Well, I left a review about a month ago saying how wonderful my experience has been with Attorney Dorsten and I'm pleased to tell you that as of today, my Pinellas County case is 100% wrapped up and gone I could not have asked for a better attorney or a more pleasant experience. Given the circumstances I strongly recommend read more

Blake & Dorsten - Criminal Defense Law Near Me - Clearwater, Florida

I had an extremely disappointing experience working with this attorney on my first DUI case, and I would not recommend his services. From the beginning, communication was poor. I was constantly left in the dark about what was happening with my case and had to repeatedly reach out just to get basic updates. As someone unfamiliar with the legal system, I expected guidance and clear explanations, but instead I felt like I had to figure everything out on my own. It should not be the client's responsibility to chase their attorney for information. I also shared important details about my medical situation and other factors that could have potentially helped my case, but these were never meaningfully addressed or presented. It felt like little to no effort was made to advocate on my behalf, and that the bare minimum was done just to move the case along. After completing all of my probation requirements, I paid to have a motion for early termination filed. It was denied, and when I asked why, I was not given a clear answer. I later found out--on my own, by contacting the courthouse--that I was never even eligible for early termination due to the DROP program. This is basic information that any competent attorney should know and communicate to their client before filing a motion. Nick said he filed the motion for free like he was doing me a favor...that was hilarious, I had to go to the courthouse myself to get the final decision from the judge. Overall, I felt that my case was not handled with the level of attention, effort, or professionalism it deserved. An attorney's job is to inform, guide, and advocate for their client, and in my experience, that standard was not met. I strongly urge others to do thorough research and ask direct questions before trusting someone with their case. read more

I have had a very poor experience with this attorney, Nicholas Dorsten. He was recommended to me by a family member. 8 months ago, I paid him to defend my son on a felony traffic case. He did not file one single motion in the case. He did absolutely nothing to help my son. He had a very condescending attitude toward him and eventually, toward me, to the extent that he wouldn't return my phone calls to inquire about what he was doing to help my son. My son spent the time, and made the effort, to research case law that we felt was relevant to his case. Dorsten shot down every effort that my son made to assist in his own defense. He did not interview the sole witness in the case. He was not communicating with my son as he should have been regarding the case. All he did, literally, was show up at all of his pre-trial hearings (except the last one) and continually agree to reset them without a valid reason, for the entire 8 months. Dorsten markets himself as a defense attorney (he was a former Assistant State Attorney in Pinellas County 6th JDC). What I've learned is, the quality of his representation depends entirely on how much money you give him. He was definitely wearing the "Prosecutor hat" for this case. He took it upon himself to decide the outcome of Motions that my son repeatedly asked him to submit, which he refused to do, and had no right to do. That is the function and responsibility of the Judge. He was paid to assist my son, and he obviously had no intention of doing so. What he should have done is tell us that from the beginning. He conducted himself in a manner that is totally consistent with that of a Prosecutor. He had the further audacity to speak to my son about "ethics". Dorsten is the most unethical attorney I've ever dealt with. He completely disrespected my son in the courtroom at his sentencing, by NOT standing with him at the podium as the Judge was delivering his sentence! He sat in the jury box! What defense attorney conducts themself that way in a courtroom? That is because my son gave him a piece of his mind beforehand about his dismal performance as a defense attorney, and Dorsten can't handle confrontation or criticism. He has a nasty habit of gaslighting people. We have been victimized by him. The trust we had in him was definitely undeserved, and his credibility is shot. He acted as the Judge, Jury, and Executioner, and as a result, my son did not get the outcome that he should have gotten, had he done his job, because the State would not have been able to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, based on the so-called evidence that they had, which I saw. I recommend that you steer clear of this guy. read more

I hired Nick Dorsten for a felony case, and I would say that he was very incompetent, ineffective and inexperienced. He worked on my case for 8 months, I literally provided all the evidence he needed to win my case, and he didn't do a single thing. He literally sat on exculpatory evidence for 5 months, then tried to force me to take a plea because he was scared to question a little girl. When I repeatedly advised him that I was not guilty and refused to plea out and questioned his effectiveness, he become agitated and attempted to withdraw. I worked with him for over 8 months and he had no defense built for trial that was rapidly approaching in 3 days. The first time I met with him face to face was when we were sitting in the courtroom ON THE WRONG DAY because he couldn't decipher the judges direct email about my next court date. Lol....Please be weary! I don't want to give too many details or be sued for slander, but just be careful when you are choosing an attorney. Thankful I found an EXCEPTIONAL attorney days before my trial and they were able to get my case dismissed, they did more work in 48 hours than Dorsten was able to do in 8 months. If I went with him, I have zero doubts that I'd be sitting in jail right now. DO YOUR RESEARCH before you hire this guy. I found plenty of similar reviews, you just have to look thoroughly read more

This law firm assisted me during a legal issue I was facing. I personally research the firm and spoke directly with Blake before hiring him. I knew I made the right choice after speaking to him for a few minutes. I'm what you would call a "Google scholar" because I research everything, everybody, and every situation before making a decision. I could tell he was knowledgeable and once I knew he had my best interest at hand--it was all uphill from there. Dealing with his legal assistant, Pam, was very convenient and you can always expect a fast response with questions. The outcome of my case was optimum and I'm very satisfied. read more