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Michael Lewis Bowdish
also known as Michael Bowdish, Mike Bowdish
About Michael
Biography
Michael Bowdish is a third generation attorney with fifteen years experience in defending the accused in various jurisdictions around Tampa Bay. He has vigorously advocated clients' cases before juries in Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, and Manatee Counties, and has presented written and oral arguments before the Second District Court of Appeal. Michael strives to give clients a clear understanding of the legal issues, the current status of the law pertaining to those issues, and the positive and negative aspects of all courses of action. Not all clients desire to proceed with a trial or motion to dismiss or suppress. Some clients' situations call for diagnosis and treatment of addiction or other mental health disorders. In such cases, forensic psychologists or treatment specialists may be called upon to assist the attorneys in negotiating with prosecutors for a disposition centered around treatment rather than incarceration. Call Michael Bowdish today to discuss your options.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
26 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 26 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Location
Public Defender's Office, 19th Judicial Circuit
300 East Ocean Boulevard, Suite 300, Stuart, FL, 34994-2202
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Michael Lewis Bowdish's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
10 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Case Results
Posted by anonymous | July 15, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Does nothing but smile
If I could give 0 star I would. He let me know that I wouldn’t have to show up for court, court date comes up. That’s when he informs me that I missed it and had a warrant. Had to sit 13 days in jail.
Posted by Shay P | August 09, 2013 | Criminal Defense
He Saved My Life!!
He defended me the very 1st time I ever got in trouble & he did an amazing job. He has defended my brother, my friends daughter & he's amazing. His background & relationships with opposing counsel really benefits his clients!!
Posted by JB | July 24, 2012 | DUI & DWI
An Excellent DUI attorney
I hired Mr. Bowdish (and his associate Melissa Sharpsteen) in November 2010. I was arrested on suspicion of a 2nd DUI within 5 years. The penalties and risk were steep and I was scared. At all times, Mike kept me informed, fought vigorously on my behalf, was prepared, and his good humor and dispos...
Posted by Ralph | April 25, 2011 | Criminal Defense
Michael Bowdish and his partner Melissa saved my life and my Freedom
I was facing a minimum 36.5 months in prison if I was found guilty of even the smallest violation of my probation. I hired Michael and Melissa from the Pinellas County Jail where I sat. Michael and Melissa worked Non Stop for days straight, not only fighting the allegations against me but also being ...
Michael Lewis Bowdish's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Michael Bowdish is highly respected in the legal community."
"Mike Bowdish is an excellent attorney. He knows the law. And he takes care of his clients."
"Mr. Bowdish is an excellent attorney who presented a wealth of knowledge and experience in the courtroom. Mr. Bowdish is also extremely personable and easy to communicate which would be a bonus for any of his clients."
"I have known Mr. Bowdish for several years and am continually impressed with his enthusiasm, his knowledge, and his commitment to his clients. I heartily endorse Mr. Bowdish and would welcome the opportunity to work with him in the future."
"I have known Mike for several years and am consistently impressed with both his knowledge and enthusiasm for the law. He is a fierce advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Bowdish is an excellent criminal defense attorney, who keeps abreast of court decisions and changes in the law."
"Michael Bowdish is a fantastic attorney! He has the intelligence and experience to handle any case. What sets Michael Bowdish apart for me is his commitment. This attorney will lose sleep over your case. He wants to get the right result for you that badly. I endorse Michael Bowdish without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer. As a former prosecutor, I worked against Mr. Bowdish on numerous occassions and always found him extremely prepared and well versed in the law. He is a great lawyer and advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Michael is a very competent, effective and highly respected attorney. I have referred Michael cases and I have worked with him on a number of cases. I consult with Michael very often, as he is very knowledgable and keeps updated on caselaw. I have seen him in court and he is an effective advocate for his clients. He shows compassion and cares for his clients. He is a skilled negotiator and fierce advocate. He has handled thousands of cases but each one is handled with care. I highly recommend Michasel Bowdish."
"I have worked with Mr. Bowdish for many years now. He is an aggressive and hard working attorney with attention to details and a strong commitment to serving his clients. He has the respect of his peers and the court and is highly recommended."
"I met Michael Bowdish while in lawschool. We both have since worked within the same local legal community. I know firsthand that Michael is a lawyer who is committed to always providing excellence as a criminal defense attorney. Michael is truly a fine lawyer who is dedicated, hardworking, knowledgable, and a fierce advocate who will not compromise when it comes to protecting the rights of his clients. Mr. Bowdish defends his cases with enormous energy, passion, and skill. Without a doubt anyone who is able to have Mr. Bowdish fighting on their side, is truly fortunate. I endorse Michael Bowdish."
Michael Fluke
Criminal defense lawyer
Rex Blake
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Nick Dorsten
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Experience
Honors
2002
Most Felony Jury Trials for 2002, Public Defender's Office, Pinellas County
Work Experience
2012 - Present
President, Bowdish Law, P.A.
2004 - Present
Associate Attorney, Sharpsteen Law, P.A.
2000 - 2004
Assistant Public Defender, the Public Defender's Office
1999 - 2000
Certified Legal Intern, the Public Defender's Office
1999 - 1999
Certified Legal Intern, the State Attorney's Office
1998 - 1998
Judicial Intern, the Sixth Judicial Circuit
1996 - 1997
Legal Assistant, Crary, Buchanan, Bowdish, Et. Al.
Associations
2011 - Present
Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer FoundationBoard Member
2010 - Present
Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer FoundationMember
2004 - Present
Federal Bar, Middle District of FloridaMember
2003 - Present
Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2000 - Present
Florida Bar AssociationMember
2005 - 2006
Barney Masterson Inn of CourtMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. S.R. (AGGRAVATED BATTERY)
NOT GUILTY; guilty of lesser offense, felony battery
State v. J.V. (AGG. ASSAULT FIREARM)
NOT GUILTY (firearm returned to Defendant)
State v. J.L. (Second District Court of Appeal)
AFFIRMED IN FAVOR OF DEFENDANT
State v. J.L. (POSS. FIREARM/RACKETEERING)
GUILTY VERDICT THROWN OUT
State v. P.D. (AGGRAVATED STALKING)
PRR MAXIMUM SENTENCE REVERSED
State v. N.L. and A.R. (BATTERY, two counts)
NOT GUILTY (both clients)
State v. T.M. (GRAND THEFT)
NOT GUILTY
State v. J.E. (DUI, POSS. MARIJUANA)
NOT GUILTY: DUI, Possession Marijuana
State v. C.L. (THEFT)
NOT GUILTY
Education
1999
Stetson University College of Law
Juris Doctor
1996
Universidad Complutense de Madrid
1995
Stetson University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2010
Business Law Class
All Sides of the Criminal Law Practice
Publications
2000
St. Petersburg Times
Misdemeanor Leads to Jailing of 91-Year-Old
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I want to file a restraining order against my step-father he is harassing me through text messages and email?
18 May 2012
Q&A
What should we expect my 17 yr old cited for Minor in possession alchol in FL
21 Mar 2011
Q&A
Will I get an extention of a restraining order
10 Feb 2011