Manatee County Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Bradenton, Palmetto & Lakewood Ranch

Looking for a Manatee County criminal defense lawyer? Attorney Ron Frey of The Frey Law Firm, LLC is based in Tampa and represents people throughout Florida, including in Manatee County. Whether a case starts in Bradenton, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, or out on Anna Maria Island, state charges are heard in downtown Bradenton, and a federal case from Manatee County goes to Tampa.

If you have been arrested or contacted by investigators, call before you do anything else. Your consultation is free and confidential: (813) 775-2276 or toll-free (844) 766-3739. Rapid response, 24/7.

Manatee County Courts: The Twelfth Judicial Circuit

Manatee County is part of Florida’s Twelfth Judicial Circuit, along with Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. The Office of the State Attorney for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit prosecutes state charges. Felony cases are heard in Circuit Court, and misdemeanors, including most DUIs, are heard in County Court.

In Manatee County, the circuit holds court at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Avenue West in downtown Bradenton, a nine-story building next to the historic courthouse. The historic courthouse is used by the Clerk’s office and does not regularly hold hearings, so make sure you go to the right building. Missing a court date can lead to a warrant.

Who Makes Arrests in Manatee County

• Manatee County Sheriff’s Office covers the unincorporated county, with district offices that include Lakewood Ranch and Anna Maria.
• Bradenton Police Department, Palmetto Police Department, Holmes Beach Police Department, Bradenton Beach Police Department, and Longboat Key Police Department cover their own municipalities.
• Federal agents may be involved in computer, fraud, and drug investigations.

People arrested in Manatee County are taken first to the Manatee County Central Jail, 14470 Harlee Road in Palmetto, for booking. Under Florida’s rules, a person who is held must see a judge within 24 hours of arrest for a first appearance, where release conditions are addressed. Calling a lawyer early means someone can be speaking for you at that hearing.

Pretrial Intervention and Treatment Courts

Florida law allows pretrial intervention for some first-time offenders charged with a misdemeanor or a third-degree felony. It requires the consent of the State Attorney and others, and if the program is completed, the charges are dismissed.

The Twelfth Circuit also runs treatment courts in Manatee County, including Drug Court, Veterans Treatment Court, Comprehensive Treatment Court, and Health Care Court. They are generally for lower-level, non-violent cases, and each one has its own application and screening.

None of these options is automatic, and the early steps in a case can affect whether they’re on the table. Learn more about our first-time offender defense.

Charges We Defend in Manatee County

Attorney Frey represents people in Manatee County on state and federal charges, including:

• Computer and internet crimes, a major part of his practice, often for people with no record
• AI-related investigations, including deepfakes, voice cloning, and AI-assisted fraud
• DUI and traffic offenses
• Drug charges
• Violent crimes
• Sex offenses
• Theft offenses
• White collar and financial crimes
• Professional licensing matters tied to a criminal charge

See all of our criminal defense practice areas.

Federal Cases From Manatee County Go to Tampa

A federal case from Manatee County is not heard in Bradenton. Manatee County is part of the Tampa Division of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, so federal cases go to the Sam M. Gibbons United States Courthouse, 801 N. Florida Avenue in downtown Tampa, the same city as our office.

Attorney Frey is admitted to practice in the Middle District of Florida. Computer, internet, and AI investigations can end up in either state or federal court, and that is often decided early. Learn more about our federal criminal defense.

Call Attorney Ron Frey

Attorney Ron Frey has over 20 years of experience defending people accused of crimes and people under investigation. He will explain what is happening in plain English and go over the options that may apply. No lawyer can promise a result, but you can understand where you stand before you make decisions.

Your consultation is free and confidential, by phone, by video, or at our Tampa office, and when the situation calls for it, we can come to you. Call (813) 775-2276 or toll-free (844) 766-3739. Rapid response, 24/7. Learn more about Attorney Ron Frey.

We also represent people in neighboring Sarasota County, Hillsborough County, and Polk County, and across Tampa Bay in Pinellas County. Elsewhere in Florida? We represent clients throughout Florida.

This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Court locations, agency practices, and program rules can change. Reading this page or contacting The Frey Law Firm, LLC does not create an attorney-client relationship.