Tim Flaherty

Tim Flaherty

Criminal Defense Attorney
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  • Flaherty & Merrifield
  • 1817 Lewis Turner Blvd. #E, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
  • 850-243-6097

I am attorney Tim Flaherty. Since 2001, I have defended thousands of people against criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

I focus 100 percent of my time and talents on criminal defense. I protect my clients’ rights with passion and purpose, always doing whatever it takes to get the best possible result in a case. Through negotiating with prosecutors, working to suppress illegally obtained evidence before the trial, or using my extensive courtroom experience at trial, I will work to achieve the best possible result in your case.

I moved to Florida in 2001. After moving to Florida, I worked as a Public Defender from 2001 until March of 2004 when I started my own firm. During my time as a Public Defender, I defended thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases. While I enjoyed my role at the P.D.’s office and gained a lot of experience, I realized that the crushing caseload made it very difficult to devote the time to each case that every client deserved.

I decided that if I was going to open my own practice, I would do things a lot differently. While I may have carried upwards of 200 cases at any given time as a public defender, as a private attorney I can choose and limit my caseload to suit my clients’ needs.

I know that allotting enough time is critical in defense work. It means that details are not missed, my clients and I can work closely as a team, and clients have access to me any time they have a question. Exhaustive reviews and analysis can be done on every case. This allows me to devote all of my talent and creativity to defending each client.

10.0Tim Michael Flaherty

Bar Admissions

  • Florida, 2001
  • Iowa, 2011

Education

  • Juris Doctorate: Southern Illinois University School of Law, Carbondale, Illinois, 2001
    • Honors: Order of Barristers 
    • Law Review: Captain of Trial Advocacy Team, 2001
  • Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri B.S.

Memberships

  • President of the Okaloosa-Walton County Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • NORML: Lifetime Member, Legal Committee
  • The Florida Bar, Criminal Law Section
  • The Iowa Bar