Steve Daniel Santiago

Steve Daniel Santiago

also known as Steve Santiago

5.0
Rating: 9.4

Licensed for 20 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Lakewood Ranch, FL
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Expungement ... +5 more

P.O. Box 110065, Lakewood Ranch, FL

About Steve

Biography

Practice Areas

8

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 40%

20 years | 1,000 cases

40%
Criminal Defense 30%

All areas of criminal defense including DUIs, traffic, drug crimes, robbery, theft, shoplifting, driving while license suspended, habitual traffic offender, violations of probation, murder, sexual battery, domestic violence. Serving Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas, Hillsborough and all other surrounding counties. Hablamos Español.

21 years | 10,000 cases

30%
Expungement 10%

19 years | 500 cases

10%
Juvenile Law 5%

20 years | 500 cases

5%
Sex Crime 5%

19 years | 150 cases

5%
Violent Crime 5%

21 years | 500 cases

5%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 4%

19 years | 250 cases

4%
Power of Attorney 1%

20 years | 150 cases

1%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 20 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2005

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Steve Daniel Santiago

P.O. Box 110065, Lakewood Ranch, FL, 34211

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Steve Daniel Santiago's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

41 Client 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 1 - 5 of 41 reviews

Posted by Kerim | March 04, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Outstanding Criminal Defense Attorney – Steve Santiago

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Steve Santiago is an outstanding criminal defense attorney. I was facing serious felony charges and feared jail time, but thanks to his expertise and dedication my case ended with no jail time and only 2 years of probation. He was professional, strategic, and truly fought for the best possible ...outcome. If you need a lawyer who delivers real results, I highly recommend Steve Santiago.

Posted by anonymous | May 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Thank you

I can’t thank Attorney Santiago enough for the support he has provided to my family. He has been consistently responsive, honest, and incredibly knowledgeable throughout every step of the process. What truly sets him apart is his empathy—he listens, he cares, and he takes the time to understand what ...you’re going through. His dedication and hard work have made a real difference in our lives, and we are deeply grateful to have had him by our side. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a trustworthy and compassionate attorney.

Posted by Dan | October 31, 2024 | Hired Attorney

The best lawyer you could get

Steve helped me so much. He always communicated and did what he said he hoped he could. I would recommend him and use him again

Steve Santiago

Replied last November 11, 2024

Thank you, Dan! Glad I could get your case dismissed. I remain at your service.

Posted by Jose oscar | July 17, 2023 | Hired Attorney

Excelente

Muy buen abogado siempre me respondió todas mis preguntas y llamadas es muy eficaz un trabajo excelente servicio 100% recomendado EL MEJOR…

Posted by anonymous | November 02, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Awesome

Steve Santiago took the time to explain the process of the case and resolved all issues. Communication was excellent.

See All Client Reviews

Steve Daniel Santiago's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Steve
Adriana Delpilar Rouselle headshot
Adriana Delpilar Rouselle

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.without reservation, he is a very experienced criminal attorney and I have referred to him many cases because he has proven to be very knowledgeable, ethical and trustworthy. Referred clients have been very satisfied with his work. ."

Jaime Julian Garcia III headshot
Jaime Garcia

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Steve is a wonderful human being and amazing lawyer. Steve and I worked together on a RICO case and he was both tenacious and professional. During our case Steve was always prepared and ready to take the State to task for the good of his client. Steve is also sympathetic to all of his clients' needs and being he is fluent in Spanish, Steve has a keen ability to make his clients feel at ease during the harsh and compllicated navigation of a criminal case. I would recommend Steve to all who need his services."

Samara Mariella Sweet headshot
Samara Sweet

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He care deeply about this clients and will do anything to ensure their rights are protected. He works diligently and is truly passionate about his line of work."

Walter Rudolph Hnot, III headshot
Walter Hnot,

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Steve is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation."

Jonathan Pierre Lacour headshot
Jonathan Lacour

Unknown lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Keen attention to detail with exceptional client service. I endorse this lawyer."

Michael H Fayard II headshot
Michael Fayard

Criminal defense lawyer | May 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Santiago is a solid litigant and he provides excellent representation of his clients."

John Buenaventura Baez headshot
John Baez

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Steve Santiago is one of the most upbeat and passionate lawyers I have had the pleasure to be around. He is a fighter who genuinely cares for each of clients, and he represents their best interests to fullest extent of the law. He is an excellent communicator with an outstanding resume of success. He is truly a pleasure to have in our legal community. I have the utmost confidence in his abilities and so should you."

Jeremy Allan Simon headshot
Jeremy Simon

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Santiago. He is a knowledgeable, trustworthy and skilled advocate. His professionalism is matched only by his unwavering desire to get the best possible result for his clients. He truly cares about each one of his clients and will go out of his way to assist them."

Meryl Elise Chambers headshot
Meryl Chambers

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse attorney Steve Santiago. He is a strong and aggressive advocate for his clients which has earned him respect from current and former clients as well as his colleagues in the legal community."

Brad Kannof Kaiserman headshot
Brad Kaiserman

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse attorney Steve Santiago. Competent, experienced, and hard working attorney with a proven track record of success."

Shashi S Jairam headshot
Shashi Jairam

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Santiago is dedicated to the legal profession. Outstanding legal answers on Avvo demonstrate his knowledge of the law."

Lilian Demonteverde-Hoats headshot
Lilian Demonteverde-Hoats

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Santiago is a knowledgeable and well respected attorney."

Steven M. Cron headshot
Steven Cron

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse attorney Steve Santiago. Competent, hard working, and dedicated to his profession. Assist individuals on Avvo by providing excellent legal answers. He is an asset to our profession."

Michael Aaron Goldstein headshot
Michael Goldstein

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse attorney Steve Santiago. Dedicated to his profession with a track record of success. Respected by clients and peers in the legal industry."

Belkis Christina Plata headshot
Belkis Plata

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is an extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."

Dmitry Gorin headshot
Dmitry Gorin

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse attorney Steve Santiago. Dedicated to his clients with a track record of success. Respected by peers in the legal industry."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Other

"I endorse as a fantastic and knowledgeable attorney. Has a stellar reputation in the community for providing high quality representation and results for clients!"

Ronald Daniel Hedding headshot
Ronald Hedding

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse attorney Steve Santiago. He is very active providing individuals seeking assistance on Avvo with outstanding legal answers. He is an asset to our profession."

Jay M Cranmer headshot
Jay Cranmer

Unknown lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Santiago provides outstanding legal answers on Avvo for individuals seeking assistance. An asset to the legal profession. I endorse this lawyer."

Alan Eisner headshot
Alan Eisner

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse attorney Steve Santiago. Provides outstanding legal answers on Avvo with a clear understanding of the law. An asset to the legal field."

View All Endorsements
Francesca De la Grana headshot
Francesca De la Grana

Criminal defense lawyer

Courtney Mae Benson headshot
Courtney Benson

Criminal defense lawyer

Dino Perakis headshot
Dino Perakis

Criminal defense lawyer

Samara Mariella Sweet headshot
Samara Sweet

Criminal defense lawyer

Genine Ann Mejia headshot
Genine Mejia

Criminal defense lawyer

Antonio Gonzalez Revilla III headshot
Antonio Revilla

Criminal defense lawyer

Jonathan S Meltz headshot
Jonathan Meltz

Criminal defense lawyer

Marco Antonio Quesada headshot
Marco Quesada

Criminal defense lawyer

Anthony Rubino headshot
Anthony Rubino

Criminal defense lawyer

Craig A. Epifanio headshot
Craig Epifanio

Criminal defense lawyer

Brandon M Daniels headshot
Brandon Daniels

DUI and DWI lawyer

AnneMarie Rose Rizzo headshot
AnneMarie Rizzo

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas S. Hudson headshot
Thomas Hudson

DUI and DWI lawyer

Drew Robert Solnoki headshot
Drew Solnoki

Criminal defense lawyer

Sean William Tobaygo headshot
Sean Tobaygo

Divorce and separation lawyer

Michael Perry headshot
Michael Perry

Criminal defense lawyer

Brett Donald McIntosh headshot
Brett McIntosh

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael H Fayard II headshot
Michael Fayard

Criminal defense lawyer

Jennifer Lynn Gauthier headshot
Jennifer Gauthier

Criminal defense lawyer

Maritza Alvarez headshot
Maritza Alvarez

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.4 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Top Contributor, Avvo

2013

Avvo Client's Award, Client 's Choice

Work Experience

2007 - Present

Attorney, Law Office of Steve Santiago

2004 - 2007

Attorney, Miami Dade County Office Of The Public Defender

Associations

2007 - Present

Manatee County Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2007 - Present

Attorney Member Manatee County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2007 - Present

Better Business Bureau

Member

2007 - Present

Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (Sarasota)

Member

2007 - Present

United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida

Admitted to Practice

2007 - Present

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2005 - Present

National Counsel of La Raza

Member

2005 - Present

Martindale-Hubbell

Member

2005 - Present

Florida Bar

Admitted to Practice

2005 - 2007

Miami-Dade County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2005 - 2007

Miami-Dade County Bar Association

Member

2001 - 2002

Spanish American Law Student Association

President

2001 - 2002

Black law students Association

Vice President

2001 - 2002

Sports Law Association

President

2001 - 2002

Christian Law students Association

President

2000 - 2002

Black Law Student Association

Member

2000 - 2002

Spanish American law Student Association

Member

2000 - 2002

Christian Law Student Association

Member

2000 - 2002

Sports Law Student Association

Member

1998 - 1999

Pre-Law Student Association

President

1997 - 2000

Pre-Law Student Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v D. R.

Case Dismissed

State v F. V.

Charges Dropped

State of Florida v L. B.

Case Dismissed

State v H. V.

State's offer was 2 years prison. Defendant sentenced to only 4 months jail.

State v S. P.

Facing 42 months prison. Charged reduced to misdemeanor.

State v A. S. R.

Charges Dropped

State v L. R.

Case Dismissed

State v D. F.

Case Dismissed

State v D. P.

Ticket Dismissed

State v V. P.

Case Dismissed

State of Florida v M.W.

Case Dismissed

State of Florida v L. D.

Charges dropped

State of Florida v J. B.

Charges Dropped

State of Florida v Miguel Lopez

Charges Dropped

State of Florida v E. Batista-Franco

Charges Dropped

State of Florida v J. Granados

Charge reduced to misdemeanor. Pled to probation.

State of Florida v P. Lopez-Gomez

Charges Dropped

State of Florida v I. De La Luz-Ibanez

Charges Dropped

State of Florida v J. Hernandez-Maldona

Charges Dismissed

State of Florida v A. Cole

Charges Dismissed

State v A.I.

Not Guilty at Jury Trial

State v R. P.

Not guilty at jury trial

State v D.G.

Not guilty at trial

State v G.T.

Not Guilty At Trial

State v E.L.S.

Not Guilty at trial

State v R.R.

Not guilty jury trial

State v N.C.

Not Guilty at bench trial

State v D. W.

Not Guilty at trial

See More Legal Cases

Education

2002

The Florida State University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2000

Florida International University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2013

Attorney Panel

Criminal Law

2012

Attorney Panel

Criminal Law

2011

Attorney Panel

Criminal Law

2010

Attorney Panel

Criminal Law

2009

Attorney Panel

Criminal Law

2008

Attorney Panel

Crininal Law

2007

Miami Carol City Senior High School Annual Moot Court

Trial Judge at Moot Court

2007

Attorney Panel

Criminal Law

2006

Miami Carol City Senior High School Annual Moot Court

Trial Judge for Moot Court

2006

How to properly file out SCORE sheets

SCORE sheets

2005

Miami Carol City Senior High School Annual Moot Court

Trial Judge for Moot Court

2005

Juvenile Court Panel

Juvenile Justice System

2002

Teen Court

Trial Judge for Teen Court cases

2001

Teen Court

Trial Judge for Teen Court Cases

2001

Summer Internships Student Panel

Summer Internships

Publications

2007

Bradenton Herald Attorney hired to fill Manatee's huge need

2007

Languages

Spanish

English

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