Former Judge. Former Prosecutor. Former Deputy Sheriff. Now a Criminal Defense Attorney.
Updated August 13, 2026
From the Bench to Your Defense: The Advantage of a Former Collier County Judge
There is no substitute for courtroom experience, especially from someone who once presided over criminal cases in Collier County. A defense attorney who is also a former judge understands how decisions are made from the bench.
Mike Carr's experience as a former Collier County Judge gives him firsthand knowledge of the criminal justice process from the perspective of the courtroom.
- Understanding how arguments are presented to judges.
- Understanding how judicial discretion can affect sentencing and other decisions.
- Understanding how to present a clear and credible defense in court.
This experience can help shape defense strategies that are legally sound and appropriate for cases in local Collier County courtrooms.
Triple Perspective Defense: Why Your Attorney's Background Matters
Mike Carr has experience with the criminal justice system from three different perspectives: law enforcement, prosecution, and the bench.
Before becoming a judge, Mike Carr was a deputy sheriff and a Collier County prosecutor. He later served as a Collier County Judge before returning to private practice as a criminal defense attorney.
That combination of experience allows him to approach criminal cases with an understanding of how different participants in the criminal justice system evaluate a case.
- Analyze a criminal case from multiple perspectives.
- Develop defense strategies based on practical courtroom experience.
- Communicate effectively with judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement.
If you are facing criminal charges in Naples or Collier County, Florida, you can call Mike Carr at 239-450-1074 .
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Naples, Florida
Mike Carr served as a Collier County Judge for 12 years. Prior to being elected by the voters of Collier County to serve as judge, he practiced law with a focus on criminal law and served as a prosecutor in Collier County.
Earlier in his career, Mike Carr served as a deputy sheriff in Alachua County for more than a decade. His experience in law enforcement, prosecution, and the judiciary gives him a broad understanding of Florida criminal cases.
Mike Carr is a member of the Governor's Judicial Nominating Commission for the 20th Judicial Circuit. The commission makes recommendations to the Governor regarding judicial vacancies in the five counties that make up the 20th Judicial Circuit.
Mike served in the U.S. Navy and completed two tours in Vietnam.
After serving in Vietnam, Mike attended the University of Florida under the G.I. Bill. After graduation, he became a deputy sheriff and attended law school at the University of Florida while working at night.
"I trust the law, but I trusted it more when I was
the judge."
Mike Carr
Mike Carr Cross-Examines a Naples Police Officer in a Felony Trial
In March 2026, Mike Carr cross-examined a Naples Police Department officer during a felony trial in Collier County, Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mike Carr, Naples Criminal Defense Attorney
Was Mike Carr a judge in Naples, Florida?
Yes. Mike Carr served two terms as a Collier County Judge, presiding over criminal cases in Naples, Florida, before returning to private practice as a criminal defense attorney.
Why does it help to hire a former judge as a criminal defense attorney?
A former judge understands how judges evaluate arguments, exercise sentencing discretion, and weigh evidence from the bench. That experience can help shape defense strategies for cases in Collier County.
What is Mike Carr's legal background before becoming a judge?
Before serving as a Collier County Judge, Mike Carr practiced criminal law and served as a prosecutor in Collier County. Earlier in his career, he was a deputy sheriff in Alachua County.
What is Mike Carr's Judicial Nominating Commission role?
Mike Carr is a member of the Governor's Judicial Nominating Commission for the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Did Mike Carr serve in the military?
Yes. Mike Carr served in the U.S. Navy and completed two tours in Vietnam. After military service, he attended the University of Florida under the G.I. Bill.
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