
Ricardo Rivera, Appellate Attorney in Clearwater, Florida
Over 20 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI · 5.0/5 rating from 14 verified client reviews
PartneratCarlson, Meissner, Hayslett P.A.
Clearwater, FL
Practicing appellate in Clearwater since 2006.
- 20+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 14 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Ricardo Rivera?
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Quick answer
Ricardo Rivera is a partner based in Clearwater, FL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI. Ricardo has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Carlson, Meissner, Hayslett P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 14 client reviews.
- Based in
- Clearwater, FL
- Experience
- over 20 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI
- Handles Appellate, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI matters from Clearwater, FL.
- Over 20 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Ricardo Rivera: Ricardo Rivera is a partner based in Clearwater, FL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI. Ricardo has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Carlson, Meissner, Hayslett P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 14 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Ricardo's practice areas in Clearwater
Ricardo concentrates on appellate, criminal defense, dui/dwi, and expungement. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ricardo handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Criminal Defense
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DUI/DWI
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Expungement
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Appellate cases in Clearwater, Florida
Ricardo takes appellate matters in Clearwater, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ricardo agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Clearwater, Florida
Ricardo takes criminal defense matters in Clearwater, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ricardo agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Clearwater, Florida
Ricardo takes dui/dwi matters in Clearwater, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ricardo agrees to represent you.
Expungement cases in Clearwater, Florida
Ricardo takes expungement matters in Clearwater, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ricardo agrees to represent you.
Biography
Ricardo Rivera, appellate attorney serving Clearwater
Ricardo Rivera is a partner based in Clearwater, FL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI. Ricardo has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Carlson, Meissner, Hayslett P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 14 client reviews. Ricardo works from Clearwater, Florida and takes on appellate matters across the region.
Mr. Ricardo Rivera is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, criminal law, dui/dwi and 2 other areas of law. Ricardo received a B.A. degree from State University of New York in 1994, and has been licensed for 20 years. Ricardo practices at Carlson, Meissner, Hayslett P.A. in Clearwater, FL.
How Ricardo handles appellate matters
Mr. Ricardo Rivera is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, criminal law, dui/dwi and 2 other areas of law. Ricardo received a B.A. degree from State University of New York in 1994, and has been licensed for 20 years. Ricardo practices at Carlson, Meissner, Hayslett P.A. in Clearwater, FL.
Who Ricardo represents
Ricardo reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, criminal defense, and dui/dwi matters in Clearwater and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Ricardo studied and practices
Florida State University College of Law
J.D. · 2005
State University of New York
B.A. · 1994
Jurisdictions
Ricardo's state bar admissions
Florida
2006 · ACTIVE
Ricardo studied at J.D. in Florida State University College of Law and B.A. in State University of New York.
Law school and academic background
Ricardo completed J.D. in Florida State University College of Law and B.A. in State University of New York. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ricardo runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Ricardo's legal honors and published work
Ricardo has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Ricardo's professional memberships and bar associations
American Bar Association The Florida Bar
membership
Locations
Ricardo Rivera's office in Clearwater
Ricardo's primary office is at 250 North Belcher Road, Suite 102, Clearwater, FL, 33765. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Carlson, Meissner, Hayslett P.A.
250 North Belcher Road, Suite 102
Clearwater, FL 33765
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Ricardo Rivera — 5.0/5 rating from 14 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Ricardo. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Clearwater.
5.0
14 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ricardo Rivera claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Ricardo Rivera — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Ricardo usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Ricardo charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ricardo's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Ricardo will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Clearwater, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Ricardo
Ricardo discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Ricardo confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Ricardo's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Ricardo Rivera
How much does it cost to hire Ricardo for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ricardo walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ricardo offer a free consultation?
Ricardo charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ricardo's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Ricardo's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Florida typically take?
Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Ricardo gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ricardo take my case if I'm outside Clearwater?
Ricardo is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ricardo will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Ricardo?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Ricardo will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ricardo accepting new appellate clients right now?
Ricardo's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Clearwater, Miami and Tampa in Florida
Ricardo handles appellate matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
- Clearwater1,371 attorneys
- Miami15,918 attorneys
- Tampa9,739 attorneys
- Orlando7,352 attorneys
- Fort Lauderdale6,726 attorneys
- Jacksonville5,497 attorneys
- Tallahassee4,383 attorneys
- West Palm Beach3,699 attorneys
- Boca Raton3,668 attorneys
- Coral Gables3,397 attorneys
- Naples2,155 attorneys
- St Petersburg2,098 attorneys
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