Christopher Thomas Hersem

PRO

Christopher Thomas Hersem

5.0
226 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 20 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Tampa, FL
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Speeding & Traffic Ticket, Personal Injury

1550 W. Cleveland St., Suite 9, Tampa, FL

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Christopher

Biography

Get a top rated lawyer on your side. See my reviews and call today for your free strategy session.

Get a top rated lawyer on your side. See my reviews and call today for your free strategy session.

Awarded back to back "Best DUI Attorney in Tampa Bay" honors by The Tampa Magazine. Call now!

Get a top rated lawyer on your side for the best results. Call now for your free strategy session.

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Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 34%

In Florida, DUI allegations are handled differently than any other charge. There are several potential consequences for being accused of this crime. To avoid or minimize the negative effects of a DUI accusation, it is imperative to hire an experienced DUI lawyer. Chris Hersem has the knowledge and reputation necessary to provide his clients with aggressive and effective DUI representation.

21 years

34%
Criminal Defense 33%

At Hersem Law, we represent clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout the Tampa Bay and surrounding areas. From pre-charge investigations and bond proceedings to plea negotiations and jury trials, we are the premier criminal defense firm in this area.

21 years | 3,000 cases

33%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 23%

21 years

23%
Personal Injury 10%

18 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 11
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2012
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 20 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2005

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Christopher Thomas Hersem

1550 W. Cleveland St., Suite 9, Tampa, FL, 33606

hersemlaw.com

Law Offices of Christopher Thomas Hersem

1421 Court Street, Suite B, Clearwater, FL, 33756

hersemlaw.com

Christopher Thomas Hersem's Reviews

Showing 96 - 100 of 225 reviews

Posted by Paul | August 02, 2019 | Hired Attorney

WOW you killed it

Couldn’t be happier with the outcome Chris was able to produce. AAA plus results. I highly recommend. Hope I won’t need him again, but somehow I know I will. Great job!!! THANKS

Posted by Joshua | July 22, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Quality Representation

Working with Chris was great. He was attentive and went the extra mile throughout representing me. Extremely happy with the results. Would definitely recommend Chris to friends or family.

Posted by Maria | May 27, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Used for Traffic Citation

Before I received a call from Chris I had decided against getting a lawyer and fighting the case on my own because all the lawyers I had spoken with did not really seem to care about their job or had extremely high prices. From the moment I first spoke with Chris on the phone I just had a really good... feeling about him. I hadn't felt that way about any other lawyer that I had spoken to. He was very informative and helpful in explaining to me how things worked in the court system and the options that I had. He was patient and answered all of my questions. It was clear that he knows what he is doing and actually cares about doing the best thing for his client. He even gave me a 50 dollar discount after hearing about my situation. I would highly recommend him if you are looking for a lawyer in the area. I don't know what I would have done if I wouldn't have met him. He was a lifesaver. If I ever need a lawyer for anything again, I wouldn't use anyone else.

Posted by Autumn Hammond | May 21, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Excellent Lawyer!

In 2011, I was charged with a DUI. My father hired Mr. Hersem for me. Few months later I got in trouble again. I was young and reckless at that time and Hersem helped me so much! Unfortunately last year 2018... I got charged with another DUI. I had to call Hersem again. Under these circumstances I ...wish I didn’t but I needed his help bad. I got my life together and I didn’t want to go through this road again... I got blessed this time because of Hersem! Lost my licenses for only 6 months. He is the best lawyer and knows what he is doing!!! Thank you again so much.

Posted by Kyle | May 07, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Everything your lawyer should be

This was my second time using Chris. I couldn’t be happier with his services. Great personality with a sense of humor and just has a way of making you feel comfortable about your situation. or at the very least in good hands. Knows his stuff and is accessible.. will be using him in the future if need... be for sure. Highly recommend.

See All Client Reviews

Christopher Thomas Hersem's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Christopher
Brian Charles Palacios headshot
Brian Palacios

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is very knowledgeable in the law and experienced in court. He puts the needs of his clients first."

Paul Edward Przepis headshot
Paul Przepis

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is well known in the legal community for his zealous advocacy and the ability to meet his client's expectations. He is competent, dedicated, and ethical as exemplified in the way he represents his clients and reflected by the success he has had over the years. Chris is a trusted colleague and a lawyer that I am happy to endorse."

Christopher Michael Reynolds headshot
Christopher Reynolds

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the pleasure of knowing Chris for many years. He is a great attorney and I gladly endorse him without reservation."

Jeremy Robert Kriesel headshot
Jeremy Kriesel

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Hersem is a talented attorney that I have personally referred clients to in the past and will continue to do so in the future. He is extremely diligent and works hard for his clients. If you are in the Tampa/St. Pete area and need a Criminal Defense/DUI Attorney, I highly recommend contacting Mr. Hersem."

Ryan Benjamin Cappy headshot
Ryan Cappy

Criminal defense lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is a asset to our legal community. He understands the law, has trial experience and is great communicating with his clients."

Adam J. Fernandez headshot
Adam Fernandez

Unknown lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Scott Fredrick Lemanski headshot
Scott Lemanski

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 06

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Daniel Scott Hartpence headshot
Daniel Hartpence

Unknown lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Drew McCulloch headshot
Drew McCulloch

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

E.J. Hubbs headshot
E.J. Hubbs

Personal injury lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brett L. Berger headshot
Brett Berger

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Top notch attorney who goes above and beyond for his clients. He refuses to rest until he has explored every potential legal defense and has a strong reputation in the legal community. Extremely insightful and knowledgeable about the law."

Matthew Charles Erjavec headshot
Matthew Erjavec

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is a very knowledgeable and dedicated legal advocate who consistently obtains outstanding results."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Tazewell Taylor Shepard IV headshot
Tazewell Shepard

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 27

Relationship: Other

"I am pleased to endorse this lawyer!"

Ryan Norman Singleton headshot
Ryan Singleton

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Hersem is an excellent criminal defense attorney."

Blair Hansen Clarke headshot
Blair Clarke

Unknown lawyer | Aug 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Chris Hersem and I were opposing counsel on a number of matters early on in our careers. He brings a high level of representation and professionalism in every case handles. I would not hesitate to recommend Chris Hersem to anyone seeking his services."

Yahima Suarez headshot
Yahima Suarez

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Bryan Cory Hannan headshot
Bryan Hannan

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brett Nicholls Metcalf headshot
Brett Metcalf

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sarah Gloria Jonovich headshot
Sarah Jonovich

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is always prepared and professional. He is a zealous advocate for his clients and is well respected by prosecutors, other defense lawyers, and the judges. Anyone who hires Chris will not be disappoined."

View All Endorsements
Brian Charles Palacios headshot
Brian Palacios

Criminal defense lawyer

Paul Edward Przepis headshot
Paul Przepis

Personal injury lawyer

David Patrick Mitchell headshot
David Mitchell

Consumer protection lawyer

Christopher Michael Reynolds headshot
Christopher Reynolds

Personal injury lawyer

Jeremy Robert Kriesel headshot
Jeremy Kriesel

Personal injury lawyer

Julan M Mustafa headshot
Julan Mustafa

Estate planning lawyer

Nicole M. Pearlman headshot
Nicole Pearlman

Family lawyer

Daniel Scott Hartpence headshot
Daniel Hartpence

Criminal defense lawyer

Drew McCulloch headshot
Drew McCulloch

Criminal defense lawyer

E.J. Hubbs headshot
E.J. Hubbs

Criminal defense lawyer

Brett L. Berger headshot
Brett Berger

Medical malpractice lawyer

Matthew Charles Erjavec headshot
Matthew Erjavec

Personal injury lawyer

Blair Hansen Clarke headshot
Blair Clarke

Criminal defense lawyer

Ryan Norman Singleton headshot
Ryan Singleton

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Yahima Suarez headshot
Yahima Suarez

Family lawyer

Bryan Cory Hannan headshot
Bryan Hannan

Personal injury lawyer

James Anthony May headshot
James May

Criminal defense lawyer

Brett Nicholls Metcalf headshot
Brett Metcalf

Criminal defense lawyer

Sarah Gloria Jonovich headshot
Sarah Jonovich

Criminal defense lawyer

Rohom Khonsari headshot
Rohom Khonsari

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2016

# 1 DUI/DWI Defense Lawyer, Tampa Bay Magazine

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2013

Client's Choice - DUI Attorney, AVVO

2013

Top Contributor - DUI Attorney, AVVO

2013

Superior (Top 100) DUI Attorneys, NAFDD

2005

William F. Blews Pro Bono Award, Stetson University College of Law

Work Experience

2008 - Present

Owner / Managing Member, Christopher T. Hersem, P.L.

2005 - 2008

Assistant Public Defender, Public Defender's Office - 6th Judicial Circuit

Associations

2014 - Present

The National Trial Lawyers

Member

2013 - Present

NAFDD

Member

2008 - Present

Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2008 - Present

Hillsborough County Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2006 - Present

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2006 - Present

St. Petersburg Bar Association

Member

2006 - Present

Barney Masterson American Inn of Court

Member

2005 - Present

The American Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. R.L.

Reduced to Reckless Driving

State v. G.W.

Diversion Program

State v. J.J.

One Count Dismissed / One Count Reduced

State v. M.L.

Reduced to Simple Assault and Adjudication Withheld

State v. J.C.

Counts One and Two Reduced to Simple Possession - Diversion Program for all Counts.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2005

Stetson University College of Law

Law

2001

University of Florida

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

Interoffice Law Day

DUI - Overview of a First Charge

2014

Interoffice Law Day

Criminal Defense - How to Handle Police Contact

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Christopher earned significant contribution points in 2012.

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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