Michael San Filippo, Esq

Michael J. San Filippo has been a member in “good standing” with the Florida Bar, since 1990; U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, since 1993; and, the U.S. Supreme Court, since 2003. Michael San Filippo started by attending Miami-Dade College where he majored in Business Administration and Accounting and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Clinical Psychology from Florida International University. In less than two years, Mr. San Filippo earned his Juris Doctorate Degree from the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law, at Western Michigan University. His meticulous trial preparation and his exceptional ability to integrate an aggressive, thorough defense has earned him the admiration of clients and the respect of prosecutors, judges, and other criminal lawyers across the country. He has earned several academic, civic and professional awards and honors, including Assistant State Attorney of the Year, Joe Durocher and Assistant Public Defender of the Year.

Mr. San Filippo’s areas of experience and involvement are extensive. He has volunteered or acted as legal counsel for the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Sixty Plus Law Center, Miami-Dade County’s State Attorney’s Office, American Civil Liberties Union, Teen Court of Osceola County, North Miami Beach Police Department, Seminole County Humane Society and the Guardian Ad Litem Program of South Florida. He’s been previously or currently active in other Legal & Civic Associations, including the National D.A. Assoc., Fla. Assoc. of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Central Fla. Criminal Defense Atty.’s Assoc., 3rd Circuit Law Enforcement Assoc., Fla. Prosecuting Atty.’s Assoc., Orange Co. Bar Assoc., and Seminole Co. Bar Assoc., B.P.O.E., N.R.A., ABATE, and Florida Jewish Community Center. He even taught legal studies for various colleges including Jackson College, Southern College, etc.

Mr. San Filippo’s 35-year career as a Criminal Justice Attorney, includes nearly 15 years as an Assistant State Attorney with the State Attorney’s Office; Senior Assistant General Counsel with the DOH Prosecutions Services Unit, Assistant Public Defender in the Major Crimes Unit; and, more than 20 years as a private Criminal Defense attorney. In addition to his Criminal Defense Practice, Mr. Filippo has recently hit his sixth year of insurance law at Shield Law Group of Florida, LLC.

Michael J. San Filippo, Senior Trial Attorney, has acquired more than THREE DECADES of Criminal Trial and Litigation experience in all areas of the law! The main types of cases he has practiced in are Murder, Manslaughter, DUI, Trafficking, Drugs and Controlled Substances, Domestic Violence (DV), Battery, Assault, Theft, Robbery, Burglary, Fraud, Violation of Probation (VOP), etc. Mr. San Filippo has taken more than 130 cases to trial and is ready to represent you! He is an astute strategist and powerful advocate who works tirelessly to protect the rights of his clients.

Here is what he has to say to you…“Any criminal charge can have a devastating effect on your reputation and your livelihood. As an experienced South Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer, it is my goal to have your case dismissed, charges reduced, or have negotiated favorable plea bargains, by utilizing every option available to you, including negotiations with the State Attorney, Diversion Programs, Motion Practice and/or going to Trial. Upon completion of the process, my goal is to have the case removed from your permanent record. Before you place your life in the hands of an attorney to represent, defend and protect your constitutional rights, ask them how many cases they’ve taken to trial. It is important that you seek consultation from an experienced South Florida Criminal Attorney early in the process for many reasons. One of the most significant ones being the State Attorney’s Office, not the arresting police agency, will have discretion as to what charges may be filed against you. This early representation by a skilled South Florida Criminal Trial Lawyer may have the benefit of having your charges dropped completely or having the charges reduced to a lesser offense.”