Manatee County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Adult criminal cases in Manatee County are heard at the county's Judicial Center in downtown Bradenton. That includes cases from Bradenton, Palmetto, Ellenton, Parrish, Myakka City, Anna Maria Island and Lakewood Ranch's Manatee side. The process still involves many moving parts: the arresting agency, the county jail in Palmetto, the Clerk's office, the State Attorney and the judge assigned to your division. Former prosecutor Daniel D. Nawara, who served in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office, represents people charged with crimes in Manatee County courts.

The Manatee County courthouse and Clerk

• Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205. Court Administration: (941) 749-3600. Criminal hearings and trials are scheduled here according to your notice.

• Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, 1115 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton. Criminal Division: (941) 741-4019. The Clerk keeps the case file. A visit to the Clerk's counter does not replace a required court appearance.

The Twelfth Circuit says two county judges are assigned full time to Manatee's County Criminal Division, which hears misdemeanors and criminal traffic cases. Three circuit judges handle felonies. Use the Clerk's online court records search to confirm dates, and see our Manatee criminal court guide for parking and preparation. The Twelfth Circuit State Attorney's Manatee office is at 1112 Manatee Avenue West.

Who makes arrests in Manatee County?

The arresting agency holds the reports, video and evidence, and records requests go to that agency. Manatee County agencies include:

• Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Covers unincorporated Manatee County, including Lakewood Ranch's Manatee side, Parrish, Ellenton and Myakka City. The Sheriff's Office also provides law enforcement for the City of Anna Maria.

• Bradenton Police Department. Inside Bradenton city limits.

• Palmetto Police Department. Inside Palmetto.

• Holmes Beach Police Department and Bradenton Beach Police Department. On Anna Maria Island.

• Longboat Key Police Department. On the Manatee County portion of Longboat Key. See Longboat Key DUI.

• Florida Highway Patrol (Troop F). Covers Manatee County and lists a Bradenton station at 5023 53rd Avenue East.

Booking and first appearance

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office says arrestees are first taken to the Manatee County Central Jail, 14470 Harlee Road, Palmetto, for intake, medical screening, fingerprinting, photographs and a warrants check. The Sheriff's Office also says arrestees who do not bond out routinely see a judge within 24 hours. At first appearance, the judge explains the charges and may set bond. In misdemeanor cases, the Sheriff's Office notes the judge may accept a plea at that hearing.

Think carefully before entering a plea at first appearance. A quick plea can carry consequences for your record, license, employment or immigration status that are not obvious at that moment. Read about first appearance and bond reduction.

Charges we handle in Manatee County

• DUI. See Bradenton DUI and first DUI in Bradenton.

• Misdemeanors. See petit theft, battery and DWLS.

• Felonies. See felony defense, grand theft, drug trafficking and aggravated assault and battery.

• Domestic violence, stalking and injunctions. See domestic violence, stalking and injunctions.

• Probation violations, warrants and juvenile matters. See VOP, warrants and juvenile.

For city-specific information, see our Bradenton criminal defense page.

Penalties at a glance

Florida's general maximums apply in every county. Under sections 775.082 and 775.083:

• Second-degree misdemeanor: up to 60 days and a $500 fine.

• First-degree misdemeanor: up to 1 year and a $1,000 fine.

• Third-degree felony: up to 5 years and a $5,000 fine.

• Second-degree felony: up to 15 years and a $10,000 fine.

• First-degree felony: up to 30 years and a $10,000 fine.

Many offenses add their own requirements. Examples include DUI penalties under section 316.193, mandatory minimums for certain firearm and trafficking offenses, and license suspensions. Statutory maximums are limits, not predictions.

Options and strategy

The facts and the evidence drive the defense. Counsel can:

• Challenge an unlawful stop, search or interrogation.

• Contest identity, intent or value.

• Raise self-defense where the facts support it.

• Seek diversion.

Pretrial intervention under section 948.08 and the misdemeanor programs in section 948.16 have statutory eligibility rules. The Twelfth Circuit State Attorney also lists treatment courts, such as Drug Court, Veterans Court and Comprehensive Treatment Court. Read pretrial diversion and PTI, withhold vs. conviction and early termination of probation.

Frequently asked questions

Where are Manatee County criminal cases heard?

At the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton. Your notice lists the courtroom and time.

Where is someone taken after an arrest in Manatee County?

To the Manatee County Central Jail at 14470 Harlee Road in Palmetto, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Can I change my Manatee court date by calling the Clerk?

The Clerk's office explains that it cannot change court dates. Requests go through your attorney and the court, and the existing date stands until it is changed.

My arrest was on Anna Maria Island. Which agency has the report?

It depends on where it happened. Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach have their own police departments, and the Sheriff's Office serves the City of Anna Maria. Your paperwork names the agency.

Do I need to come to Sarasota to meet with you?

The office is in downtown Sarasota. Ask about consultation options when you call.

Talk with a Manatee County criminal defense lawyer

Call (941) 920-5514 or request a free consultation. Bring your paperwork, bond conditions and court dates. Ask about fees and payment plans.

Updated October 1, 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Court procedures and assignments can change; your notice and orders control. No outcome is guaranteed. Contacting the firm does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship.

Sources: Manatee County Judicial Center; Twelfth Circuit Criminal Division; Manatee Sheriff jail information; SAO12 offices; SAO12 treatment courts; FHP Troop F; Fla. Stat. § 775.082, § 775.083, § 948.08, § 948.16.