Introduction

Between 2008 and 2023, Anthony Candela held Florida Bar Board Certification in Criminal Trial law three separate times, a credential that requires demonstrated trial competence, substantial experience, and peer recognition, and that fewer than two percent of Florida attorneys ever achieve even once. That triple-certification history anchors Candela Law Firm, P.A., the boutique Tampa criminal defense practice he leads from 813 North Franklin Street. The firm focuses exclusively on the defense side of criminal law, from first-appearance bond hearings through jury trials and into appellate courts at both the state and federal level.

Attorney Candela has personally tried more than 100 jury trials and handled several dozen criminal appeals, accumulating the kind of hands-on courtroom experience that most defense attorneys never approach. The firm remains small by design, keeping caseloads manageable so each client receives direct attention from the attorney of record rather than being handed off to junior associates or support staff during critical phases of the case.

Practice Areas

Candela Law Firm handles serious criminal matters across a broad spectrum of charges.

Serious Felony Offenses: The firm defends clients charged with murder, vehicular homicide, sexual offenses, and child abuse, all cases where the stakes demand an attorney with genuine trial experience and the credentials to back it up in court.

Narcotics and Trafficking: Drug trafficking charges in Florida carry mandatory minimum sentences that remove judicial discretion at sentencing. The firm analyzes each case for suppression issues, constitutional violations, and evidentiary weaknesses that can affect outcome.

White Collar Crimes: Attorney Candela handles theft schemes, insurance fraud, RICO violations, and embezzlement cases. These matters often involve complex document review, financial records analysis, and expert witnesses, requiring the kind of preparation that a high-volume practice cannot provide.

Bond Motions: Securing pretrial release is frequently the most urgent priority in a criminal case. The firm files and argues bond motions to keep clients out of custody while their cases proceed, protecting their ability to work, maintain family relationships, and participate in their own defense.

Evidence Suppression: Many criminal cases turn on whether evidence was lawfully obtained. The firm challenges unlawful searches, improper interrogations, and other constitutional violations through suppression motions that, when successful, can determine the outcome of the entire case.

Probation Violations: Alleged violations of probation can result in significant prison exposure even when the underlying offense was minor. The firm defends clients at violation hearings, challenging both the alleged violation and the proposed consequence.

Criminal Appeals: The firm handles appeals in both Florida state courts and the federal appellate system, reviewing trial records for preserved errors that can support relief. Attorney Candela has handled several dozen criminal appeals over the course of his career.

Misdemeanor Defense: The firm also accepts misdemeanor cases, providing the same level of direct attorney attention to lower-level criminal charges, which can still affect employment, professional licenses, and immigration status if handled carelessly.

Attorney Profiles

Anthony Candela is the founding attorney and handles all cases at the firm. He earned Florida Bar Board Certification in Criminal Trial law three times between 2008 and 2023. He has personally tried more than 100 jury trials and handled several dozen criminal appeals, working exclusively as a defense attorney throughout his career. The firm is structured to keep his caseload at a level where he can give each client direct engagement from intake through resolution, without delegating case management to others.

The firm can be reached at (813) 417-3645.

Location and Service Area

Candela Law Firm, P.A. provides criminal defense services throughout the Tampa Bay area from its Tampa office on North Franklin Street.

Address: 813 North Franklin Street, Tampa, Florida 33602
Phone: (813) 417-3645
Website: candelalawfirm.com/

Client Focus

The firm serves individuals facing criminal charges at any level, from misdemeanor offenses to complex federal trials. The boutique structure means clients work directly with the lead attorney rather than being passed among associates. Clients needing bond reduction hearings, suppression motions, jury trials, or post-conviction appeals all receive the same level of personal attention from the attorney who knows their case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes the firm from larger criminal defense practices?
Candela Law Firm keeps its caseload deliberately small so that clients work directly with Anthony Candela from the first meeting through the resolution of their case, rather than being transferred to junior attorneys or managed primarily by support staff.

What is Board Certification in Criminal Trial law?
Florida Bar Board Certification in Criminal Trial law is awarded to attorneys who demonstrate substantial trial experience, pass a written examination, and receive favorable peer reviews. Fewer than two percent of Florida attorneys hold this credential. Anthony Candela has earned it three times.

Does the firm handle federal cases?
Yes. The firm handles criminal defense and appeals in both Florida state courts and federal courts.

What types of felony charges does the firm defend?
Murder, vehicular homicide, sexual offenses, child abuse, narcotics trafficking, theft schemes, insurance fraud, RICO violations, and embezzlement, among others.

How many jury trials has the lead attorney personally tried?
Anthony Candela has personally tried more than 100 jury trials, all as a defense attorney.

Closing

Tampa Bay residents facing criminal charges, from misdemeanor matters to serious felony accusations in state or federal court, can reach Candela Law Firm, P.A. at (813) 417-3645. The firm brings three-time Board Certification credentials and more than 100 jury trials of direct experience to every case it accepts.

Visit candelalawfirm.com/ for more information about the firm, its credentials, and its practice.