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Rafael Joseph Echemendia
Pro

Rafael Joseph Echemendia

4.3
29 reviews

5473 US Highway 98 South, Lakeland, FL 33812

Personal Injury, Family Law and Criminal Defense

About Rafael Joseph Echemendia

Rafael Echemendia is a Polk County native who was born and raised in Central Florida. He graduated from Auburndale High School in 1984, earned his B.A. from the University of Florida, and later received his J.D. from The Ohio State University College of Law in 1997. After being admitted to the Florida Bar in April 1998, Rafael began his career as an Assistant Public Defender, where he quickly moved from handling misdemeanors to serious felony matters, including major drug charges and homicide cases. In 1999, he entered private practice with a well-regarded criminal defense firm and, in 2000, co-founded The Law Offices of Allen and Echemendia with William Allen. In January 2009, he launched his own practice, Echemendia Law Firm. Rafael represents clients in criminal defense, family law, and personal injury, handling matters ranging from DUI and license offenses to trafficking and murder, as well as divorce, custody, and accident and wrongful death claims. Known for aggressive advocacy, he is active in multiple legal associations. Outside of work, he’s a devoted husband and father who married his high school sweetheart in 1989.

 

Rafael Joseph Echemendia (Lakeland, Florida) View website

Awards

Client Reviewed
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Champion Badge Reviewed
Notable Peer Rated
This award is granted to attorneys who have been reviewed by their peers, with an average peer review score below 3.0.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer CV
Avvo Client's Choice
This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com.
Avvo Client Choice

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Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Martindale Peer Awards

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Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

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Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Rafael Joseph Echemendia got this award in 2021

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

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Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Rafael Joseph Echemendia got this award in 2021

Reviews for Rafael

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Overall Rating
4.3
See All Reviews
29
5.0
Lawyers.com
2
3.7
Martindale
3
4.6
Avvo
24
Showing 1-2 of 2 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
100%
4 stars
0%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
5.0
Quality of Service
5.0
Responsiveness
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Divorce
Posted by Rachel
April 19, 2023
Hired Attorney

Working with Attorney Echemendia and his staff was a wonderful experience. I interviewed with other Attorney's before making my final decision to go with Attorney Echemendia. During my initialconsultation Attorney Echemendia was able to answer in detail all of my questions. I did not feel rushed and left his office with less stress. The process to hire Attorney Echemendia was easy. My divorce was filed in a timely manner and he was able to get the results I wanted. If I ever am in need of an Attorney I will be sure to hire Attorney Echemendia again.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
March 15, 2011
Hired Attorney

He was very good in my case he helped me and I am grateful for his professionalism. Very good criminal lawyer.

From the Martindale-Avvo Legal Network

Services

Areas of Law

  • Personal Injury
  • Family Law
  • Other 1
    • Criminal Defense

Practice Details

  • Languages
    English
    Spanish
  • Payment Information
    Payment & Cost Features
    Free initial consultation
    Fixed hourly rates
    Fixed fees available
    Contingency Fee: 33%
    Accepted Credit Cards
    American Express
    Discover
    MasterCard
    Other
    Visa
  • Firm Information
    Position
    Founder
    Firm Name
    Echemendia Law Firm PA
  • Additional Links
    https://lakelandlegal.com/about/

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1998, Florida
    1999, United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
    1998, Florida
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    The Ohio State University College of Law
    Class of 1997
    J.D.
    Other Education
    University of Florida
    Class of 1994
    B.A.
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1966
    Winter Haven, Florida, August 24, 1966

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Attorneys FAQs

  • Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?
    Rafael Joseph Echemendia is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
  • Does this attorney speak any other languages?
    Rafael Joseph Echemendia speaks Spanish.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Client Review rated?
    Yes, Rafael Joseph Echemendia has a 5.0 Client Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Does this attorney accept major credit cards?
    Yes, Rafael Joseph Echemendia will accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Rafael Joseph Echemendia attended The Ohio State University College of Law.

Attorney information displayed in this FAQ section is based upon information the lawyer has included on their profile, in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals.

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• Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

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