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50 Years Serving the People of Spring Hill
Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett has provided legal services to Spring Hill individuals and families for over 50 years. Our roots in the community are deep and wide, and we are committed to service. As a local firm, we focus on protecting the rights and interests of our clients and delivering the highest level of personalized counsel and legal expertise.
At our firm, you matter.
When your case is represented by our legal team at Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, your experience will be personal, focused, and responsive. You, your family, and your case matter to us. We take every legal action necessary to pursue a favorable outcome. Our reputation for excellence reflects our legal skills and personalized, tailored services – delivered with integrity and empathy. We take genuine pride in our work serving the people of Spring Hill and the surrounding communities. Our reputation for excellence is built on our strong work ethic. The firm has a long legacy of serving the community and is honored to have a reputation for legal excellence in personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, DUI defense, and Social Security Disability cases.
Senior Partner J. Kevin Hayslett, Esq.
Attorney J. Kevin Hayslett brings exceptional legal knowledge to every case at Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett. His background serving as an Assistant State Attorney has led to outstanding trial skills and a breadth of insight into the legal system from both sides of the aisle. His legal acumen and experience make him a powerful force in court, where he can deliver persuasive, well-supported arguments or negotiate with insurance companies, opposing counsel, or prosecutors. His knowledge and experience have proven vital in achieving positive outcomes in various legal matters. Mr. Hayslett carries forward the legacy of service established by the firm’s founders.
Senior Partner Casey K. Carlson, Esq.
Attorney Casey Carlson is a highly respected partner at Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, with a reputation for exceptional trial skills and personalized service. With over three decades of experience in the legal industry, Mr. Carlson has established himself as a prominent figure in the Tampa legal community. He is a distinguished member of the Florida Bar, Colorado Bar, and Clearwater Bar Association. Mr. Carlson has deep roots in the local community. He graduated from Keswick Christian High School and went on to earn his J.D. from Cumberland School of Law, Samford University in Birmingham. Since joining Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett in 1989, he has been dedicated to serving his clients with the utmost professionalism, integrity, and compassion. His commitment to his clients and community has earned him a reputation as one of the most sought-after attorneys in Spring Hill and the surrounding areas.
Founding Partner Edward D. Carlson
Attorney Edward D. Carlson is a well-respected legal professional who co-founded Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett in 1971. With over five decades of experience, he is a trusted name in the legal community. Mr. Carlson has served as a municipal judge in Belleair and Safety Harbor and is a member of the Clearwater Bar Association, the U.S. District Courts of the Middle District, Southern District, and Northern District of Florida, and the U.S. Court of Appeals. Mr. Carlson’s legacy of personalized client attention, exceptional legal skills, and commitment to service is the foundation of the firm’s ongoing success in handling challenging cases.
Founding Partner Paul A. Meissner, Jr.
Attorney Paul A. Meissner, Jr. is a founding partner at Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett. He is a long-time resident of the area known for his impressive legal skills. His accomplishments have led to being rated AV “Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell and “10” on Avvo, two of the most respected peer-review rating services. Beyond his legal knowledge, he has served as an educator at Stetson College of Law in St. Petersburg and an Instructor at the Criminal Justice Institute in St. Petersburg. Over his career, he has served as an FBI Special Agent and an Assistant State Attorney. As a founding partner of Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, Mr. Meissner has played an instrumental role in building the firm into one of the most respected and successful law practices in the state of Florida.
AttorneyDaviana M. Braniff
Daviana Marie Braniff was born in Clearwater, Florida, but primarily grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. After receiving a scholarship for women’s soccer, Daviana attend...
Read BiographyAttorneyJennifer A. Burns
Jennifer joined the firm in 2004 and is a partner. She and her husband have a daughter. They enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Read BiographyAttorneyRyan T. Cox
A native of Florida, Ryan T. Cox graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in criminology before going on to get a master’s degree in criminal justice from UC...
Read BiographyAttorneyRick Rivera
Rick is a firm partner. He and his wife Patricia enjoy sailing and spending time at the beach. He is an Angel Tree sponsor and a former police officer. He joined the firm in 200...
Read BiographyAttorneyKaitlyn B. Statile
Kaitlyn Statile attended the University of Georgia where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Sociology. She then went on to earn her j...
Read BiographyAttorneyAntonio L. Viera
Antonio L. Viera is a partner at Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett. He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico after his parents left Cuba, but has lived in the Tampa Bay Area si...
Read BiographyAttorneyBetty M. Whitman
Betty Marion Whitman resides in Ocala, Marion County, Florida where she began practicing law in Marion County in 1987. Betty started her legal career as a secretary to her fathe...
Read BiographyAttorneyMelodie B. Jaffe
Melodie Brosious Jaffe has lived in the Tampa Bay area for over 20 years. She and her husband have three children together. She enjoys boating, horseback riding and ...
Read BiographyAttorneyAnne F. Borghetti Of Counsel
AttorneyThomas M. McLaughlin
A true citizen of Tampa Bay, Thomas M. McLaughlin attended Belcher Elementary, Oak Grove Middle, Pinellas Park High, and the University of South Florida. Tom attended...
Read BiographyAttorneyJohn L. Evans
Originally from New Jersey, John has resided in Florida for over 30 years. He began his career in nursing, earning a BSN from Excelsior College i...
Read BiographyAttorneyJohn N. Barnes
John was born in Jasper, Indiana and grew up in Gulfport, Florida. After graduating from Boca Ciega High School, John went on to obtain his undergraduate degree in Po...
Read BiographyOur Attorneys
The attorneys at the Spring Hill offices of Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett value collaboration. They work closely with each client to ensure the legal strategy aligns with their goals and objectives. Their dedication to offering the highest level of personalized legal support skills has led to a reputation for legal excellence.
Ms Whitman answered all my questions and concerns. She treated me not just as a client but as a friend as well. Made me feel more comfortable. I highly recommend her.
Terry Tampa, FL
Daviana went above and beyond when It came to handling my case. She answered every call and question I had in a timely and professional manner.
Tim Spring Hill, FL
Casey has helped me with 2 different cases over a few year period. He always answers my calls immediately or calls me right back. I never have to talk to a paralegal or assistant.
Melissa Bradenton, FL
I was arrested at a bar and charged with drunk and disorderly and resisting arrest. A lot of my friends were there and we were all in shock at what had happened. The following day I had a consultation with Mr. River...
Justin New Port Richey, FL
Debra has represented me on more than once occasion and she's a top notch attorney. She is well known in the legal circles in Pinellas County.
Clayton Clearwater, FL
I was referred to Carlson, Meissner, Hayslett Law Office by my former Chiropractor. I have never dealt with anything like this. Jennifer made it easy on me.
Sonya Tampa, FL
Personal Injury Law
When another party acts negligently or recklessly, leading to severe or fatal injuries, the responsible party must be held accountable. At Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, we are honored to be recognized as the premier personal injury firm serving the Spring Hill area. We value the trust our clients place in us and focus on delivering superior service, support, and legal skill to every case we represent. Ensuring your case is managed by talented legal counsel in personal injury law can make all the difference in the value of a settlement or jury award. Our personal injury lawyer pursues the compensation deserved, with personalized legal counsel delivered with integrity and compassion.
When our firm represents your personal injury or wrongful death case, your case will be represented by a team of local legal experts, not a large, impersonal, national law firm with a cookie-cutter approach and a lawyer you may rarely, if ever, meet in person. Our roots in the Spring Hill area are deep and wide, and we are committed to protecting the rights and interests of our clients with personalized, compassionate service.
Comfort, guidance, and strength.
Worker's Compensation
The workforce in Spring Hill keeps our community alive and thriving, delivering a range of goods and services and providing the foundation of the culture we all enjoy. While some industries are known for being more dangerous, workplace injuries occur in every type of activity. The workers' compensation system in the state makes it possible for an injured worker to undergo the necessary medical care and financial benefits to pay for basic necessities – regardless of who was at fault. Having a workers' comp claim denied and facing economic devastation can be a shock. That's when the legal team at Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett can help.
Our legal team is committed to fighting for the rights of injured workers in Spring Hill. Our legal team can pursue compensation through the system for medical expenses, wage replacement, disability, and death benefits in cases of fatal injuries. We focus strictly on providing legal counsel to the people in our local community and are honored to be recognized as the premier law firm in the Spring Hill area. Reach out to us for assistance in workers' comp claims and appeals.
Supporting the heart of our community.
Giving you a clear way forward.
DUI
A conviction for a DUI offense can impact your freedom, reputation, and future opportunities. A first-time misdemeanor can lead to months in jail, fines, and a criminal record. Felony DUI offenses carry even more extreme penalties. If you face a drunk driving charge in Spring Hill, exercise your right to remain silent. Your first action should be to contact a DUI defense attorney from Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, the premier local law firm in Spring Hill.
Our attorney will focus on reducing the damage to your life and reputation. The actions taken can include an investigation into the facts, including police procedure, the testing device, any errors in the administration of breath or blood testing, and whether a rights violation occurred in the traffic stop. Our DUI defense team goes the distance to help our clients resolve these critical legal matters in the most positive way possible.
Learn More about DUISocial Security Disability
Social Security Disability cases can be complex and require a deep understanding of the law and the ability to navigate the legal system effectively. Having a skilled attorney from our firm on your side can make all the difference in an application being approved or successfully appealing a denied application.
In Social Security Disability cases, our Spring Hill office of Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett can assist you in navigating the complex application process, gathering and submitting all supporting documentation, and representing you in an appeal if your application is denied.
Our SSDI lawyer is experienced in presenting cases to an Administrative Law Judge and presenting a well-crafted argument to help pursue the benefits our clients deserve. Not all attorneys specialize in Social Security Disability cases, and experience in this area of the law is a critical factor in the outcome of an application or appeal.
Learn More about Social Security DisabilityCriminal Defense
The criminal defense team at the Spring Hill offices of Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett offers legal advice and can represent you in court, engage in negotiations to reduce the level of the charge, or defend you in court, ensuring your rights and interests are protected. With the support of our legal team, you can be confident in our experience in challenging evidence and witness testimony. Our legal defense team can investigate the case thoroughly and identify the weaknesses in the case against you to craft a defense strategy. In addition, we have the trial skills to cross-examine witnesses and effectively challenge the admissibility of evidence.
Our approach is personalized, responsive, and respectful. We support the accused and the family at every stage of the legal process. Facing criminal charges is very frightening, stressful, and overwhelming. Ensuring you have a defense lawyer dedicated to you and your case can make all the difference in the final outcome.
Learn More about Criminal DefenseWe're in the stands at your Little League games, sitting next to you at the PTA, and working alongside you in the community.
Our Locations Serving West Florida & Beyond
Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett serves the entire West Florida area, with convenient office locations in Tampa, Clearwater, Spring Hill, New Port Richey, St. Pete, and Bradenton. With over 50 years of serving clients in the local area and supporting our communities, you can expect superior service, integrity, and compassion from a highly-rated local law firm with deep ties to the region and its people.
Tampa
352-247-4946
Clearwater
352-247-4946
Bradenton
352-247-4946
New Port Richey
352-247-4946
Spring Hill
352-247-4946
St. Pete
352-247-4946
Landing
352-247-4946
Landing - Toll Free Number
352-247-4946