Firm Overview
Scott Boardman and James Gallagher are both experts in criminal defense, having represented thousands of people over their careers and have tried over a hundred cases to verdict in State and Federal Court. Their cases have ranged from domestic battery to capital murder, with a high acquittal rate at trial.
Scott and James have been working together for over a decade. This firm was forged from mutual respect, but also, more importantly, from friendship. Each case that is handled receives the attention of both attorneys. Scott generally takes the lead in court appearances and communication and negotiation with the prosecution, while James mainly focuses on the investigation and research aspects of the cases. They communicate frequently about every pending case. Both attorneys are available to consult with clients and their families. When it is time to go to trial, they generally will try the case together.
Scott and James believe that
debate and collaboration create better outcomes for their clients
Working together, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This collaborative spirit is what they believe allows them to provide the highest level of representation to their clients. Boardman & Gallagher also maintain close working relationships with a number of other criminal defense firms in the area. These relationships fosters further collaboration with talented attorneys and allows for cooperation in defending multiple defendant cases with lawyers they respect and trust. Scott and James believe that a spirit of collegiality is crucial to achieving excellence in their profession and the practice of law. Boardman & Gallagher believes that striving for professional excellence is the key to obtaining the best possible outcome for each and every person who trusts their case to the firm.
Boardman & Gallagher
The experts behind our success
Scott Boardman
Attorney
Scott Boardman
Member of the Florida Bar Association and admitted to practice before the Middle, Northern, and Southern District Courts of Florida
Scott thereafter began working with attorney Frank de la Grana and he was able to immediately immerse himself in a vast array of criminal defense and constitutional law issues.
One of the areas in which the firm was heavily involved was the defense of First Amendment Issues, especially concerning the area of criminal obscenity.
Scott is well-versed in First Amendment issues and is a member of the First Amendment Lawyers Association. He became a partner in the new firm of de la Grana/Boardman and remained so until the retirement of Mr. de la Grana in 2024.
Scott Boardman and James Gallagher began working on cases together over a decade ago and made such a formidable duo that they decided to form Boardman & Gallagher in 2025.
Case Results
Playboy Magazine Case
Defended comic book artist Michael Diana who was criminally prosecuted for his creation and distribution of Boiled Angel, which contained confrontational imagery, depicting bestiality, cannibalism, and sodomy. The case was the subject of a Playboy magazine article.
Court TV Case
Defended a young man accused of throwing a large rock off of an overpass which struck a vehicle below and killed the driver. The case was televised live on Court TV.
Police Impersonation/Murder Case
Defended a young woman who was accused of orchestrating a drug rip-off which was made to look like a police raid. The target of the rip-off was driven to an isolated, rural bridge where he was laid on his stomach and shot in the back of the head at close range when he refused to divulge the location of his drugs. The government was seeking the death penalty.
Drug Dealer Murder Case
Defended a man who was reputed to be a major narcotics supplier who was accused of killing a drug dealer who owed him money. Our use of innovative technology during the trial was the subject of an article in a local newspaper. Click here to read more.
Obscenity Cases
Tried dozens of obscenity cases, including defending a clerk who was charged with criminal obscenity for selling a videotape which depicted male homosexual conduct. It was reported as the first criminal jury trial in which such specific conduct was prosecuted.
Defending Your Rights
Brought suit against Pinellas County, Florida on behalf of several adult use establishments which resulted in a Federal District Court invalidating Pinellas County’s adult use licensing scheme.
Federal Acquittals
1. Obtained an acquittal on charges where a man was charged in federal court, in Tampa, with possessing 940 lbs. of marijuana with intent to distribute.
2. Helped obtain an acquittal, as co-counsel, on charges of illegal export of firearms in federal court, in Miami.
Dismissal & Great Defenses
1. Obtained a dismissal of all civil and criminal racketeering charges alleging a multi-jurisdictional internet prostitution organization.
2. Successfully represented the reputed leader of a cocaine distribution network who was charged with racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, and trafficking. After the jury had been selected, opening statements made, and most of the government’s case presented, his client was offered 2 years probation, with early termination after one year.
Florida State Acquittal
Obtained an acquittal for a school teacher who was charged with a sex crime, and stood to lose a substantial pension, if he had been convicted.
James Gallagher
Attorney
James Gallagher
Member of the Florida Bar Association and admitted to practice before the Middle and Southern District Courts of Florida and in the State of New York
Mr. Gallagher is an experienced Criminal Trial Attorney, defending well over a thousand people charged with crimes. Mr. Gallagher has handled a wide range of cases, including Capital Murder, Capital Sexual Battery, Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, and Arson, obtaining dismissals and not guilty verdicts in numerous serious prosecutions.
A graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law, Mr. Gallagher focused his studies on issues related to criminal defense and the rights of citizens when dealing with the government. Mr. Gallagher has exclusively worked as a criminal defense attorney, realizing in law school that he would rather defend people than put them in prison.
He is especially motivated by issues involving wrongful arrest and illegal search and seizure. Mr. Gallagher has been practicing law since 2010. Mr. Gallagher worked for a number of years in public defense in New York and Florida. After entering private practice, Mr. Gallagher began consulting with Mr. Frank de la Grana and Scott Boardman, often being contracted to assist with their more demanding cases.
He was invited to join the firm of de la Grana/Boardman as Of Counsel in 2017, continuing to serve as trial counsel on the firm’s more challenging cases.
Mr. Gallagher regularly acts as a consultant with a number of local and national level attorneys in both State and Federal matters on evidentiary issues, motion practice, trial strategy, and jury selection issues. It is source of professional pride that he is trusted by his colleagues seeking advice and assistance. Mr. Gallagher has contributed to successful results in his own practice and the practice of various other firms.
Upon the retirement of Mr. de la Grana, Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Boardman decided to continue their professional relationship and formed the new firm of Boardman & Gallagher.
CONTACT US
Request a Consultation
Our experience, our knowledge, and our passion drive us to pursue the best possible results for our clients. Boardman Gallagher Law is dedicated to providing excellence in legal representation. Call our office at (813) 248-0704 to schedule an appointment. If there is a pressing need to speak to an attorney immediately, you may call or text Mr. Boardman on his cell-phone at 813-924-2519 and Mr. Gallagher at 813-382-5547. We will do our best to return all calls as soon as possible.
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Practice Areas
Contact Info
- 1710 East Seventh Ave Tampa, FL 33605
- (813) 248-0704
- Monday-Friday: 9AM-5PM