Commercial real estate lawyer

Theodore James Rechel headshot
Theodore Rechel

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Best Business of 2023, ThreeBest Rated

2022

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys Tampa, Expertise

2014

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

N/A

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National

Work Experience

1993 - 1997

Assistant Public Defender, Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office

1992 - 1992

Intern, Elizabeth Kovachevich

Associations

1999 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Member

1998 - Present

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1994 - Present

Hillsborough County Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Domestic Battery Charges Dropped

Both charges were dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1993

St. Thomas University School of Law

LL.B - Bachelor of Laws

Speaking Engagements

2007

Lectured

Fourth Amendment

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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