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Ricardo Rivera

also known as Rick Rivera
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About Ricardo

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 (877) 728-9653

 

Practice areas

AppealsExpungementDUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 40%

  2. DUI and DWI: 40%

  3. Expungement: 10%

  4. Appeals: 10%

Languages spoken

Spanish, English

Photos and videos

1236318 1491253718

Contact

2002 West Cleveland Street
address map

Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett P.A

2002 West Cleveland Street
Tampa, FL, 33606

Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett P.A

250 N. Belcher Rd.
Suite 102
Clearwater, FL, 33765-2622

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
FLMember in Good Standing200612/20/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers258
Legal guides1
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2019
AV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2019
Top 100 Trial LawyersThe National Trial Lawyers2018
Book Award (Evidence)Florida State University2005
Book Award (Criminal Procedure)Florida State University2004
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
AttorneyCarlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett2007 - Present
Public DefenderOffice Of The Public Defender, 6th Judicial Circuit2006 - 2007
Law Enforcement OfficerPolice Department1996 - 2001
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Clearwater Bar AssociationMemberN/A
American Bar AssociationMemberN/A
Florida BarMemberN/A
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
6th Judicial CircuitYoung v. DHSMV2011
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
The Florida State University College of LawJD - Juris Doctor2005
State University of New YorkBA - Bachelor of ArtsN/A
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Meeting on security issuesStand your Ground/Self Defense2017
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
State v. RichNot Guilty after Jury Trial
State v. MeyerReduced To Reckless Driving, won DMV hearing sparing client from 18 month suspension.
State v. PerezNot Guilty after Jury Trial
State v. MiglioreNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. FoxNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. BellNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. MurphyNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. FrankNot Guilty after Jury Trial
State v. SmithsonNot Guilty on Manslaughter, Guilty of Misdemeanor DUI.
State v. DornNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. StewartNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. JaeckNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. Walker 2Not Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. Walker 1Not Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. YoungNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. MazariegosNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. DonNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. HaneyNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. RiccobeneNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. HavenerCase reduced to Reckless in the Middle of the Trial.
State v. CumminsNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. PooleNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. NortolevaNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. SamuelsNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. ManquenDUI Dismissed during Trial
State v. ScholrholtzNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. SchmittNot Guilty at Jury Trial
State v. MichaudNot Guilty at Jury Trial

Reviews

(129)
5 Star
99%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
1%
Review Ricardo Rivera

Fantastic work!!

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Trust Rick Rivera

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Dedicated and professional lawyer

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

A Grateful Client

Posted by

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
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Highly recommend Rick Rivera

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent hire for your individual situation...!

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Review for Rick Rivera

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Good work

Posted by

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
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great service provided!

Posted by

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!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

A great Law Firm

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(24)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Scott Lemanski, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 6, 2015
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 14, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Mark Mohammed, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 7, 2013
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!

Jonathan Hackworth

Great attorney and a passionate advocate, I endorse this lawyer.

Christian Lassen

Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.

Jackson Hilliard, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 24, 2012
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.

Bryce Fetter, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 2, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

James Hayslett, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 19, 2012
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.

Deborah Moss, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 15, 2012
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!!!

Jason Reid

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.

Terri Cromley, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 11, 2012
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.

Edward Carlson, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 10, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker

Rick is a fine criminal defense attorney of the highest moral and ethical character. I endorse this lawyer.

Casey Carlson, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 10, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker

Rick is an advocate for his criminal defense clients and I am fortunate to know him. I endorse this lawyer.

Paul Meissner, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 10, 2012
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.

Christopher Frey, DUI and DWI Attorney on Sep 10, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Rick is a first-class attorney.

Jason Fox, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 10, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Gary Hewetson, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 9, 2012
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.

Matthew Donaldson, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 8, 2012
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

James Jenkins, DUI and DWI Attorney on Sep 7, 2012
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.

Antonio Viera, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 6, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this excellent lawyer.

Cost

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