Daniel J. Fernandez P.A. has received the 2026 ELA Award for Best Criminal Defense Firm, presented by Expert Law Attorneys. The award recognizes the Tampa, Florida firm for its strong defense of people facing criminal charges.
About the 2026 ELA Awards
The 2026 ELA Awards highlight law firms that deliver for the people they represent. The program recognizes firms across a wide range of practice areas for their experience, their reputation with clients, their professional conduct, and their service to their communities.
Why Daniel J. Fernandez P.A. Earned the Recognition
Daniel J. Fernandez P.A. is a Tampa criminal defense firm representing people facing state and federal charges throughout the Tampa Bay region. Founder Daniel J. Fernandez has practiced criminal law in Tampa for more than 43 years and has personally tried over 500 cases to verdict. Before opening his own practice, he served as an Assistant State Attorney in Florida’s 13th Judicial Circuit and then as a special prosecutor in the State Attorney’s narcotics division. The firm handles DUI and felony DUI, drug charges, violent crimes, sex crimes, theft, domestic violence, juvenile cases, probation violations, federal fraud, criminal appeals, and expungement and sealing.
It represents clients in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg and communities across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, Pasco and Hernando Counties. Daniel J. Fernandez has been featured in Tampa Magazine’s Best Lawyers Edition, and cases he has defended have been covered by the St. Pete Times, the Tampa Tribune, WTSP and WTVT. The firm offers bilingual representation in English and Spanish, along with free initial consultations.
What the Award Means for Clients
For anyone dealing with a criminal charge, the ELA Award is a helpful signal when comparing firms. It reflects the experience, client service, and professionalism Daniel J. Fernandez P.A. brings to each matter. The best next step is always a conversation with the attorney about your specific situation.