Mission

President’s Statement

I would like to welcome you to the Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers website. I became president in early 2024 and it has been my goal to build a strong group of defense attorneys of the criminal bar. It is imperative that we have a network of lawyers with a common goal of representing those accused with criminal offenses in a manner in which our profession demands.

Being an attorney is hard, and in all of the areas of law we chose one of the hardest. The criminal defense lawyer is often blamed and ridiculed by members of society with questions like “how do you sleep at night” “how you do represent those people” “what if your client goes out and kills someone because you got them off of their charges” and many more. We represent those in the community that have been charged with criminal offenses small and large, minor and major, seemingly insignificant and utterly horrific. We are able to do this in no small part because we have each other.

Forty-five years ago, this year twelve lawyers identified the need for this organization. The founding members were Ralph Rinehart, Alex Vecchio, Mary Mahon, Sam Pendino, Ronald Cacciatore, Seymour Honig, Rodney Morgan, James Arnold, John Parkhill, Barry Cohen, Thomas Granahan, and Ellen Condon.

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.

Over the next year I have the following goals for our association:

• Increase membership
• Increase networking opportunities between our chapter and other regional chapters
• Increase involvement from all of our members
• Have educational opportunities for our members and the criminal defense bar

Nine years after the founding of HCACDL one of those founding members became the first president of a larger organization the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, our very own, Barry A. Cohen.

I am asking that you consider joining this organization if you are not already a member. I am asking you to get involved in a committee and share your ideas, knowledge, and concerns. I am not asking you to do anything that I would not do. I, along with Joel Elsea, am a chapter Representative and board member.

In our careers we are often the last beacon of hope to someone who is in trouble. In most cases, especially for those engaged in indigent defense, we may be the first person in that individual’s life that stood up for that person. The first time they saw someone say “no, no you are not getting my client without a fight.” While the jury is the last line between the accused and the government, we aren’t far away. I thank you all for what you do, and I thank you for allowing me the honor of being your president and I look forward to a great year.

Thank you,
Paul L. Figueroa
President
Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers