Donald James Kilfin

PRO

Donald James Kilfin

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

Licensed for 25 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Saint Petersburg, FL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Juvenile

400 Carillon Parkway, # 130, Saint Petersburg, FL

About Donald

Biography

Helping Good People Through Difficult Situations.

Arrested or think you might be? An experienced criminal defense attorney can help.

Attorney Donald J. Kilfin has handled countless DUI cases as a prosecutor and defense attorney.

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 40%

13 years

40%
DUI and DWI 40%

13 years

40%
Juvenile Law 20%

13 years

20%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2013 2012
Gold Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 25 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2000

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Georgia for 13 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 2012

Inactive Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

The Kilfin Law Firm, P.C.

400 Carillon Parkway, # 130, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33716

kilfinlaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Donald online.

Donald James Kilfin's Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (41) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 8 of 8 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Richard | March 31, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Donald J. Kilfin--a successful, knowledgeable, and caring attorney

Based on Mr. Kilfin's credentials (and that of his partner) as well as the information provided on his website, I decided to call for an initial review. From the moment I first talked with Mr. Kilfin I knew I had selected the right attorney. He listened carefully to everything I had to say and then... fully explained the issues involved with my case. He explained each element of the charges, enumerated the specific points of the law which would impact my case, and ensured that I understood everything fully. He then outlined the measures he would take (in collaboration with his partner) to defend me if I chose to retain him as my attorney. Only after I had been given everything I needed to know was the issue of cost(s) mentioned...costs which I found very reasonable. I then requested an in-person meeting wherein he immediately made room for me on his schedule. He is very personable and knowledgeable and took as much time as I needed in order to be comfortable with my decision to retain his firm. Meeting personally with Mr. Kilfin only confirmed that I had made the right choice. During the time he represented me, I was kept informed of every action taken related to the case. More than just a client-attorney relationship, he expressed and demonstrated genuine concern for me. Due to his persuasive written arguments and personal contact with the prosecutor, the charges related to my case were dropped. I give my highest recommendation to Mr. Kilfin.

Posted by Michael | March 26, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Review the attorney

Through his professionalism,compassion,knowledge,understanding,and dedication,Mr.Kilfin guided my son and my family through the most difficult period in our lives. Always quick to respond to any of our phone calls or e mails, Donny kept us up to date on the progress of my sons case throughout the e...ntire time it took to resolve it. The outcome he achieved for my son given the severity of the charges was nothing short of miraculous .It gave a young man a second chance at life and kept a family together when the future was looking bleak. Mr Kilfins knowledge of the law and his understanding of what our family was going through far exceeded our expectations.

Posted by Tom | July 24, 2012 | Criminal Defense

Focused and persistent performer who demands results for his clients

Donnie takes a personal interest in cases. He simply does not go through the legal motions. His intense and passionate enthusiasm for his clients is unsurpassed in excellence. I unfortunately was on the short end of argument with a disrespectful step-daughter full of f**** GD language. Treasure I...sland's finest look at an older man and a 22 year old blonde and the result is obvious who was arrested regardless that both of us fell when scuffling over a garage door and the previous police visit just two weeks prior was the step-daughter assaulting her mother! Donnie did not focus on the inadequate local police comments and actions. He moved forward with what the case was and got it dismissed with amazing speed. Donnie immediately focused on alternatives and viable solutions. His course of action was spot on. He got the charge dropped and in fact, his actions gave the PA no option. He has the ear of the PA office based on his knowledge, expertise and past experience working in PA shop. I have worked with and have many friends as lawyers and would rank Donnie and his "can-do" attitude against the best of them. His persistence and focus is second to none! Donnie knew the law, knew what the PA options were, and called my cell to keep me informed and answered my calls EVERY time. Donnie and Tim have the most effective ""team approach" to success I have seen among any group of professionals. I do not have a record of repeated arrests much less felony background but I have ZERO doubt what Donnie can offer to all clients regardless of background. He produces results!

See All Client Reviews

Donald James Kilfin's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Donald
Ali Ebrahimzadeh headshot
Ali Ebrahimzadeh

Unknown lawyer | Jan 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kevin Mark Schmitt headshot
Kevin Schmitt

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Kilfin is an excellent criminal defense attorney. Mr. Kilfin was an honest and hardworking prosecutor and he has carried his skills over into criminal defense. Mr. Kilfin has extensive legal knowledge and is very compassionate. I highly recommend Mr. Kilfin."

Scott Michael Engstrom headshot
Scott Engstrom

Unknown lawyer | Apr 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Kilfin is a skilled attorney based on my review of his profile. I endorse this lawyer."

Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington headshot
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Patrick Loberg headshot
Michael Loberg

Criminal defense lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have know Mr. Kilfin for many years. We used to work together at the State Attorney's Office where we handled many cases together. I have continued to observe Mr. Kilfin's excellent lawyering skills since he switched to the defense side of things. Mr. Kilfin has always been a gifted attorney and is well respected in the legal community. He is highly dedicated to his clients and his work. I happily endorse this lawyer."

Timothy F. Sullivan headshot
Timothy Sullivan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Kilfin is a highly skilled criminal trial lawyer with a stellar reputation in the legal community."

Blake Edward Marcus headshot
Blake Marcus

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

David Leon Carlson headshot
David Carlson

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Torri headshot
Joseph Torri

Unknown lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John E. Dobogai III headshot
John Dobogai

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer for his long standing commitment to justice for those accused of crimes."

Glen Paul Burn headshot
Glen Burn

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Before he moved from Peachtree City, Georgia, I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Donald Kilfin for nearly a year. During that time, I came to think of him as one of the most caring, conscientious, and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers I have ever known and worked with. In fact, during the time he was here, he became my "go to" person whenever I was uncertain on a legal question, or needed advice on strategy or tactics. In short, I know that I can count on Donnie to give well considered and effective guidance on some of the most difficult issues I deal with. Even though he no longer practices in my state, I anticipate that I will still run things by him from time to time, and that his suggestions will continue to be invaluable to me in my practice. Donnie is a SUPERB criminal defense lawyer, and anyone fortunate enough to have him as their attorney will be well served."

Joshua Richmond Lippes headshot
Joshua Lippes

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Donald Kilfin is highly respected in the legal community. He is very knowledgeable about the law, and passionate about his clients. I strongly endorse this lawyer."

Gregory L. Olney II headshot
Gregory Olney

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. i have known donald kilfin for many years. as a skilled and highly regarded prosecutor, he represented all that one would hope for from the state attorney's office. he was approachable and fair, always giving careful consideration in plea negotiations. in trial, he really had no peer. extrememly ethical, he never took advantage and yet almost always prevailed. since donald became a criminal defense attorney, he has continued to be the best attorney in the room. he cares so much for his clients and works tirelessly to protect their interests. if i needed a criminal defense attorney to protect one of my children, i would hope to be able to obtain his services."

Nathaniel J. Wojan headshot
Nathaniel Wojan

Unknown lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Kilfin is a great attorney. I endorse this lawyer."

Jeremiah Justin Denslow headshot
Jeremiah Denslow

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Kilfin is an excellent advocate for his clients. I give him my strongest endorsement in the field of criminal and DUI/OVI defense."

Richard Todd Rosenstein headshot
Richard Rosenstein

Unknown lawyer | Jun 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Kilfin is a skilled and respected member of the legal community."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Andrew Crawford headshot
Andrew Crawford

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I had the pleasure of working with and knowing Mr. Kilfin for many years while he practice in St. Petersburg, Florida. Mr. Kilfin was an extremely hardworking and ethical attorney and I would recommend him to anyone."

Mark Lenny Mohammed headshot
Mark Mohammed

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jim Lee Whitlock headshot
Jim Whitlock

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Although I have not known Donny very long, I know he has the background and attitude that I would be looking for if I needed a lawyer. He has a background in Prosecuting criminal cases, which gives you great insight in what the judge/or jury needs to hear. I know that he has great compassion for defendants who face charges, but are not guilty. I also know he has a great trial record. Although I have not known him a long time, I consider him a friend and l look forward to working some cases with him. Attorney Jim Whitlock, THE GODFATHER."

View All Endorsements
Thomas W. Cope headshot
Thomas Cope

Personal injury lawyer

Michael Patrick Loberg headshot
Michael Loberg

Criminal defense lawyer

Timothy F. Sullivan headshot
Timothy Sullivan

Criminal defense lawyer

Harvey Hesse III headshot
Harvey Hesse

Criminal defense lawyer

Joshua Richmond Lippes headshot
Joshua Lippes

Personal injury lawyer

Gregory L. Olney II headshot
Gregory Olney

Criminal defense lawyer

Nathaniel J. Wojan headshot
Nathaniel Wojan

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeremiah Justin Denslow headshot
Jeremiah Denslow

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard Todd Rosenstein headshot
Richard Rosenstein

Car accident lawyer

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer

Glen Paul Burn headshot
Glen Burn

Criminal defense lawyer

Roger David Futerman headshot
Roger Futerman

Criminal defense lawyer

Rudjard Melvin Hayes headshot
Rudjard Hayes

Criminal defense lawyer

Stacey Flynn headshot
Stacey Flynn

Criminal defense lawyer

Jim Lee Whitlock headshot
Jim Whitlock

Criminal defense lawyer

Christopher Haskins Westmoreland headshot
Christopher Westmoreland

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert David Eckard headshot
Robert Eckard

Criminal defense lawyer

Andrew James Tetreault headshot
Andrew Tetreault

Criminal defense lawyer

Rebecca Louise Hamilton headshot
Rebecca Hamilton

Criminal defense lawyer

Andrew Crawford headshot
Andrew Crawford

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2017

Member (Top 100 Florida DUI Attorney), National Advocacy for DUI Defense

2017

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Top 100, The National Trial Lawyers

2016

Member (Top 100 Florida DUI attorney), National Advocacy for DUI Defense

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2015

Member (Top 100 Florida DUI Attorney), National Advocacy for DUI Defense

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2014

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2014

Member (Top Florida DUI Attorney), National Advocacy for DUI Defense

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2013

Top 10 Under 40 (Georgia), National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2013

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2013

Superb rating, Avvo

2013

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2010

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2000

Who's Who (published profile), Who's Who Among American Law Students

2000

The National Dean's List (published profile), The National Dean's List

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Owner, The Kilfin Law Firm, P.C.

2008 - 2013

Partner, Hessinger & Kilfin Law

2006 - 2008

Litigation Associate, Spector Gadon & Rosen, PC

2003 - 2006

Adjunct Instructor, St. Petersburg College

2000 - 2006

Prosecuting Attorney, Office Of The State Attorney

Associations

2014 - Present

Georgia Supreme Court

Member

2014 - Present

Georgia Court of Appeals

Member

2012 - Present

State Bar of Georgia

Member

2007 - Present

United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida

Member

2000 - Present

Florida Bar

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. M.C.

Not Guilty

State v. R.H.

Not Guilty

State v. J.H.

Not Guilty

State of Florida v. T.R.

Not guilty

State of Florida v. L.J.

Not guilty

State of Georgia v. B.N.

charge reduced to a misdemeanor with probationary sentence

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

Stetson University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1996

Trent University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2003

St. Petersburg College Police Academy

Substantive Criminal Law and Procedure/Constitutional Law

Publications

2016

2015

2015

HG.org Global Legal Resources Fleeing and Eluding Offenses in Florida

2015

HG.org Global Legal Resources Criminal Mischief Offenses in Florida

2015

HG.org Global Legal Resources DUI Offenses in the Tampa Bay Area

2014

HG.org Global Legal Resources Drug Offenses in the Tampa Bay Area

2014

HG.org Global Legal Resources Domestic Violence Offenses in the Tampa Bay Area

2014

2014

HG.org Global Legal Resources Trial by Jury in Florida

Languages

English

Activity

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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