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David Christopher Hardy
About David
Biography
Attorney David C. Hardy is an Expert in Criminal Trial Law. In 2010, The Florida Bar designated Attorney Hardy a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Trial Law. In 2014, The National Board of Trial Advocacy awarded Attorney Hardy National Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law. Of the approximately 98,000 Florida attorneys, there are fewer than 20 criminal defense attorneys that are both Florida Board Certified and Nationally Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law. In 2015, Attorney Hardy was selected for membership into The National Trial Lawyers - Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers. According to The National Trial Lawyers organization, membership into the Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers is extended to those attorneys who exemplify superior qualifications and leadership in their respective State. The attorney rating service Martindale-Hubbell has rated Attorney Hardy AV-Preeminent. According to Martindale Hubbell, the AV Rating is a testament to the fact that a lawyer’s peers rank him at the highest level of professional excellence. For more than five years, Attorney Hardy served as an Assistant State Attorney in Tampa, Florida. As a prosecutor, he handled thousands of criminal cases, ranging from DUI to first-degree felonies. In 2010 he established The Hardy Law Firm, P.A. where he uses all he learned as a prosecutor to defend his clients’ rights. In addition to his law practice, Attorney Hardy is a law professor. He teaches United States Constitutional Law and Criminal Evidence at Hillsborough Community College.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 22 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Licensed in Rhode Island for 23 years
State: Rhode Island
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Location
The Hardy Law Firm, P.A.
1710 N. 19th Street, Suite 215, Tampa, FL, 33605
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David Christopher Hardy's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
37 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Recommendation (22)
Case Results (20)
Communication Style (16)
Professionalism (16)
Advocacy (12)
Character & Conduct (12)
Responsiveness (11)
Practice Area Knowledge (9)
Cost of Services (8)
Trustworthiness (8)
General Knowledge (7)
Compassion (6)
Free Consultations (1)
Payment Plans (1)
Punctuality (1)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Character & Conduct
Posted by Jeremy | June 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Excellent and Attentive Attorney
Attorney Hardy is professional, patient and is an extremely experienced Attorney. He provided guidance that was absolutely invaluable to get me through one of the most difficult situations in my life and for that I am truly grateful for his expertise and diligence. He never made me feel bad for no...
Posted by Jesús CARCAMO | May 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Confiable
Mi experiencia muy buena con un excelente abogado confiable onesto responsable
Posted by Nicole mendoza | January 24, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Excelente
Muy buen abogado, muy profesional ,con mucha ética ,siempre estuvo atento a mi caso llamándome para informarme ,servicial y estoy muy agradecida con su trabajo. Lo recomiendo
Posted by Roberto Carmona | October 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best attorney in Tampa
Mr David Hardy after reviewing my case and discovery from the state was very eager to try my case. It was a long process but 2 weeks before a schedule trial he did an amazing stand your ground motion and 5 days before trial start we came out with a victory. Mr. Hardy and staff were amazing to work w...
Posted by Fadzai | February 14, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
My first lawyer ended up being the BEST lawyer!
When I experienced my legal battle, it was my first ever run-in with the law and I was terrified. I panicked and felt like that was the end of it. On top of all my stress, I was receiving non-stop calls/emails/post letters from lawyers all over that wanted to hear my case and help me out so I decided...
David Christopher Hardy's Lawyer Endorsements
"David Hardy is an experienced litigator and very knowledgeable on the law. His work ethic and skill, especially in Federal Court is unmatched. He truly cares about his clients and the outcome of their case. I endorse this lawyer."
"David Hardy is the most thorough attorney I have ever met. He leaves no stone unturned. I highly recommend him for your criminal defense needs, especially in Federal Court, he is very experienced with the uniqueness of that system."
"David is a knowledgeable and thorough lawyer. Having worked with him on several cases I know him to always be working to obtain the best result possible for his clients. Anyone who has him as their lawyer is in good hands."
"I endorse this lawyer. David and I were opposing counsel on many cases while we both worked in the government sector. He was always well prepared and genial."
"David is an extremely knowledgeable and skilled attorney. I have worked with and against him on criminal cases. I strongly endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known David since he was a prosecutor, and have had many tough cases with him. David knows criminal law, works very hard, and cares about his clients. He is well respected by the judges in the Tampa Bay area. Above all, he is a gentleman. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known David for at least six years and have the utmost respect and admiration for him as colleague and friend. He’s professional, committed and compassionate. He has genuine concern for his clients and their legal matters. He’s completely dedicated and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him."
"David is one of the most honorable people I know. He is a completely dedicated lawyer who is constantly thinking about his clients and their causes. He researches every possible tact to a criminal case, to see how to best put forth a defense against the government's case. He is extremely knowledgeable, cares about his clients and their causes, and is meticulous to important details. He is widely respected in the legal community. I am proud to endorse this lawyer."
"David Hardy is a great attorney. With his attention to detail and high regard for each client, I would recommend him to anyone I know. Having worked with him in his former career as a prosecutor, I would describe him as someone who strongly advocates for his position, but is extremely fair to deal with."
"David Hardy is one of the hardest working man in the business. I prosecuted cases with Mr. Hardy for over a year. David applies the skills and techniques he learned as a prosecutor to defending clients accused of a crime. I find Mr. Hardy to be diligent, extremely knowledgeable of the law, and effective in the courtroom. He speaks Spanish too! I strongly endorse David Hardy."
"When seeking a lawyer, the first question you should ask is "how experienced are you?" Attorney Hardy is highly experienced in criminal law. I first met Attorney Hardy at the State Attorney's Office where we both worked as prosecutors. As a prosecutor, he was both tenacious and relentless in his desire to seek justice, but he was always fair. As a criminal defense attorney, his clients can be certain that Attorney Hardy will listen closely to their concerns and will zealously advocate for their rights in court. It is Attorney Hardy's previous experience as a prosecutor which qualifies him to be a great defense attorney - he understands the criminal justice system, anticipates the questions the prosecutor will ask before even the prosecutor knows to ask them and he will use his skill and courtroom experience to work tirelessly to defend your rights."
"I had the privilege of practicing with Attorney Hardy for several years. He is a consummate professional and a highly skilled litigation attorney with a solid history of courtroom experience. Because of his combined experience as a prosecutor and a defense attorney, he is uniquely positioned to provide advice to clients that may not be known to other attorneys who have not had the benefit of practicing on both sides."
"Mr. Hardy is a highly effective Federal and State Court Criminal Defense attorney. Often, I reach out to Mr. Hardy when I have a legal issue and he always provides reasonable counsel. You can't go wrong hiring Mr. Hardy."
"During the 6 years I have known Dave I have found him to be one of the most knowledgeable and prepared attorneys around. He is always current on changes in the law and always thoroughly prepared when heading into court. Dave handles his client's cases with expert legal skill and great personal attention. I would highly recommend Dave for any criminal matters in the Tampa Bay area."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Dave since he was a prosecutor in Tampa. He has now been in private practice for several years. He is always prepared and professional in court. I have seen him litigate in court and it's obvious his arguments are well thought out and persausive. I strongly recommend Dave Hardy."
"David and I attended law school together where I knew him to be an excellent and hard working individual. David excelled at criminal and tort law and I have no doubts as to both his legal abilities and unwavering advocacy of behalf of his clients."
"Dave Hardy is one of the most ethical and professional lawyers I know. Mr. Hardy is a skilled trial attorney with great jury appeal. I highly recommend Mr. Hardy for anyone who is looking for an aggressive advocate."
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Experience
Honors
2015
Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2014
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Nationally Board Certified - Criminal Trial Law, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2010
Florida Board Certified - Criminal Trial Law, Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education
1998
Paul McLaughlin Fellowship, Suffolk University Law School
1997
Jurisprudence Award in Torts, Suffolk University Law School
1997
Best Oral Advocate Award, Suffolk University Law School
1997
Stanley Kava Award, Suffolk University Law School
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Attorney, The Hardy Law Firm, P.A.
2008 - 2018
Adjunct Professor of Constitutional Law and Criminal Evidence, Hillsborough Community College
2005 - 2010
Assistant State Attorney, The Office of the State Attorney, Tampa
2003 - 2004
Associate Attorney, Bowerman and Taylor Guertin
2000 - 2002
Municipal Government and Rule of Law Volunteer, United States Peace Corps
Associations
2015 - Present
National Board of Trial AdvocacyNational Criminal Trial Board Certification Examination Writer
2014 - Present
Criminal Justice Institute - Hillsborough Community CollegePresenter / Faculty
2014 - Present
National Board of Trial AdvocacyNational Board Certified Criminal Trial Specialist
2013 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2012 - Present
Florida Bar, Criminal Law SectionMember
2010 - Present
Florida Bar, Criminal Trial Law Board CertificationBoard Certified in Criminal Trial Law
2010 - Present
Federal Criminal Justice Act Panel Member - Middle District of FloridaPanel Member
2006 - Present
Stetson University Law SchoolMock Trial Presiding Judge
2003 - Present
Florida BarMember
2002 - Present
Rhode Island Bar AssociationMember
2002 - Present
Rhode Island State BarMember
Sample of Legal Cases
United States v. Emiliano Palma-Meza (2017 U.S. App. LEXIS 6512)
Affirmed
United States v. Lazaro Velazquez, 2017 U.S. App. LEXIS 929 (2017)
Trial Court Affirmed
United States v. Barona-Bravo, 685 Fed. Appx. 761 (2017)
Remand for resentencing
United States v. Jose Primitivo Nunez Sandoval, 2014 U.S. App. LEXIS 22253 (11th Cir. 2014)
Sentence Affirmed
Daniel Sawyer v. United States of America, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 144591 (M.D. Fla. December 15, 2011)
Motion to Vacate, Set Aside, or Correct Sentence by a Person in Federal Custody granted
United States v. Bautista-Villanueva , 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 120977 (M.D. Fla. Oct. 19, 2011)
Motion to Suppress Confession Granted
Education
2000
Suffolk University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
Boston College
M.Ed
1989
Providence College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2019
The University of Tampa
Miranda Rights and Custodial Interrogation
2014
Criminal Justice Institute Conference on Law Enforcement Case Preparation
Effective Trial Testimony Strategies for Law Enforcement Officers
2005
Foreign Visiting Students' Program
The Patriot Act
2002
Moroceli Municipal Government and Law Training
Municipal Law and Government
2002
Honduran Legal Reform Training
Rule of Law
Publications
2019
2018
Criminal Justice Today
Florida DUI and Unconstitutional Police Conduct
2018
Criminal Justice Today
Federal Criminal Cases v. Florida Criminal Cases
2017
Criminal Justice Today
Structure and Purpose of Grand Juries in Federal and Florida Courts
2017
Criminal Justice Today
Federal Court Judge Suppresses FBI Surveilance
2017
Criminal Justice Today
With The Advice And Consent Of The Senate
2016
Criminal Justice Today
United States Supreme Court Strikes Down the Florida Death Penalty
2016
Criminal Justice Today
Double Jeopardy and Hollywood
2016
Criminal Justice Today
The Nuts and Bolts of Hearsay
2015
Criminal Justice Today
Be Careful What You Say In Public - The FBI May Be Listening
2015
Criminal Justice Today
You Have the Right to Remain Silent
2015
Criminal Justice Today
Standing Your Ground in Florida
2014
Criminal Justice Today
The FBI Gambles with the Fourth Amendment in Vegas
2014
Criminal Justice Today
United States Supreme Court to Decide Tampa Case
2014
Criminal Justice Today
Police Interrogations - The Law of Confessions in Florida
2014
Criminal Justice Today
Searching Cell Phones Without a Warrant
2002
Peace Corps Training Guide
Training Guide - Honduran Legal Reforms
2002
Corporacion Municipal de Moroceli
Rules and Regulations for Local Municipal Government
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers