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.

Don't pay that ticket! Read my reviews and call today for your free strategy session.

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 41 - 45 of 58 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | June 01, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Class Act

I was in FL on business and received a moving violation. Mr. Hersem, not only handled the entire process, but had outstanding communication skills. I ultimately received a satisfactory out come and owe 100% of this to Mr. Hersem, thank you Chris!

Posted by Claret | April 27, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

What else can I say?

Christopher is that kind of professional you simply trust. You know, once you hire him, you are in good hands, no stress, no need to lose your night of sleep. That's what happened to me. He is busy but always, always returned my phone calls, patiently explained every single step of what was g...oing to happen, what I should do, helping me with my decisions. And he is absolutely not the type of professional that forces you to hire him pretending to be the last resource you have. No, he helps you, gives you the information you need with no hint of " you have to decide now". Also very competent since my case was solved at the very first hearing. If I ever need a lawyer again I have no doubt who is going to be. And of course highly recommend him to my best friends. Thank you Christopher. By the way, I'm not his cousin or brother, anything like that. I'm a REAL client ok. Simply a happy one.

Posted by Perry | April 06, 2017 | Hired Attorney

Amazing experience!

Mr. Hersem dazzled me with his professionality, detailed knowledge of the law, his ability to comprehend my issue and to develop a plan of resolution. He took the time to make sure that I understood all of the issues and informed me of his approach in plain english. I haven't had many dealings with... lawyers but this was truly a pleasurable experience. I would HIGHLY recommend him and his firm.

Posted by Alexis | March 30, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Traffic Ticket

Mr. Hersem represented me on a traffic ticket in Pinellas County. He was very professional and very informative about the process. He successfully defended my traffic ticket and I am very pleased with the result. I highly recommend this lawyer!

Posted by Denise | November 10, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Speeding fine

Christopher made the process of helping me with a speeding ticket less stressful, from the outset he put me at ease by explaining the process in easy to understand terms , he was very informative and sent me regular updates as things progressed. The out come was a much more favorable and reduced fine... along with no points being added to my otherwise clean license and without the need to attend traffic school. He was a great help for me and the result both saved me time and money. Thank you Chris !

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