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Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is a professional association here to advance the interests of the criminal defense
bar by promoting education, advocacy, and good will amongst our members. If you are practicing Criminal Defense or a law student
interested in being a Criminal Defense lawyer, contact us to become a member!

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mission statement

The HCACDL is formed exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes
including, without limitation, the following purposes:

  • To bring together by association, communication and organization, members who are actively engaged in criminal defense law;

  • To promote study and research in the criminal defense law and related disciplines;

  • To disseminate by lecture, seminars, publications, and other programs of continuing legal education, the advancement of knowledge of the law as it relates and is ancillary to the field of criminal defense practice;

  • To promote improvement in the proper administration of criminal justice in Hillsborough County and the State of Florida;

  • To interact with and support the efforts of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • To foster periodic educational meetings of defense lawyers in Hillsborough County and to provide a forum for material exchange of information regarding the administration of criminal justice, the protection of individual rights and the improvement of criminal law, its practice and procedures;

  • To foster trust, integrity and transparency between defense attorneys, clients and the citizens of Hillsborough County;

  • To foster, maintain and encourage high ethical standards, integrity, independence and expertise of defense lawyers in criminal cases;

Hillsborough County
Association ofCriminal Defense

The Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (HCACDL) is an organization formed with a primary focus on supporting and enhancing the professional lives of criminal defense attorneys in the Hillsborough County area, which encompasses the city of Tampa, Florida. This group was established with a commitment to charitable, scientific, and educational purposes, with an underlying mission to foster a strong network of criminal defense lawyers who can collectively advance their practice while also contributing to the well-being of their local community. Members of the HCACDL benefit from a wealth of resources, including professional development opportunities, networking events, and mentorship from experienced attorneys.

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Paul L. Figueroa

President’s Statement

This organization’s purpose was to further the cause of justice, to provide an opportunity for the full and free discussion of matters of public interest, to promote in every way the freedom of individuals and maintenance of the rights guaranteed under the constitution of the United States of America, and under the constitution of the State of Florida and to promote acquaintance, friendship, and fellowship, as an opportunity for service to the community. The standard for admission was, and I quote, “Any member in good standing of the Florida Bar, who is eligible to defend a client charged with a crime, may apply for a membership in this association.”

Forty-five years later and the original purpose of this organization is still relevant and necessary, in some cases more necessary than ever. To fulfill that purpose, I’m going to need your help.

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Officers

President

Paul L. Figueroa

Paul was raised in Hillsborough County Florida. He graduated from Brandon High School where he was a Varsity Letterman for BHS’s nationally recognized wrestling program. After high school, Paul attended Florida State University and the University of South Florida. As an undergraduate, Paul was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and majored in Political Science. Paul received his J. D. in 2008.

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Vice President

Maria Pavlidis

Since she began practicing law in 2003, Maria Pavlidis has dedicated her legal career to the zealous representation of people charged with criminal offenses. Ms. Pavlidis has represented thousands of people accused of various offenses – from misdemeanors, traffic, and juvenile offenses to felonies punishable by life, including homicides.

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Treasurer

Joel Elsea

Joel is the founder and manager of Elsea Law Firm, P.A., located in Tampa. There, he practices criminal defense. Joel is a graduate of Stetson University College of Law (’04) and the University of Richmond (’01). Mr. Elsea began his career as an assistant state attorney in Hillsborough County, where he served for over a decade.

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Secretary

Julie Holt

Immediate Past President

Michelle Lambo

Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers strive to build a cohesive and supportive community among criminal defense attorneys and play a vital role in advancing the field of criminal defense law in the Tampa Bay area. Through its emphasis on education, community-building, and charitable work, HCACDL creates an environment where criminal defense attorneys can thrive. This sense of unity is critical, as criminal defense lawyers often work in high-pressure, emotionally charged environments where mutual support and collaboration are essential. By supporting its members, the association ultimately strengthens the ability of these lawyers to effectively represent their clients and uphold the principles of justice.

HillsBorough County

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Mailing address

P.O. Box 33602
Tampa, Florida 33602-0183

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Paul was raised in Hillsborough County Florida. He graduated from Brandon High School where he was a Varsity Letterman for BHS’s nationally recognized wrestling program. After high school, Paul attended Florida State University and the University of South Florida. As an undergraduate, Paul was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and majored in Political Science. Paul received his J. D. in 2008. In his last semester of law school, Paul worked as a Certified Legal Intern with the 13th Judicial Circuit Office of the Public Defender, where he was assigned to represent juveniles charged with Misdemeanor Offenses. After being sworn in as a member of the Florida Bar, Paul joined the 13th Judicial Circuit Office of the Public Defender.

Over the next eight years Paul zealously and professionally represented indigent clients charged with a multitude of offenses. During his eight years at the Office of the Public Defender, Paul rose to the level of Felony Division Chief and was lead counsel in over seventy-five jury trials, including offenses ranging from DUI, Sex Offenses, Drug Possession and Trafficking, Homicides as well as juveniles charged as adults. In addition, Paul attended numerous certified legal education seminars, including the Gerald T. Bennett Prosecutor/Public Defender Trial Training Program, and Advanced Defender College. To this date Paul has litigated over one hundred and forty jury trials and continues to enjoy being appointed cases not only because he loves to help those in need, but he enjoys and excels in trial.

In the private practice setting, Paul expanded his practice of law, representing individuals who were injured in automobile accidents, investigations involving their professional licenses, being held under a Baker Act, and those dealing with substance abuse and their families.

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Ms. Pavlidis earned her Bachelor of Science degree, Magna Cum Laude, with Honors Program distinction from the University of Tampa. Ms. Pavlidis received her Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude, from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law.

She began practicing law in 2003 and has represented thousands of people accused of a variety of offenses – from misdemeanors and juvenile offenses to felonies punishable by life, including homicides, vehicular homicides, and all levels of sex crimes, including capital sexual battery and child abuse cases. During her career, Maria gained a reputation for trying some of the most challenging and high-profile cases in the Tampa area. She began her legal career as an Assistant Public Defender in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. She worked in the Major Crimes Bureau, a specialized division of the office reserved for the most experienced and skilled attorneys. It was in the Major Crimes Bureau that Maria gained valuable experience handling complex cases.

Maria was honored with the Attorney of the Year Award in 2009 and 2011 by her peers and supervisors at the Public Defender’s Office. In 2019, she received the James H. Kynes Memorial in the Trenches Award for excellence in criminal trial practice. She has given seminars on trial techniques, motion writing, racketeering and conspiracy offenses, mental health and the practice of law and Defending a Baby Death case.

She is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law, one of the highest recognitions a lawyer in Florida can receive. Maria is admitted in all Florida State Courts and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

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Joel is the founder and manager of Elsea Law Firm, P.A., located in Tampa. There, he practices criminal defense. Joel is a graduate of Stetson University College of Law (’04) and the University of Richmond (’01). Mr. Elsea began his career as an assistant state attorney in Hillsborough County, where he served for over a decade. Joel is also an advocacy skills trainer at Stetson, working with their nationally recognized mock trial team.

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