Barry Taracks is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Taracks & Associates, a Tampa Bay criminal defense law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals accused of criminal offenses. With more than 35 years of criminal law experience, Barry has built a reputation as a skilled trial attorney and strategic advocate, representing clients in matters ranging from DUI and drug offenses to homicide, DUI manslaughter, armed robbery, sexual battery, and other serious felony charges.
Drawing upon his experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, Barry understands how criminal cases are investigated, developed, and litigated from both sides of the courtroom. His insight, preparation, and dedication to his clients have made him a trusted advocate for individuals facing criminal charges throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Education & Background
Barry graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 1986 before beginning his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney for Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit. From 1986 through 1989, he prosecuted both misdemeanor and felony cases, gaining invaluable courtroom experience and firsthand knowledge of prosecutorial strategies and trial techniques.
In 1989, Barry transitioned into criminal defense, where he has devoted his career to defending individuals accused of crimes and protecting their constitutional rights. His experience as a former prosecutor provides a unique advantage in the courtroom, allowing him to anticipate the strategies employed by the State and develop effective defenses tailored to each client’s circumstances.
A longtime resident of the Tampa Bay area, Barry has spent decades serving clients throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and surrounding counties. His extensive familiarity with the local courts, judges, prosecutors, and legal procedures enables him to provide clients with knowledgeable and effective representation.
Professional Practice
As the founder of Taracks & Associates, Barry handles a broad range of criminal defense matters, from misdemeanor offenses and DUI cases to some of the most serious felony charges prosecuted in Florida courts. With more than 35 years of criminal law experience, he has successfully represented clients facing complex and high-stakes criminal allegations throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Barry regularly represents clients charged with:
- Murder and Attempted Murder
- DUI Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide
- Sexual Battery and Aggravated Battery
- Armed Robbery and other violent crimes
- Drug Trafficking and other serious narcotics offenses
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Death
- DUI and BUI (Boating Under the Influence)
- Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Racing on Highways and other serious traffic-related offenses
- Welfare Fraud and Organized Scheme to Defraud
- Violations of Probation (VOPs)
- Injunctions
- Failures to Appear and related warrant matters
- Other misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses
Drawing upon his experience as a former prosecutor, Barry develops strategic defenses tailored to the unique facts of each case. Whether negotiating with prosecutors, litigating complex evidentiary issues, or advocating before a jury, he is committed to protecting his clients’ rights and pursuing the best possible outcome.
Barry is committed to remaining at the forefront of criminal defense advocacy and continuously expanding his knowledge of Florida criminal law and DUI defense. To strengthen his understanding of DUI investigations and breath-testing procedures, he became certified to operate the Intoxilyzer 5000, the instrument formerly used to measure blood alcohol concentration in Florida DUI cases.
Over the course of his career, Barry has earned a reputation for aggressive advocacy, thorough preparation, and personalized client service. He approaches every case with the understanding that a criminal charge can have life-changing consequences and works tirelessly to protect his clients’ freedom, reputation, and future.
Outside the office, Barry enjoys spending time with his family and taking advantage of Florida’s outdoor lifestyle. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys fishing, scuba diving, and spending time on the water. His lifelong connection to the Tampa Bay area and dedication to the community he serves reflect the same commitment and passion he brings to representing his clients every day.
Barry’s goal is simple: to provide every client with aggressive, effective representation and the personalized attention they deserve. Through meticulous preparation, strategic advocacy, and decades of courtroom experience, he works tirelessly to help clients achieve the best possible outcome in their cases.