Constitutional Lawyer in St. Petersburg

Protecting our freedom of expression

I believe strongly in the rights given to us by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which guarantees that Congress shall make no law which—

• Establishes religion or prohibits the free exercise of religion
• Limits freedom of speech, including the press
• Obstructs our right to peaceably assemble and petition the Government for a redress of grievances

I am licensed and qualified to handle First Amendment cases, from their initial presentation in the federal district courts and all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States if necessary.

Freedom of speech

In my constitutional law practice, I primarily handle cases involving freedom of speech—whether that speech is popular or unpopular.

Defense representation

As an American citizen, you have the right to express any viewpoint, and I do not discriminate as a free speech defense attorney. I help protect your rights when you are accused of—

Legal complaints regarding your exercise of free speech may be filed in a variety of jurisdictions. Libel may be brought as a civil lawsuit, defamation is a state criminal charge, and hate speech may be charged as a federal crime. I have the experience to defend your free speech in any court—civil or criminal, state or federal.

Plaintiff litigation

Sometimes another person's speech causes you harm. Such speech is often composed of opinions, which are protected speech. But in certain cases, you have the right to defend an attack on your reputation. When statements about you are presented as facts, and those facts are untrue, you may have a legitimate claim of defamation—the false or unjustified injury of your good reputation.

Although defamation is primarily governed by state law, safeguards for freedom of speech in federal law can make defamation cases challenging. If you have a legitimate cause of action, I understand how to navigate the interplay between state and federal law as I make a compelling case for your rights.

Get sophisticated representation from a St. Petersburg free speech lawyer

Get the direct answers you deserve. To schedule an appointment with a versatile constitutional law attorney in St. Petersburg, contact the office of Thomas H. McGowan, P.A.—Attorney at Law.