Call Now
Website
Call
Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
Michael J. Petro is a seasoned federal criminal defense attorney with over 34 years of experience advocating for clients accused of federal crimes. Our practice focuses on protecting clients' constitutional rights through every stage of the legal process, from grand jury investigations to federal appeals. We specialize in complex cases involving drug trafficking, firearms offenses, child sex abuse material charges, money laundering, and asset forfeiture. With a track record of 45 federal jury trials and 28 federal appeals, we combine aggressive litigation strategies with nuanced understanding of federal sentencing guidelines.

Our team prioritizes client communication, offering 24/7 availability to address urgent legal concerns while maintaining strict confidentiality. We serve clients in Tampa, Chicago, and federal courts nationwide, providing personalized representation backed by decades of courtroom experience.
Services
Federal Criminal Defense Grand Jury Subpoenas Federal Appeals Plea Negotiations Compassionate Release Asset Forfeiture Defense Expungement Services Police Officer Defense Immigration Criminal Defense Trial Representation
Highlights and features
  • We have 34+ years of experience in federal criminal defense litigation
  • Our attorney has handled 45+ federal jury trials as lead counsel
  • Specialized knowledge of federal asset forfeiture and grand jury procedures
  • Proven track record in federal appeals across multiple circuit courts
  • 24/7 availability for urgent legal matters and client consultations
What people say
Best lawyer ever Charges were dropped Excellent representation Not guilty verdict Reasonable pricing
Services
Federal Criminal Defense
Comprehensive legal representation for individuals and entities facing federal criminal charges. Our practice handles complex cases involving drug trafficking, firearms offenses, financial crimes, and child sex abuse material charges. We protect clients' constitutional rights through every stage of the legal process, from initial investigation to trial and appeals. Our experience with federal sentencing guidelines and asset forfeiture proceedings ensures strategic defense tailored to each case's unique circumstances.
Grand Jury Subpoenas
Specialized legal assistance for individuals and businesses responding to grand jury subpoenas. We handle document production requirements, testimony preparation, and privilege protection. Our expertise includes challenging overbroad subpoenas and negotiating modifications to minimize business disruption. We represent clients in both federal and state grand jury proceedings, ensuring compliance while protecting legal rights throughout the process.
Federal Appeals
Experienced representation in federal appellate courts across multiple jurisdictions. We handle appeals from federal district court convictions, including complex issues related to evidence admissibility and sentencing guidelines. Our practice includes filing petitions for writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court and developing strategic arguments based on evolving circuit court precedents to achieve favorable appellate outcomes.
Compassionate Release
Legal advocacy for federal inmates seeking early release due to medical conditions, age, or family circumstances. We prepare comprehensive petitions demonstrating eligibility for compassionate release under Bureau of Prisons guidelines. Our services include gathering medical documentation, presenting compelling arguments to federal courts, and appealing denied petitions to secure early release for qualifying inmates.
Plea Negotiations
Strategic negotiation of favorable plea agreements in federal criminal cases. We analyze prosecution evidence to determine optimal negotiation positions, working to reduce charges or secure probation instead of incarceration. Our experience with federal sentencing guidelines ensures clients understand potential outcomes while maintaining their right to trial if negotiations fail to meet their best interests.
People
Petro & Petro
Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
With 34+ years of experience, Michael J. Petro is a nationally recognized federal criminal defense attorney who has handled 45+ federal jury trials and 28+ federal appeals. A former prosecutor with deep understanding of both sides of federal criminal law, he specializes in defending complex cases involving grand jury investigations, asset forfeiture, and compassionate release petitions.
Questions
What federal criminal charges do you handle?
We defend all federal criminal charges including drug trafficking, firearms offenses, child sex abuse material, money laundering, white-collar crimes, and immigration violations.
How do you handle grand jury subpoena cases?
We provide immediate legal representation for subpoena recipients, protecting rights during document production and testimony requirements while challenging overbroad requests.
Can you represent clients in federal courts outside Florida?
Yes, we represent clients in federal courts nationwide including Chicago, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and international jurisdictions.
What happens during a federal criminal trial?
Federal trials involve pre-trial motions, jury selection, opening statements, evidence presentation, cross-examination, and closing arguments before a federal judge and jury.
Do you handle federal appeals?
Yes, we have extensive experience in federal appellate courts including the 11th, 7th, and 5th Circuits with 28+ federal appeals handled as lead counsel.
Are you available for urgent legal matters?
Yes, we offer 24/7 availability for urgent legal matters including arrests, grand jury subpoenas, and emergency hearings.