George Lawrence Sandefer

George Lawrence Sandefer

also known as Larry Sandefer

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 47 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Clearwater, FL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence

4625 East Bay Drive, Suite 203, Clearwater, FL

About George

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 70%

Over 30 years in criminal law. Former prosecutor, lead trial attorney, and division director. Over 200 jury trials. All felonies and misdemeanors. Homicide, DUI, drug trafficking, possession, sex offenses, internet crimes, consumer fraud, theft, embezzelment, domestic battery, abuse, resisting, record sealing, accusations and warrant cases, diversion and drug program placement, juvenile offenses.

48 years

70%
DUI and DWI 25%

DUI and DUI manslaughter. Leaving the scene of an accident with damage or injuries. Motor vehicle hearings and license issues.

48 years

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 47 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1978

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Colorado for 31 years

State: Colorado

Acquired: 1994

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of George Lawrence Sandefer

4625 East Bay Drive, Suite 203, Clearwater, FL, 33764

Law Offices of George Lawrence Sandefer

8801 9th Street North, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33702

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

George Lawrence Sandefer's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

11 Client Reviews

5 star (11)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Hank Dajani | December 4, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

You need Mr. Sandefer in your corner.

Mr. Sandefer not only has the expertise and know-how, but he goes above and beyond what any other Attorney does, to make sure I got the best representation possible. If you need a Criminal Attorney for your case, then you need Larry Sandefer. He’ll tell it to you the way it is; and that is exactly ...what you need, not sugar-coating, just the facts and information you need to make the decisions you have to make in your case. I highly recommend Mr. Sandefer, and his staff; they are what you need in your corner, when you are faced against the State.

Posted by anonymous | January 12, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Top Notch Criminal Attorney

Mr. Sandefer was hired to help our daughter in a drug trafficking case. As you can imagine this was a very stressful and frightening situation. He spoke with me via phone (free consultation) listening to the details, he felt he would be able to help with this case. We hired him, he was very easy to t...alk to, he keeps you informed every step of the way as to details of the case, he is easy to reach and returns calls promptly. In the end he was able to reduce a mandatory prison sentence to probation. (of course there is mitigating factors) but he did not only help us, our daughter now has a second chance to fix the company she keeps! This was our first time needing an attorney, we could not of gotten anyone better than Mr. Sandefer. If you are facing a similar situation, make the call. You will not be disappointed. He is honest, caring and very direct. We are very grateful to have been able to retain Mr. Sandefer in this situation. We ended up using him again in order to get travel permission for my daughter to come home to visit on holiday. Her probation prevents her from leaving the county she resides. He filed a motion on her behalf before the judge, and was granted permission for her to travel. This would not of been the case had Mr. Sandefer not been present. Thank you, Larry for everything you have done with our daughters case. We truly are blessed to have hired you. You were called to be a lawyer, and you are the best!

Posted by Don | June 21, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A Genious At Defense!

If you read this review then you are probably in the same boat I was - charged with a felony and bombarded by referral. I chose Mr. Sandefer over all other friends and family referrals due to the fact that Larry knows the Pinellas County Court system inside and out. His experience speaks for itself! ... Larry took me on and cut through the court system like a surgeon. He filed motions with blazing speed, trickled the Prosecution testimony and evidence when case timing dictated it, and finally won the day for me by getting my felony case dismissed! Larry is a master at Criminal Defense! Not only are his tactics brilliant but he also talked me back from the ledge a few times when I felt things weren't going my way. The only thing I feel bad about with Larry as my attorney is that he didn't charge me more. I feel like I stole his services from him for the price I paid. Your search for a defense attorney should stop right here. Call Larry right now and have the very best defense attorney working for you.

Posted by David | April 27, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Top Lawyer

Larry Sandefer is one of the finest attorneys around. He fought millionaires and greed that stole my late father’s property. I trust Larry with my life and hope he will be there at my last days. Thanks Larry, You are the best. My late Father knew that too.

Posted by louis | July 31, 2017 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Very nice man

He knew within the first few minutes of our conversation that I wouldn't need to retain him but he covered all the bases for me and made sure I was clear on everything.

See All Client Reviews

George Lawrence Sandefer's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse George
Kevin Mark Schmitt headshot
Kevin Schmitt

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Larry for a number of years. He is an excellent advocate for criminal defendants. He is always very pleasant and compassionate towards his clients. I highly recommend Larry."

William Brian Rambaum headshot
William Rambaum

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Larry for a couple of decades. I don't handle criminal defense cases, and I refer every case like this exclusively to Larry. He always does an excellent job. He works hard on every case, is easy to get in touch with, keeps me and the client updated all the time, and has top notch credentials. I wouldn't even consider using anyone else."

Sidney Wallis Kilgore headshot
Sidney Kilgore

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known George Sandefer for many years. He is well known within the local legal community as a highly experienced criminal defense lawyer and is well liked by his professional colleagues."

Blake Edward Marcus headshot
Blake Marcus

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Timothy Graf Hessinger headshot
Timothy Hessinger

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Larry does a great job for his clients."

Loren Weiss Pincus headshot
Loren Pincus

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have seen Mr. Sanderfer in action throughout my legal career. I have opposed him as a prosecutor and worked alongside him in private practice. He has a great reputation within the local legal community and is a zealous advocate on behalf of his clients."

Christopher Gerard Frey headshot
Christopher Frey

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Alexander Misa headshot
Michael Misa

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"As a former prosecutor and longtime colleague, Larry is very good at what he does. I endorse this lawyer."

Erik Joseph Lombillo headshot
Erik Lombillo

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work, wholeheartedly. I had the pleasure of working on the opposing side of Larry Sandefer while I was a prosecutor. I saw first hand how he handled his cases with me, how prepared he was, and the results he obtained for his clients. Without hesitation, I recommend his services as I know him to be a skilled trial lawyer, an artful speaker, and insightful person. He has my highest respect."

Bjorn Erik Brunvand headshot
Bjorn Brunvand

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have worked with Mr. Sandefer as co-counsel representing client's in serious criminal charges. He is an excellent attorney and I would recomend him to anyone who is facing a criminal prosecution in the State of Florida."

Ronnie G. Crider headshot
Ronnie Crider

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Larry has been a well respected Defense Lawyer in the area for many years and has an excellent reputation within the legal community. Larry is highly motivated to work hard for his clients and he has the knowledge and experience to get the best possible result. Larry is also a genuinely nice guy who his clients like and respect."

View All Endorsements
Kevin Mark Schmitt headshot
Kevin Schmitt

Criminal defense lawyer

William Brian Rambaum headshot
William Rambaum

Elder law lawyer

Loren Weiss Pincus headshot
Loren Pincus

Criminal defense lawyer

Dean George Tsourakis headshot
Dean Tsourakis

Criminal defense lawyer

Patrick Francis Gaffney headshot
Patrick Gaffney

Family lawyer

Erik Joseph Lombillo headshot
Erik Lombillo

Criminal defense lawyer

Ronnie G. Crider headshot
Ronnie Crider

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2010

Named to Bar Register Premeninent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

Recognized bySelection to Florida Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers

1997

Who's Who In America,

1997

Named to Leadership Pinellas , Leadership Pinellas

1997

Who's Who in American Law,

1986

Board Certified Criminal Trial Law, Florida Bar Board of Legal Certification

1985

Division Director, Office of The State Attorney

1984

Lead Trial Attorney, Office of The State Attorney

Work Experience

1991 - Present

Partner, Sandefer Law Firm

1997 - 2000

Chairman of Florida Bar Grievance Committee 6A, Florida Bar Assocition

1994 - 2000

City Commissioner, City of Indian Rocks Beach Florida

1993 - 1994

Adjunct Professor, St. Petersburg College

1988 - 1990

Associate, Kimpton, Burke, and White P.A.

1988 - 1991

Chairman Florida Bar Grievance Committee 6C, Florida Bar Association

1978 - 1986

Asistant State Attorney, Lead Trial Attorney, Division Director, Office of The State Attorney SixthCircuit of Florida

Associations

1997 - 2008

Leadership Pinellas

Selectee for Leadership in Pinellas County

1997 - 2000

Florida Bar

Chair, Grievance Committee 6A

1994 - 2008

Colorado Bar Association

Member

1994 - 2000

City Commissioner City of Indian Rocks Beach, Florida

City Commissioner

1991 - 2008

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

1990 - 2008

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

1988 - 2008

Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association

1988 - 1991

Florida Bar

Chair, Grievance Committee 6C

1986 - 2008

Clearwater and St. Petersburg Bar Associaitons

1986 - 2008

Pinellas County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Treasurer

1986 - 2008

American Trial Lawyers Association

1982 - 2008

United States Supreme Court

Admitted to Practice Before

1981 - 2008

United States Eleventh Circuit Court Of Appeals

Admitted to Practice Before

1978 - 2008

Florida Bar Association

Member

1978 - 2008

United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida

Admitted to Practice Before

1977 - 1978

Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity

Magister/President

1976 - 1977

University of florida

Student Supreme Court Justice

1976 - 1977

University of Florida

Chief Defense Counsel Honor Court

1971 - 1972

Phi Delta Theta

President

Education

1977

University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1972

Auburn University , Auburn

Batchelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

1993

St. Petersburg College

Adjunct Professor

1985

Pinellas/Pasco Police Academy

Search and Seizure

1980

University of Florida Law School

Jury Trial and general trial practice

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • 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