Michael P. Maddux has repeatedly earned a spot on the Florida Super Lawyers list throughout his career, reflecting sustained peer recognition for professional achievement and legal excellence. Each year, Super Lawyers selects a limited percentage of attorneys following a rigorous, multi-phase process. This process includes peer nominations, independent research, and evaluation across multiple indicators of professional performance.

Super Lawyers Selections:
2010–2011, 2013–2026

What Repeated Recognition Represents

Repeated selection to the Super Lawyers list does not rest on a single case, verdict, or moment in time. Instead, it reflects consistency in legal practice, professional integrity, and the respect of fellow attorneys who understand the demands of high-stakes trial advocacy. Each year of recognition represents continued adherence to the standards expected of attorneys trusted with complex and consequential matters.

A Career Across Multiple Practice Areas

Throughout the years of Super Lawyers recognition, Mr. Maddux has focused on criminal defense, civil rights litigation, and personal injury matters. He has handled cases that require careful preparation, strategic judgment, and courtroom experience. His work has involved protecting constitutional rights, challenging government overreach, and advocating for individuals who have suffered serious harm due to negligence or misconduct. This long-standing recognition mirrors the depth and continuity of that work across multiple practice areas.

What This Recognition Means for Clients

For clients, a record of Super Lawyers recognition offers added confidence in the quality of representation they receive. It signals experience earned over decades, a reputation built within the legal community, and a commitment to principled advocacy that extends beyond any single case. Peer recognition of this kind reflects not only past performance, but an ongoing standard of excellence applied to every client and every matter.

Mr. Maddux does not view this recognition as an endpoint. Instead, it continues to guide his approach to legal advocacy, preparation, and client service. If you have questions about how Mr. Maddux’s experience can help your case, contact our office.

Reviewed by Michael P. Maddux, Esq. | Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer | Florida Super Lawyer for 16 Consecutive Years

Michael P. Maddux has won the Barry A. Cohen “Excellence in Criminal Defense” Award, presented annually by the Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (HCACDL). This distinguished award recognizes a Hillsborough County criminal defense attorney who has demonstrated exceptional integrity, courage, and fearlessness. Recipients earn this honor either through undertaking a particularly difficult or unpopular legal cause within the past year, or through a career-long dedication to defending individuals accused of crimes.

What the Barry A. Cohen Award Represents

The Barry A. Cohen Award recognizes attorneys who exemplify the highest standards of criminal defense practice. It acknowledges that effective defense advocacy often requires standing firm in the face of adversity, public scrutiny, or unpopular circumstances. The award honors recipients not only for legal skill, but for their willingness to represent clients others may shy away from, all while maintaining professionalism and ethical integrity throughout the process.

A Career Defined by Principled Defense

Throughout his career, Mr. Maddux has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to defending the constitutional rights of the accused. His practice has involved representing clients facing serious criminal allegations, often in complex and challenging cases. These cases demand both legal toughness and principled judgment. The award reflects a recognition of that commitment, as well as the courage required to advocate fearlessly on behalf of clients when the stakes are at their highest.

In addition to his advocacy, the award recognizes Mr. Maddux’s professionalism and integrity within the legal community. As a current, dues-paying member of HCACDL, he has consistently upheld the standards expected of criminal defense attorneys practicing in Hillsborough County, even when confronted with difficult cases or unpopular legal positions.

A Lasting Honor

The Barry A. Cohen “Excellence in Criminal Defense” Award represents peer recognition of an attorney whose work reflects dedication to justice, ethical advocacy, and the fundamental right to a strong defense. For Mr. Maddux, this honor underscores a career defined by principled representation, courage in the courtroom, and an unwavering commitment to the defense of those accused of crimes.