By the grace of God my family found Mr. Mark O’ Brien when I was facing a minimum 15 years to life in federal prison. My bond hearing was 48 hours after my arrest and Mark arrived at the bond hearing fully prepared in such a short time and I was released.

I was indicted one month before my destination wedding. Upon my release, Mark immediately began working on a motion so that I could travel to my destination wedding that was already paid for and that all of our friends and family had already booked their travel to attend.
The motion was approved and Mark’s private investigator traveled with us internationally for our destination wedding. He was wonderful and became a part of the family of course.

Mark’s assistant was absolutely wonderful and was available whenever we had questions and wanted to schedule meetings with Mark. It was genuine heartfelt customer service that we received from Jeanette at all times. She understood that this was the hardest time of our lives and was willing to help. Mark and his entire office were always responsive via phone and email. Mark responded back to emails in less than 24 hours which is commendable considering he’s busy.

I met with Mark for trial preparation and we made our way out of state for the trial. Mark was ever so attentive. It was obvious that Mark had done his homework, had my best interests at heart and wasn’t intimidated to be going up against the Unites States government.

It was apparent that Mark and my entire family were judged and treated differently in a different state where people had already classed me as guilty. As the trial began, Mark took notes and never missed a beat. Mark’s strategy and execution style were impeccable. The cross examination captured every detail and definitely sparked the jury’s interests. Mark’s closing statement gave my entire family goosebumps. Mark kept it extremely professional while still checking up on my family and reassuring us all that everything would be fine. When I say this is the lawyer that you need, I mean it deeply.

After the judge read the jury instructions and we were in recess, I sat outside of the courtroom with my head down and knees shaking. To say that my family and I were petrified about the future being in the hands of 12 strangers is an understatement. Mark sat across from me and told me that he cannot act like he knows how I feel, but he sympathizes with me. As we continued to wait and it felt like forever, Mark walked by and gave me a reassuring pat on my shoulder.

We were called back in the courtroom twice with jury questions. The questions showed that the jury was closely considering Mark’s arguments and that there was doubt about if the government proved it’s case. After an hour and 15 minutes, the jury came back with a Not Guilty verdict on all counts. Mark thanked the judge and the government and we walked out of there together.

My family and I were so impressed with Mark’s professionalism, demeanor and energy from beginning to end. After one of the breaks, one of the US Marshall court officers, asked Mark which city he practiced law in Florida and was telling him about his son’s needs. Mark was already being recruited before the Not Guilt verdict! After the jury was released to deliberate even the judge complimented Mark on the wonderful job that he did before going into recess. The way that Mark conducted himself in the courtroom was undeniably the closest you can ever get to perfection.

There is absolutely nothing that I can do that would be enough to thank Mark for literally saving my life. As we walked outside of the courthouse, my father in law was so happy and told Mark that, “I have to change your name in my cell phone to Jesus Christ, because you just saved a life, you just saved an entire family!!” Mark is extremely professional and personable. Mark was excited for us and the passion that he has for his profession is what you really and truly need in a lawyer.
Thank you Mark for giving me back my life and making it possible for me to have a future!!

Mark and his team are outstanding in every way that matters. Knowledgeable, experienced, industrious, and resourceful.

Good lawyer

This law firm was everything we hoped for Mr.marc helped my friend in so many ways never left us worried or confused from the beginning to the end it was always great vibes he was like family. We are thankful and very pleased with the outcome. He wasn't all about the money like some others are but the money that he did get was definitely worth it thanks for everything

A amazing team where everyone shares the same interest the well being of the client. Very professional and genuine is this team . I would recommend this team to anyone who has legal issues . I never had to just settle when road blocks was placed in my path Mark and the team didn't rest until they were removed I honestly can say they treated me like family everyone the secretary accountant everyone thanks

I am 2011 old case I had Hatfield as my lawyer I was only 18 or 19 at the time she made it seem like I was going to be able to get an Expungement after I did a plea deal of taking probation but she Failed to tell my mother or me that one of the charges is not able to be expunged so Im stuck with the charges on my record. we paid $5300 if I could give a negative I would

Waste of time, effort, money. They are quick to make promises and take your money. No phone calls back. Never once a meeting or consultation with a real lawyer! Contact the Florida Bar for more information. I will be placing complaints there too. Florida and many Attorney’s make promises and take money and no performance in exchange. Brian Hatfield never once met with me on the phone or in person. I called and called and the assistant would not return calls. I asked for copies of proof of work and received a few emails. I paid $5,000. That is a lot of money to send a couple emails to the government. In the end I wasted a lot of money that I work hard for. I like a refund! How about that, partial? There was not anything that could be done and was false promises on your end Mr. Hatfield.

February 2014 I retained attorney Mark J O’Brien for a preindictment investigation. Attorney O’Brien used coercion trickery promises and deceit when he intentionally knowingly hoodwinked me into an interview with the government. Attorney O’Brien helped the AUSA Jay Hoffer manufacture a false confession that was used to convict me at trail. In April 2014 O’Brien advised me that AUSA Jay Hoffer wanted to meet with me for a Proffer Session and that he secured a proffer agreement and that my constitutional rights were protected by the federal rule of evidence 410 criminal procedure 11f which meant that my statements are not admissible at trail. Approx one year after the proffer session I learned from the government that the interview was a voluntary interview not a proffer session he never secured a proffer agreement therefore my statements were not protected by the federal rule evidence 410 criminal procedure 11f. Attorney O’Brien fabricated the proffer session he made the whole thing up, I told him I wouldn’t speak with the government unless I had immunity so O’Brien orchestrated this scheme to get me into an interview with the government so FBI agent Richard Higgins could manufacture a false confession. O’Brien did not ask the government for the proffer agreement he did not take contemporaneous notes or record the interview, he did not read, adopt or sign the FBI 302 form, he basically allowed FBI Higgins to write whatever he wanted to, it didn’t matter what I said in the interview Higgins was leaving with the confession. The AUSA Jay Hoffer used the tainted confession throughout the entire trail, FBI Higgins testified four times in the governments case in chief, four times in his closing arguments. The government was unable to produce any evidence that I had knowledge of the fraud. The government star witness Brendan Bolger (who received 2 years for $50,000,000.00 bank fraud yup you read that correctly) testified “he never disclosed the fraud to me” “we never had that conversation”. Not one witness testified that I had knowledge of the fraud at the time the fraud happened, not even the mortgage broker. The only evidence the government was able to produce that I had knowledge of the fraud at the time the loans were made was the manufactured confession from the April 2014 interview. Attoreny O’Brien stated on the record in his 2018 Response Affidavit 2255 that the AUSA Jay Hoffer authorized him that the April 2014 interview was a proffer session and he authorized him to move forward without a proffer agreement. AUSA Jay Hoffer responded to O’Brien Affidavit stating “he never authorized O’Brien that the April 2014 interview was a proffer session” and that the April 2014 interview was voluntary interview not a proffer session therefore the government could use the statements from the April 2014 interview. O’Brien gave the government 1. involuntary interview which led to 2.involuntary confession which led to a 3. false witness (FBI Higgins) which led to my conviction. Because of O’Briens ineffectiveness malfeasance gross negligence I was convicted of a crime I had no knowledge of nor was I a willing participant. I received a 57 month sentence 60 months probation and $950,000.00 restitution for being a referring real estate agent. There is no explanation for O’Briens actions other than he set me up. O’Brien doesn’t know the difference between a voluntary interview v. proffer session and he doesn’t know how to conduct a proffer session. O’Brien stated that “it’s his practice not to secure proffer agreements because he doesn’t like to take away his clients rights”, well that’s exactly what he did to me, he took away my right to a fair trail. Do not put your life in this mans hands, he is a wreck less rogue attorney, he didn’t have my best interest at heart. This is my personal experience and dealing with attorney O’Brien, he’s a night school lawyer, legal trickster who secretly conspired with AUSA Hoffer to help him manufacture the evidence (confession) in order to convict me. Without the confession there was no charges filed.

When my brother first got arrested, my family and I had no idea where to turn. My brother was unable to reach us, and we didn’t know how to reach him in jail. We felt so helpless and were so worried. I immediately began calling several law firms in the Tampa Bay area but knew the moment that I spoke with Mark’s Legal Assistant, Jeanette, that I had found the right place. First, Jeanette assured me that Mark would check on my brother ASAP, and that’s exactly what Mark did. He immediately went to the jail and made sure that my brother was safe. We had not even hired Mark at this point. Yet, he took time out of his hectic day to make sure that my brother was OK.

Additionally, my brother’s case was complicated. However Mark, Jeanette, and Mark’s paralegal, Chelsea, handled it like top-notch professionals. My family and I were always well-informed, could reach out at any time, and most importantly, knew that my brother was in good hands. Mark and team are not only amazing at what they do but are kind and compassionate as well.

Finally, I’m certain that my brother wouldn’t have fared as well as he did with a different legal team. I was astounded by Mark’s performance in court. However, Mark and team don’t disappear after sentencing; they continue to be there for you and your loved one. Words will never be able to sufficiently express my gratitude to Mark, Jeanette, and Chelsea; they’ve all earned a special place in my heart.

Remember this name MARK J. O'BRIEN Criminal Defense Attorney.

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! OPEN THIS DOOR WE HAVE A WARRANT. This is how my family's and my nightmare began in the wee hours of what should have been the start of another mundane morning. By the end of the day, my home's front door was splintered, approximately fifteen federal marshalls had invaded our home armed with assault weapons, my children were handcuffed, and one of my children was subsequently arrested. He had his first court appearance that same day with only a public defender to represent him which landed him in jail in the suicide hole scared senseless, virtually nude, no eye glasses (he is basically blind without them), no phone calls, no family, and for all intent and purpose without any decent legal representation. It is important to emphasize that my family, including the son that was suddenly ripped from his family and was now incarcerated, had no criminal background history whatsoever.

Until that time, it had never occurred to me that I would ever even know a criminal defense attorney let alone have an emergency need to hire one. After all, I now had a loved one whose very life depended on my next move, and fortunately, I chose wisely and retained Mr. Mark J. O'Brien who agreed to represent my son. Never once have I regretted this family decision. Mr O'Brien has proven to be a phenomenal attorney. He is well read, his legal knowledge sound, he is eloquent in his presentation exhibiting exemplary lawyering skills while maintaining just the right balance of professionalism and personability. Last, but by no means least, Mr. O'Brien's leadership skills are clearly exhibited by the staff he has chosen to represent him in his office. They are sharp, well informed, and exceptionally kind (thank you Jeanette, Chelsea, and Mr. "G").

I sincerly hope you never get that KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK on your door, but if you do, I hope you remember there is no substitute for the best. You don't want you or yours to go into court without him-Thank you Mark O'Brien.

Mark O'Brien and his team are what you want on your side if you're ever in need of a great criminal defense attorney. My partner found himself in the hot seat facing very serious federal charges not too long ago. His family and I pulled our resources together and luckily found the O'Brien Hatfield firm to help in our moment of panic and desperation. Actually, lucky doesn't even begin to describe how fortunate we were to have Mark on board for this journey of the unknown.

As the all too familiar saying goes, "They never taught us that in school," this was definitely something we knew nothing about. Mark's legal assistant, Jeanette, quickly calmed and relieved our concerns and we knew this was the group we needed defending our guy. Mark met with my partner at the jail to assess his case, confirm his safety, and got him moved to a safer area quickly where he was finally able to call us and let us know he was okay. Mark, Jeanette, and his paralegal, Chelsea, have been in contact via phone and email throughout this whole process, explaining things along the way, and being that constant bit of strength and encouragement not just for us but for my partner. I will always be grateful for that!

Mark's demeanor in the courtroom was exemplary. I'd heard of and read about his reputation and courtroom performance, but when it's your loved one's life on the line and you're sitting there with a heavy heart anticipating the outcome, I was blown away at his expertise and the compassionate performance Mark gave in defense of my partner.

One last thing: Mark doesn't get paid just to see a client through trial or sentencing; he's still there beyond court to assist in the needs of the client to get reestablished once they've been released. Thank you, Mark, Jeanette, and Chelsea, for your tireless efforts, genuine care and consistent contact with us all through this process. We wouldn't have made it without you!

Best attorneys in Tampa, they listen and fight for you

Best criminal attorney out there! Treat you like family !

Mark O'Brien and his team is soo responsive and knowledgeable!! No matter what our questions were answered. He visited my fiancé more than any other attorney had done. He reassured us and we put all of our trust in Mark and he didn't fail us!!! Thank you sooo much for your help we appreciate you and your staff!!!

Rachael Bushey represents my son and I am very thankful I found her at this firm. Between Rachael and her legal assistant Kiersten, they are very informative and always there to answer any questions at any time. We feel very welcoming and confident in this firm!

I hired Mr O'Brien to defend my rights and interest in the investigation No Charges Filed. I told Mr O'Brien when i retained him that I was not interested in plea
agreement because I was innocent. Mr O'Brien disregarding my assertion of innocence and proceeded to set up a proffer agreement with the government. Mr O’Brien should have never sent me into a proffer meeting after I already asserted my innocence to him. Mr O'Brien told me if I cooperated I could be dropped from the investigation. Mr "O'Brien told me that the government wanted to hear my side of the story. Mr O'Brien told me it was a proffer agreement he used the term queen of the day free to speak off the record and that may statements could not be used against me. At the time of this meeting O'Brien had very little evidence pertaining to the evidence from my case. The FBI testified at my trial that I confessed to the crime and I that was guilty of fraud. After month later after the meeting Mr O'Brien emailed a plea agreement. Again I told Mr O'Brien I did't hire you to negotiate a plea agreement why are you sending me a plea agreement? Mr O'Brien proceeded to tell me that I was guilty because I was apart to the transaction and I gained financially. Mr O'Brien spent the next year coercing me why I should accept the plea agreement. Mr O'Brien secretly negotiated a plea agreement without my knowledge.I asserted my innocence to Mr O'Brien the day I hired him and always maintained my position (obviously I went to trial). Mr O'Brien took it upon himself to enter plea negotiations without my knowledge. Mr O'Brien new that I was not interested in plea agreement this is why he intentionally hid it from me. Now that Mr O’Brien had secretly negotiated a plea agreement that I wasn't willing to accept he then sends me into a proffer agreement with hopes of getting a confession in order to seal the deal for the government. When I denied the plea Mr O’Brien's plan backed fired on him Mr O’Brien put his own interest before his clients. Mr O’Brien was forcing my case into a vacuum for a quick resolution of guilty.
Every attorney in this country owes a duty of loyalty to their client that's part of my constitutional right! Mr O'Brien behavior was intolerable no court should ever sanction this conduct.Mr O'Brien violated my rights to a fair trial and the rule of evidence absent. Mr O'Brien actions my statement would have never been used against me at trial which had a major impact on the verdict. Mr O'Brien should have never sent me into a proffer agreement knowing that I was not willing to accept the plea agreement. Mr O'Brien ignored my assertion of innocence Mr O'Brien never defended me instead prosecuted me helping to seal the deal for the government. The person who supposed to defend me against the entire federal government believed that I was guilty despite me telling him I was innocent. Mr O'Brien knew the government was not interested in what I had to say they were only interested in getting a confession to plead guilty so I could be an asset to the prosecution against the main target. This type of cooperation between the defense and the prosecution is unheard of. In essence O'Brien was working with the prosecution to build its case against the main target while at the same time damaging my chances at trial. This all came to a head when the alleged confession was made so the charge would be much harder to beat. Can you think of another case when the defense attorney plotted to pressure their client to proffer with the government in which I was expressing my innocence and had no intentions of accepting a plea? What Mr O'Brien did is traumatizing I was there all alone.I have a right to a loyal attorney everyone has a right to not have a coerced confession used against them these are rights under the federal constitution.

Awesome

Wonderfuly relationships between client and family. Always very thorough with everything! Restored my faith back into the case!

Mark O'Brien and his law firm took my case earlier this year. It has been a great experience in what was a very bad situation I had put myself in. Not only is Attorney Mark highly skilled but genuinely cares for the well-being of his clients. His firm worked with me on my budget towards paying him, which I am extremely grateful for. The predicament I had put myself in could have cost me years away from family and much hardships. Mark and his firm were patient and communicated well through my case and he managed to work a very favorable outcome for me. Bottom line is Mark and his firm are genuinely good people who are highly skilled in their practice. Without a doubt it was a great decision to have him as my attorney. Edwin. V

Should you ever need a smart,caring, highly skilled criminal defense attorney Mark O' Brien and associates are who you want fighting in your corner and no one else. Mr. O' Brien was there to help me understand and prepare for every step in the legal process. I always felt he was giving my case the attention it needed and deserved. I wasn't seen as a paycheck but as an individual needing good legal counsel. His case results thoroughly prove this. Thanks Mark O' Brien!

O'Brien Hatfield helped a family friend through a very difficult time. Not only did they demonstrate respect and compassion, they ultimately demonstrated their unparalleled expertise. When you want the best, look no further. Period.

If you want to be met with a deep sense of caring coupled with a high level of intelligence, call on O'Brien Hatfield, P.A. You will be impressed with their track record. They get the results you desire.

The whole team at O'Brien Hatfield PA is extremely professional. The firm's trial experience, appellate experience, and attention to detail stands alone.

I've done business with O'Brien Hatfield on a number of occasions and they have always exceeded my expectations. Mr. O'Brien's legal acumen and tireless work ethicset him apart in the Florida legal community. When you retain O'Brien Hatfield, you have retained The Best!

Mark O'Brien is a very experienced attorney who does an excellent job. With Mark you know where you stand at all times, his communication is great and he always takes the time to make sure you understand the legal process. In my opinion Mark is one of the best in Tampa. If you are facing legal concerns he the person you want on your side.