Darrin E. Johnson represents clients on a variety of issues relating to criminal defense and has represented individuals accused of criminal violations in all phases of litigation in both state and federal courts, including white collar crimes, narco-trafficking, DUIs, juvenile, and a number of other criminal charges. He has also tried cases from misdemeanors to felonies, including capital murder. In addition to criminal defense, his practice focuses on consumer protection and sports & entertainment law. Mr. Johnson personally handles each one of his cases, from drafting and arguing motions to litigating each case as needed.
Prior to starting his own law firm, Mr. Johnson practiced criminal defense and business litigation at a well-respected Tampa Bay area law firm, served nearly six years as an assistant public defender in Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit (Pinellas and Pasco counties), worked directly with the office of the president of the Orlando Magic on issues of trademark registration, and served as legislative legal aide to former State Representative Sylvester Turner (now mayor of Houston) for the 77th Legislative Session. While serving the state representative, he worked with legislators to create and pass the Texas Fair Defense Act which required, for the first time, all criminal courts in Texas to adopt formal procedures for providing appointed lawyers to indigent defendants.
Mr. Johnson is a Florida native, born and raised in Pinellas County. He received his law degree from Texas Southern University, holds a graduate certificate in public administration management from the University of South Florida, and received his bachelor’s degree in legal studies with a minor in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida. He is admitted to practice in all Florida state courts and the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Member, Sixth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee “B” (2018-Present)
- Speaker/Lecturer, Florida Bar Association Speakers Bureau (2014-Present)
- Speaker, Annual Law Day at High Schools (2004-Present)
- Volunteer Attorney, Clearwater Bar Association Legal Fair (2015-2017)
- Volunteer Attorney, St. Petersburg LAWFEST (2013-2016)
- Judge, Sixth Judicial Circuit Teen Court – Pasco County (2011-2013)
- Member, Sixth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee “A” (2009-2010)
- Mentor, Charles Britt Halfway House (2006-2009)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Florida Bar, Criminal Law Section
Member - Florida Bar, Diversity & Inclusion Committee
Member (2015-2017)
Vice Chair (2016-2017) - Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member (2010-Present) - Clearwater Bar Association
Member (2003-Present)
Board of Directors (2015-2017) - Fred G. Minnis Sr. Bar Association
Member (2014-Present) - Leadership Pinellas Class of 2014
Member (2014-Present)
President (2014-Present) - Pasco Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member (2011-2013)
President/Chartering Member (2012-2013)
WORK BACKGROUND
- The Law Office of Robert Eckard & Associates (Palm Harbor, FL)
Associate (2016-2018) - Office of The Public Defender – Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida (Pinellas & Pasco Counties, FL)
Assistant Public Defender (2010-2016) - Clearwater Bar Association (Clearwater, FL)
Coordinator, Lawyer Referral Service (2003-2010) - Your Place Incorporated (St. Petersburg, FL)
Executive Director (2007-2009) - Law Offices of Glenn & Johnson (Houston, TX)
Law Clerk (2002) - Anderson Smith P.C. (Houston, TX)
Law Clerk (2001-2002) - Texas House of Representatives (Austin, TX)
Legislative Legal Aide, 77th Legislative Session (2001) - Dispute Resolution Center (Houston, TX)
Intake Coordinator/Mediator (1999-2001)
