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Legal Help from Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer
Are you looking for someone who has advocated for thousands of people in similar situations, who has protected people like you from beginning to end? You want a Florida criminal defense lawyer experienced with all stages of the criminal justice system: pretrial, trial, sentencing and appellate level, with all types of cases misdemeanor and felony.
If you have been arrested or are under criminal investigation in Gainesville or Alachua County, experienced legal representation can make an important difference from the earliest stages of your case. Gainesville criminal defense attorney Matt Landsman is a Florida Bar Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer with more than 20 years of experience handling misdemeanor and felony criminal cases.
Landsman Law represents clients facing DUI charges, drug crimes, domestic violence allegations, theft and fraud offenses, burglary, firearm charges, sex crimes, violent offenses, violations of probation, and other criminal matters throughout Gainesville and North Central Florida.
Before entering private practice, Matt Landsman served in leadership positions with the Public Defender’s Office and developed extensive courtroom experience handling jury trials, suppression hearings, evidentiary hearings, and serious felony cases.
Our Philosophy
At Landsman Law Firm, we pride ourselves on our meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to professional ethics. We recognize that each client’s situation is unique, which is why we take the time to analyze the specifics of your case and develop a tailored legal strategy that aligns with your goals. Our approach combines thorough legal research, careful case evaluation, and effective negotiation skills to secure the best possible outcomes.
Our Experience
Florida criminal defense lawyer Matt Landsman has successfully defended thousands of clients across various criminal cases, including:
Criminal Defense Practice Areas
Meet your Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer

Florida criminal defense lawyer Matthew Landsman received Certified Criminal Trial Expert status in 2016. This certification is held by attorneys who have a reputation among judges and lawyers as being a recognized expert in criminal law. Matthew put this expertise to extensive use over the years since achieving this expertise. Matthew is a proven litigator. He is known for his multilevel advocacy, fighting for individuals with open cases at the trial court and appellate levels.
No matter what kind of charges are against you, they are serious. If you have been charged with something and you take it seriously, you want the most experienced, the most knowledgeable, the most aggressive defense attorney you can trust. Even if you don’t want to go to trial, with Matthew’s expertise in sentencing, judicial practices, the Criminal Punishment Code, and Florida Statutes, he will ensure a fight with or without a trial.
Find out more about Criminal Trial Certification.
Comprehensive Legal Services
Florida criminal defense lawyer Matt Landsman provides legal representation for a wide range of criminal matters, including but not limited to:
Criminal Defense Representation in Gainesville, Florida
Criminal cases in Gainesville can begin with an investigation, a traffic stop, a notice to appear, or an arrest by the Gainesville Police Department, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, University of Florida Police Department, or another state or local law enforcement agency. If an arrest occurs, a defendant may be taken to the Alachua County Jail before appearing in court for first appearance and other criminal proceedings.
Gainesville criminal defense attorney Matt Landsman represents individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges at every stage of the criminal process—from an initial investigation or arrest through pretrial motions, negotiations, trial, and appeal. As a Florida Bar Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer with more than 20 years of criminal defense experience, Matt Landsman has handled thousands of criminal cases and extensive courtroom litigation involving searches and seizures, statements to police, identification evidence, scientific evidence, and other constitutional and evidentiary issues.
Criminal cases arising in Gainesville are generally prosecuted within Florida’s Eighth Judicial Circuit. Landsman Law represents clients accused of DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft and fraud, burglary, weapons offenses, violent crimes, sex offenses, violations of probation, and other criminal charges.
Gainesville criminal cases can also arise from incidents involving University of Florida students, downtown Gainesville nightlife, traffic stops, sporting events, and activity near the UF campus. A criminal charge can have consequences extending well beyond the immediate court case, making it important to understand both the allegations and the available defenses as early as possible.
Landsman Law also represents clients throughout Alachua County, including Alachua, High Springs, Newberry, Archer, Hawthorne, Waldo, and Micanopy. Learn more about criminal defense representation throughout Alachua County.
Criminal Defense for University of Florida Students
An arrest or criminal investigation can create additional concerns for a University of Florida student beyond the criminal case itself. Allegations involving DUI, drug possession, fake identification, theft, battery, disorderly conduct, or other offenses may potentially affect a student’s education, professional plans, and reputation in addition to exposing the student to criminal penalties.
Landsman Law represents UF students facing criminal charges and investigations in Gainesville. Attorney Matt Landsman is a University of Florida Levin College of Law graduate and Florida Bar Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer with more than 20 years of criminal defense experience.
Students and parents who want to understand what happens after an arrest, the criminal court process, and potential defense options can learn more on our criminal defense for University of Florida students page.
Your Rights and Next Steps
Being charged with a crime is serious, but an arrest does not automatically mean a conviction. We are here to help you understand your rights and options. We will meticulously review the facts of your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and develop a robust defense strategy tailored to your needs.
Why Choose Us as Your Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer
Gainesville Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested or are under investigation in Gainesville, Alachua County, or the surrounding North Florida area, choosing the right criminal defense attorney can be one of the most important decisions you make.
Matt Landsman is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer representing individuals charged with misdemeanors, felonies, DUI offenses, domestic violence allegations, drug crimes, theft offenses, sex crimes, probation violations, violent crimes, and other serious criminal matters. Board Certification is the highest level of evaluation by The Florida Bar and is earned by only a small percentage of Florida attorneys.
Whether you are facing charges in Alachua County, Marion County, Levy County, Bradford County, Putnam County, Gilchrist County, or another North Florida jurisdiction, Landsman Law provides aggressive and strategic criminal defense focused on protecting your freedom, reputation, and future.
Contact Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Gainesville or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to reach out. Schedule a free, confidential consultation today to discuss your case and explore your options. Serving the Eighth Judicial Circuit, Alachua County, Levy County, Gilchrist County, Bradford County, Putnam County, Marion County, and surrounding areas.
Let us be your advocate in these challenging times. Your freedom and future deserve the best defense possible.

Matt Landsman
Board Certified Criminal Trial Expert
Florida Criminal Defense Resources
Florida Criminal Justice Process
What Happens After an Arrest in Alachua County?



