Luke Newman, P.A. has been named Best Criminal Defense Firm of 2026 by Expert Law Attorneys as part of the 2026 ELA Awards. The recognition honors the Tallahassee, 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 Luke Newman, P.A. Earned the Recognition
Luke Newman, P.A. is a Tallahassee criminal defense and appellate law firm representing people charged with Florida and federal misdemeanor and felony offenses. Attorney Luke Newman, a graduate of the University of Texas and, with honors, Florida State University College of Law, began practicing criminal law in 2004 and opened his own practice in 2009. In 2011 he became Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Criminal Appellate Law, a certification held by fewer than 70 Florida attorneys, and he later chaired the Florida Bar Criminal Law Certification Committee, which tests attorneys, prosecutors and judges seeking criminal law certification.
He served as president of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers for 2023 to 2024 and has edited the Florida Defender Magazine. The firm handles criminal trials involving drug, violent, sex, theft, weapons and white collar charges, along with probation violations, direct and collateral criminal appeals, post-conviction relief, resentencing, death penalty appeals and federal matters including RICO and asset forfeiture. Newman holds a Superb rating from Avvo and, as the sole attorney, personally handles the substantive work on every case.
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 Luke Newman, P.A. brings to each matter. The best next step is always a conversation with the attorney about your specific situation.