Richard A Canina - Melbourne, FL
Attorney at The Canina Law Firm
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Melbourne, FL
1901 S. Harbor City Blvd. Suite 804 Melbourne, FL 32901
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
16
Years
Experience
Melbourne Criminal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 03/10/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense 100%
- DUI
- Sex Crimes
- Drug Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Child Abuse
- Theft Crimes
- Violations of Probation
- Burglary
- Assault and Battery
- Criminal Traffic Charges
- White Collar Crimes / Fraud
- Homicide and Violent Crimes
Litigation: 100%
Attorney Information
Overview
Richard was born and raised in Brevard County, FL. After graduating from Holy Trinity Academy in Melbourne, FL, he attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. At Florida State, Richard obtained an undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in criminology and criminal justice, graduating with honors. Richard was a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.
Richard received his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida. While at Stetson, Richard geared his course selections toward criminal defense work and criminal trial advocacy. He successfully completed internships at the Public Defender's Office for the Sixth Judicial Circuit and at several local criminal defense law firms.
After graduating from law school, Richard went to work as an Assistant Public Defender for Kathleen Smith, Public Defender 20th Judicial Circuit (Lee County, FL) for several years. Richard handled thousands of misdemeanor cases, many of which were DUI and domestic violence charges. He was quickly promoted to representing clients charged with felonies ranging from theft and driving related offenses to high profile cases involving sexual battery, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, and felony drug charges.
Richard also has extensive experience handling complex criminal cases such as white collar crimes, frauds, schemes to defraud, and large-scale theft charges. Richard's experience has given him invaluable insight into the workings of the State Attorney's Office, as well as many police agencies and other state departments.
Richard continues to dedicate his career to helping those accused of criminal offenses. He is committed to aggressively defending his clients utilizing resources such as private investigators, doctors, psychologists, DNA experts and advanced technology to obtain the best possible outcome for his clients. He is passionate about criminal law and guarantees top-notch personal service to all of his clients and their needs. Richard is a seasoned trial attorney who knows the legal system and its players. He is committed to giving his clients the best defense possible.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Certificate of Merit - Stetson Public Defender Clinic, 2010
- Deans list/Honors - Florida State University, 2007
- Cum Laude - Florida State University, 2007
- "10 Best" - American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys, 2017
- Top 40 Under 40 - The National Trial Lawyers, 2017
- Super Lawyers "Rising Star" Award, 2019
Other Sources of Feedback About Richard A. Canina
Included on the 2025 Florida Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2024 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2022 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2021 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2020 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2019 Florida Super Lawyers list
Education
-
Legal Education
-
Stetson University College of Law,
Gulfport/St. Petersburg,
Florida, 2010
Juris Doctorate
-
Stetson University College of Law,
Gulfport/St. Petersburg,
Florida, 2010
-
Non Legal Education
-
Florida State University,
Tallahassee,
Florida, May, 2007
B.S.
Honors: Dean's List
Honors: Cum Laude
Honors: With High Honors
Major: Psychology
Minor: Criminology and Criminal Justice - Holy Trinity Academy, Melbourne, Florida
-
Florida State University,
Tallahassee,
Florida, May, 2007
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Attorney - The Canina Law Firm, since 2011
Past Positions
- Kathleen Smith, Public Defender 20th Judicial Circuit (Lee County, FL), Assistant Public Defender, 2010 - 2012
- The Florida Defense Group, Legal Intern, 2009 - 2010
- Office of the Public Defender, Legal Intern, - 2009
- Richard G. Canina P.A., Legal Intern, - 2008
- Public Defender’s Office, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Internship
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 2010
Other Affiliations
- Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2012 - Present (Member)
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2012 - Present (Member)
- The Florida Bar, 2010 - Present (Member)
- Lee County Bar Association, 2010 - 2012 (Member)
- National Society of Collegiate Scholars, 2003 - 2007 (Member)
- Brevard County Bar Association, 2011 - Present (Member)
Fraternities and Sororities
- Phi Gamma Delta
Photo
Contact
1901 S. Harbor City Blvd.
Suite 804
Melbourne, FL 32901
Phone: 321-728-0989
Fax: 321-728-0988
Email: Send a message
Website: http://www.melbournedefenselaw.com/
Hours: Available 24 Hours
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