• Destin
  • 12598 US Hwy. 98 W. Unit 201-B
    Destin, FL 32550
  • Phone: 850-460-7470

If you’re like most people, you probably never envisioned getting in trouble with the law—and yet, here you are. Regardless of how you found yourself facing criminal charges in Destin or anywhere in Okaloosa or Walton County, the road ahead will not be easy. If convicted of a crime, you could be sentenced to pay fines, serve probation, or spend time in jail or prison. On top of that, you will carry a criminal record for the rest of your life, damaging your personal and professional reputation and limiting your future opportunities.

Do not let an arrest or conviction define who you are. You need a knowledgeable, experienced criminal defense team to protect your rights and fight for your best interests. That is exactly what you will find at Flaherty & Merrifield.

Criminal Defense Is Our Sole Focus

My name is Tim Flaherty. I have been defending clients against criminal charges since 2001, and my partner, Brandy Merrifield, has been part of the team since 2007. From our main office in Fort Walton Beach, we serve clients throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties and regularly work with out-of-state visitors who were arrested or charged while vacationing along the Emerald Coast. For the convenience of our Destin-area clients, we now maintain a law office in Destin on US Highway 98.

Destin sits in the heart of the Emerald Coast, a community that draws millions of visitors each year to its sugar-white beaches, vacation rentals, restaurants, waterways, and family attractions. That influx of tourists and seasonal residents means local and state law enforcement are active year-round—and arrests happen quickly, often without warning. Whether you are a permanent resident of Destin, a seasonal homeowner, or a vacationer facing charges far from home, Flaherty & Merrifield is ready to step in and defend you.

Destin Criminal Defense Cases We Handle

At Flaherty & Merrifield, we handle a broad range of criminal cases in Okaloosa County, Walton County, and throughout Northwest Florida. We have successfully defended clients in matters involving:

Why Destin Residents and Visitors Choose Flaherty & Merrifield

Being charged with a crime in an unfamiliar area is overwhelming. You need an attorney who knows the local courts, the local prosecutors, and how the justice system operates in Okaloosa County, Walton County, and throughout Northwest Florida. Tim Flaherty and Brandy Merrifield have spent decades building relationships with local judges and prosecutors throughout Northwest Florida—relationships that benefit our clients directly. We know how local criminal cases move, and we know how to position your defense for the best possible outcome.

If you were arrested while vacationing in Destin or along the Emerald Coast, you may be tempted to simply pay a fine and go home. That decision can follow you for years. Many charges that appear minor at first carry serious long-term consequences, including a permanent criminal record, license suspension, and immigration implications. Our attorneys will advise you honestly on your options before you make any decisions you cannot take back.

If you are facing DUI charges on US-98, a drug charge at a vacation rental, a boating under the influence (BUI) arrest on the Choctawhatchee Bay, or a domestic violence allegation in a Destin condo, we have handled cases like yours and we know how to defend them.

Skilled, Compassionate, and Supportive Legal Services in Destin

No matter who you are or what you are alleged to have done, you deserve a strong defense. At Flaherty & Merrifield, we do not judge—we defend. To learn how we can help with your Okaloosa County or Walton County criminal case, take advantage of a free, no-obligation initial consultation. Contact us today at (850) 460-7470. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Directions to Our Destin Law Office

Our Destin office is located at 12598 US Hwy. 98 W., Unit 201-B, Destin, FL 32550, situated directly on the Emerald Coast’s main corridor for easy access from Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, and surrounding communities.

From the West (Destin / Fort Walton Beach)

  • Head east on US-98 E / Emerald Coast Pkwy from Destin or Fort Walton Beach.
  • Continue east toward the Miramar Beach and Sandestin area.
  • Our office is located at 12598 US Hwy. 98 W. on the right side of the highway.
  • Turn into the complex and proceed to Unit 201-B.

From the East (Santa Rosa Beach / 30A)

  • Head west on US-98 W from Santa Rosa Beach or CR-30A.
  • Continue west toward Destin and Miramar Beach.
  • Our office will be on the left side of US-98 W at 12598.
  • Turn into the complex and proceed to Unit 201-B.

From the North (Freeport / DeFuniak Springs)

  • Take US-331 S from DeFuniak Springs or Freeport toward the Emerald Coast.
  • Cross the Choctawhatchee Bay bridge and continue south to US-98.
  • Turn right west onto US-98 W / Emerald Coast Pkwy.
  • Continue west toward Destin and Miramar Beach.
  • Our office will be on the left at 12598 US Hwy. 98 W., Unit 201-B.

Have You Been Arrested in Walton County, Florida?

If you've been arrested in Walton County you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Destin office directly at 850-403-6835 to schedule your free consultation. We are proud to serve clients throughout Okaloosa County and Walton County from our  Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Miramar Beach locations and look forward to helping you.