David C. Hardy of The Hardy Law Firm Named to Florida Super Lawyers for DUI and Criminal Defense

Tampa, Florida – David C. Hardy, founding attorney of The Hardy Law Firm, P.A. has been selected to the prestigious Florida Super Lawyers list in the areas of DUI defense and criminal defense. This recognition is reserved for a select group of attorneys who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, sustained excellence in practice, and a high degree of peer recognition within the legal community.

With more than two decades of experience practicing criminal law in Florida, Mr. Hardy has built a reputation for strategic trial advocacy, sophisticated appellate work, and a deep command of constitutional law. His selection to Super Lawyers reflects not only his courtroom success, but also his broader contributions to the practice of criminal law at the state and federal levels.

A Rigorous and Highly Selective Honor

Super Lawyers is a nationally respected attorney rating organization that identifies outstanding lawyers across more than 70 practice areas. The selection process is intentionally rigorous and multi-phased, designed to identify attorneys who have achieved a high level of professional distinction while maintaining strong ethical standards.

The process begins with peer nominations, during which attorneys nominate colleagues they have personally observed in practice and believe demonstrate exceptional legal ability. These nominations are followed by independent research conducted by Super Lawyers’ editorial staff. This research evaluates numerous indicators of professional achievement, including years of experience, representative matters, verdicts and settlements, honors and awards, board certifications, scholarly activity, and leadership roles within the legal profession.

Candidates who advance through the research phase are then subject to peer evaluations within their practice area. Attorneys are asked to assess their peers on criteria such as legal knowledge, analytical skill, advocacy, professionalism, and ethics. Only those who score highly across all phases of the evaluation are ultimately selected. As a result, only a small percentage of attorneys in Florida receive the Super Lawyers designation in any given year.

Mr. Hardy’s inclusion reflects sustained excellence over a long legal career, rather than a single achievement, and underscores the respect he has earned among judges, prosecutors, and fellow defense attorneys.

A Career Dedicated to Criminal Defense

David C. Hardy has devoted his professional life to criminal defense, representing individuals facing charges under Florida and federal law. He brings a comprehensive, disciplined approach to every case, grounded in careful investigation, legal scholarship, and strategic advocacy.

From 2005 through 2010, Mr. Hardy served as a State Prosecutor in Tampa, Florida, where he handled a wide range of criminal cases on behalf of the State. During this time, he developed extensive courtroom experience and a firsthand understanding of prosecutorial decision-making, evidentiary development, and trial strategy. This background now informs his defense practice and allows him to anticipate the government’s approach, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and advocate effectively on behalf of his clients.

After leaving the State Attorney’s Office, Mr. Hardy transitioned to criminal defense, where he has focused exclusively on defending the rights of the accused. His practice includes representation in Hillsborough County and Pinellas County, as well as in federal court in the Middle District of Florida.

State and Federal Criminal Defense, Including Appellate Advocacy

Mr. Hardy’s practice encompasses DUI defense, Florida criminal defense, and federal criminal defense. He is particularly well known for his work in DUI cases, which often involve complex scientific evidence, constitutional challenges, and significant collateral consequences. His approach emphasizes early case assessment, rigorous analysis of evidence, and aggressive litigation of suppression and constitutional issues where appropriate.

In addition to trial-level representation, Mr. Hardy has extensive experience in appellate advocacy. He has handled federal criminal appeals in the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, representing clients in matters involving complex legal and constitutional questions. His appellate work reflects a deep understanding of legal precedent, statutory interpretation, and constitutional law.

Mr. Hardy has also filed two petitions for writs of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court, a rare undertaking that underscores the level of legal sophistication required to litigate issues of national constitutional significance. Together, his trial and appellate experience allow him to provide comprehensive representation, from initial investigation through post-conviction review when necessary.

Academic Excellence and Legal Scholarship

Mr. Hardy’s professional achievements are rooted in a strong academic foundation. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Suffolk University Law School, Evening Division, graduating in the top four percent of his class and receiving magna cum laude honors. His academic performance reflects a disciplined work ethic and a deep commitment to legal analysis.

In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Hardy has taught criminal law and constitutional law at the college level, further demonstrating his mastery of foundational legal principles. His teaching experience reinforces his analytical approach to litigation and appellate advocacy, particularly in cases involving search and seizure, due process, and other constitutional protections. Teaching these subjects requires not only subject-matter expertise, but also the ability to distill complex legal concepts into clear, structured analysis, skills that directly translate to effective courtroom and appellate advocacy.

Board Certification and Professional Distinction

Mr. Hardy has earned some of the most respected credentials available to criminal trial attorneys. He has been Florida Bar Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law since 2010, a distinction held by a small percentage of attorneys statewide and widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence and expertise. Board certification requires substantial trial experience, peer review, and successful completion of a comprehensive examination.

In addition, Mr. Hardy has been Nationally Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law since 2014, reflecting recognition of his expertise at the national level. These certifications confirm his depth of experience, trial proficiency, and commitment to continued professional development.

Mr. Hardy also holds an AV Preeminent rating, the highest peer rating available, recognizing his legal ability, professionalism, and ethical standards as evaluated by fellow attorneys and members of the judiciary.

Commitment to Client Access and Spanish-Language Representation

Mr. Hardy is fluent in Spanish and regularly represents Spanish-speaking clients in criminal matters. He is committed to ensuring that all clients fully understand the legal process, the charges they face, and the strategic options available to them. To better serve the Spanish-speaking community, The Hardy Law Firm maintains a dedicated Spanish-language website at www.abogadohardy.com, providing accessible information and resources for individuals seeking criminal defense representation in Spanish.

This commitment to accessibility reflects Mr. Hardy’s broader client-centered philosophy, which emphasizes communication, transparency, and informed decision-making at every stage of representation.

About The Hardy Law Firm

The Hardy Law Firm, P.A., is a Tampa-based criminal defense law firm focused on DUI defense, Florida criminal defense, and federal criminal defense. The firm is led by David C. Hardy, a former State Prosecutor with more than 20 years of experience in state and federal courts.

The firm operates two offices in Tampa, located in Ybor City and Westchase, providing convenient access for clients throughout the Tampa Bay area. The firm’s primary website is www.thehardylawfirm.com.

Through meticulous preparation, strategic advocacy, and a commitment to constitutional principles, The Hardy Law Firm provides high-level representation to individuals facing serious criminal charges. Mr. Hardy’s selection to Super Lawyers reflects a career dedicated to excellence in criminal defense and the protection of individual rights within the justice system.