WHAT WE DO
Passionate, Committed Legal Guidance
Pavlidis Law provides passionate, committed legal guidance and representation in criminal law, DUI and traffic charges, juvenile law, and personal injury. Serving clients in Tampa and throughout the state of Florida
Pavlidis Law is a firm with a client-centered philosophy that specializes in treating every client individually and crafting our defense strategy to suit your particular case and needs.
We have a record of litigating and winning difficult cases. We always fight aggressively for our clients. Our practice is dedicated to the pursuit of justice.
Pavlidis Law was born out of our unique approach to the practice of law: one which combines a strong work ethic, honesty, compassion, and a commitment to diligently representing our clients and serving the community.
With extensive trial experience and a history of success in the courtroom, we are not afraid of going to trial or advocating aggressively for our clients. We also recognize that every case is unique and every client is different.
Heaven Sent
" Maria fights hard - there’s no backing down for her! And she doesn’t treat you like a number or just another case. To Maria you are a person, not a statistic. She’s honest, upfront, and driven by a passion for justice! "
– Brittany (client)
Who we are
We are consultants and collaborators
Facing criminal charges is often one of the most stressful experiences a person will face in his or her life. The stress of an arrest and criminal charge affects not only the client but his or her family and community.
We take the time to get to know our clients and view every case in a personal and unique context, fighting strongly for our clients. It is often difficult for a client to decide what path to take when facing a criminal charge or other legal matter. We will meet with you and help you make the best decision to fight your case.
We look forward to representing you and bringing our passion, knowledge, and experience to your case.
How we do it
Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney
Maria Pavlidis is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney. Board certification is one of the highest recognitions a lawyer in Florida can receive. Only seven percent of the attorneys in Florida are board certified. Board-certified lawyers have met the Florida Bar’s highest standard for special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in various areas of law, as well as professionalism and ethics in the practice of law.
Meet the Team
Maria Pavlidis
Aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense Attorney. Strong results-oriented background. A record that speaks for itself.
Maria Pavlidis
Attorney
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.
During her career, Ms. Pavlidis gained a reputation for trying some of the most challenging and high-profile cases in the Tampa Bay area. She has a record of winning difficult cases and uses her extensive expertise in complex criminal cases to get proven results. Ms. Pavlidis is known for fighting for her clients and is sought after for her knowledge and skill in trying serious cases. To that end, she has tried well over 120 cases to verdict. Ms. Pavlidis is an aggressive defender, but her practice is instilled with a sense of compassion.
Ms. Pavlidis is admitted in all Florida State Courts and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. She is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law, one of the highest recognitions a lawyer in Florida can receive. Board Certification recognizes Ms. Pavlidis’ special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in criminal law. It is the highest level of evaluation offered by the Florida Bar. Only seven percent of attorneys in Florida are board certified. Ms. Pavlidis is considered an expert and specialist in criminal trial law.
Ms. Pavlidis earned her Bachelor of Science degree, Magna Cum Laude, with Honors Program distinction from the University of Tampa. While at the University of Tampa, she was President of the Criminology Society. Ms. Pavlidis received her Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude, from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law. While in law school, she was the Research Editor for the Journal of Law and Public Policy. Additionally, she was a Teaching Assistant for Legal Research and Writing and Appellate Advocacy.
Ms. Pavlidis honed her advocacy and trial skills as an Assistant Public Defender in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. While employed as an Assistant Public Defender, 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 Ms. Pavlidis gained valuable experience handling complex cases. Her caseload was comprised entirely of homicides, vehicular and traffic homicides, sex crimes – including capital sexual battery, and child abuse cases. Ms. Pavlidis has never shied away from an uphill battle. During her tenure in Major Crimes, Ms. Pavlidis conducted examinations and depositions of expert witnesses in many fields, including DNA analysis, serology, pathology, neuropsychology, psychology, medical examination, brain injury, toxicology, accident reconstruction, fingerprint analysis, and firearms and ballistics.
As a Public Defender, Ms. Pavlidis was fortunate to attend statewide seminars for criminal defense attorneys on trial advocacy and death penalty litigation. Ms. Pavlidis found and retained expert witnesses for the defense in many areas of study. She is also well-versed in the study of mental illness and substance abuse.
Ms. Pavlidis was chosen by her peers and supervisors at the Public Defender’s Office with the honor of the Attorney of the Year Award in 2009 and 2011. She has given several seminars and continuing legal education courses to other attorneys on trial techniques, motion writing, opening statements and closing arguments, defending a homicide case, and trafficking and RICO charges. She has also taught and guest Lectured at the University of Tampa, University of South Florida and Hillsborough Community College in the area of criminal law.
In 2019, she received the James H. Kynes Memorial in the Trenches Award for her excellence in criminal litigation.
Maria speaks fluent Greek and volunteers as an attorney ad litem for Crossroads for Florida Kids, a nonprofit organization that provides representation to children in the dependency and delinquency system in Hillsborough County. She is also the Vice President of the Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Liz Carissimo
Law can be intimidating. As our office manager, Liz will work directly with you to make sure you get the services you need.
Liz Carissimo
Criminal Law Paralegal
She was born and raised in Florida and graduated from Florida State University, where she earned a degree in Creative Writing. Liz spent twelve years as a sales manager for a large corporation before working as a paralegal. She oversaw all management aspects, including hiring, training, operations, sales, human resources management, and building a successful multi-million dollar business.
At Pavlidis Law, Liz combines her writing and management skills to provide client-centered, effective paralegal support. She enjoys traveling with her husband and toy poodle Paris, spending time with friends, and pursuing her dream of becoming a writer.