Shawn Dwayne Smith, Criminal Defense Attorney in Key West, Florida
Over 28 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, General, and Government · 3.2/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
City Atty.
Key West, FL
Practicing criminal defense in Key West since 1998.
- 28+
- Years practicing
- 3.2 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Shawn Dwayne Smith?
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Quick answer
Shawn Dwayne Smith is a city atty. based in Key West, FL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Government. Shawn has over 28 years of legal experience. Rated 3.2 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Key West, FL
- Experience
- over 28 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General · Government
- Handles Criminal Defense, General, and Government matters from Key West, FL.
- Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with CV Notable.
About Shawn Dwayne Smith: Shawn Dwayne Smith is a city atty. based in Key West, FL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Government. Shawn has over 28 years of legal experience. Rated 3.2 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Shawn's practice areas in Key West
Shawn concentrates on criminal defense, general, government, litigation, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Shawn handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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General
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Government
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Litigation
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Zoning
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Criminal Defense cases in Key West, Florida
Shawn takes criminal defense matters in Key West, 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 Shawn agrees to represent you.
General cases in Key West, Florida
Shawn takes general matters in Key West, 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 Shawn agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Key West, Florida
Shawn takes government matters in Key West, 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 Shawn agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Key West, Florida
Shawn takes litigation matters in Key West, 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 Shawn agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in Key West, Florida
Shawn takes zoning matters in Key West, 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 Shawn agrees to represent you.
Biography
Shawn Dwayne Smith, criminal defense attorney serving Key West
Shawn Dwayne Smith is a city atty. based in Key West, FL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Government. Shawn has over 28 years of legal experience. Rated 3.2 out of 5 from 2 client reviews. Shawn works from Key West, Florida and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Shawn Dwayne Smith is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, criminal litigation, land use and 5 other areas of law. Shawn received a B.A. degree from University of Florida in 1994, and has been licensed for 28 years. Shawn practices in Key West, FL.
How Shawn handles criminal defense matters
Shawn Dwayne Smith is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, criminal litigation, land use and 5 other areas of law. Shawn received a B.A. degree from University of Florida in 1994, and has been licensed for 28 years. Shawn practices in Key West, FL.
Who Shawn represents
Shawn reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, general, and government matters in Key West and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Shawn studied and practices
Florida State University
J.D. · 1997
University of Florida
B.A. · 1994
Jurisdictions
Shawn's state bar admissions
Florida U.S. Distric
1998 · ACTIVE
Shawn studied at J.D. in Florida State University and B.A. in University of Florida.
Law school and academic background
Shawn completed J.D. in Florida State University and B.A. in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Shawn runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Shawn's legal honors and published work
Shawn has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
CV Notable
Legal awards and honors
CV Notable.
Locations
Shawn Dwayne Smith's office in Key West
Shawn's primary office is at 1100 Kennedy Dr, Key West, FL, 33040-4021. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Shawn Dwayne Smith — 3.2/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Shawn. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Key West.
3.2
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Shawn Dwayne Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Shawn Dwayne Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Shawn usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Shawn charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Shawn'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; Shawn will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Key West, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense 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 Shawn
Shawn discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense 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. Shawn confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Shawn's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Shawn Dwayne Smith
How much does it cost to hire Shawn for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Shawn walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Shawn offer a free consultation?
Shawn charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Shawn's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Shawn's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Florida typically take?
Simple criminal defense 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. Shawn gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Shawn take my case if I'm outside Key West?
Shawn 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 — Shawn 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 Shawn?
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. Shawn will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Shawn accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Shawn's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Key West, Miami and Tampa in Florida
Shawn handles criminal defense matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Florida
If Shawn's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Key West handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





