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Your Sarasota & Bradenton Criminal Defense Attorneys
Nicholas  Bedy Photo
Nicholas Bedy Of Counsel

About

Nicholas “Nick” Bedy is a second career attorney, who has been practicing criminal law since April, 2022. He is a 4th generation Floridian born and raised in the St. Petersburg area, who relocated to Bradenton with his family in 2013.

Prior to practicing law, Nick spent nearly two decades in law enforcement, starting as a police officer in St. Petersburg September of 1999. Nick earned his Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science Degrees in Criminal Justice from UCF and served as the vice president of the UCF Chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, the criminal justice honor society, from 2002-2003.

Nick returned to law enforcement in 2003 at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office where he spent several years as a detective in the Crimes Against Children Unit and the Robbery/Homicide Unit. In those roles, Nick investigated sex crimes, aggravated assaults and batteries, robberies, and homicides. He quickly rose through the ranks to the rank of lieutenant, supervising several patrol and investigative units and overseeing in-depth investigations. At the sheriff’s office, Nick developed a passion for Constitutional Law related to the 4th, 5th, and 6th Amendments.

Nick attended Stetson University College of Law part-time while working at the sheriff’s office, focusing on subjects related to criminal law. He graduated from Stetson in May of 2013.

Nick began working as an investigator at Capital Collateral Regional Counsel, responsible for representing inmates on Florida’s death row in post-conviction matters. As an investigator, Nick was responsible for reviewing law enforcement investigations of some of the most heinous crimes committed in Florida. Nick’s prior law enforcement experience aided him in finding faults in many of these investigations. In 2022, Nick continued his legal career by serving as an Assistant Capital Collateral Regional Counsel and eventually became a prosecuting attorney with the Manatee County State Attorney’s Office for the trial experience. As an assistant state attorney, Nick prosecuted misdemeanors and felonies, ranging from simple possession cases to vehicular manslaughter.

Nick left the State Attorney’s Office in August of 2025 and has formed an “of counsel” relationship with the Fowler Law Group, where he relies on his prior experience and education to zealously represent those accused of crimes in the Manatee/Sarasota area.

EDUCATION

  • Stetson University College of Law - Gulfport, Florida
    • Juris Doctor, 2013
  • University of Central Florida - Orlando, Florida
    • M.S. in Criminal Justice, 2003
    • B.S. in Criminal Justice, 2002

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

  • Florida Bar
  • Manatee County Bar Association

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As Seen oN...

  • Charges Dropped Traffic Infraction Resulting in a Fatality
  • Not Guilty Jury Verdict Felony Possession of Marijuana
  • Charges Dropped Felony Battery against a Healthcare Worker
  • Jury Trial Not Guilty Verdict DUI
  • Released from Jail Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Case Results

Fighting for the best Possible Outcome
  • Traffic Infraction Resulting in a Fatality
  • Felony Possession of Marijuana
  • Felony Battery against a Healthcare Worker
  • DUI
  • Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Recognitions & MILESTONES

  • January 2026
    James Fowler was selected to join the 2026 Elite Lawyers.
  • September 2025

    James Fowler is selected to the 2026 Top 50 Lawyers in America list.

  • September 2025

    Fowler Law Group was recognized as a Lawyer International – Legal 100 – 2026 award winner.

  • August 2025
    James Fowler is selected to the 2025 Top 50 Lawyers In America list.
  • May 2025
    Fowler Law Group was nominated as one of the 10 Best Criminal Defense Law Firms for dedication to Client Satisfaction for Florida by The American Institute of Criminal Defense Attorneys.
  • February 2025

    Andrew Pouget is recognized as Elite Top Criminal Defense Attorney Honoree by SRQ Magazine.

  • February 2025

    James Fowler is recognized as Elite Top Criminal Defense Attorney Honoree by SRQ Magazine.

  • September 2024

    Andrew Pouget is recognized as Elite Top Attorney in criminal defense by SRQ Magazine.

  • September 2024

    James Fowler is recognized as Top Elite Attorney in criminal defense by SRQ Magazine.

  • May 2024
    Andrew Pouget was named as one of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers.
  • May 2024
    James Fowler was named as one of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers.
  • May 2024

    James Fowler is selected to the 2024 Top 50 Lawyers In America list.

  • March 2024
    James Fowler is given the Lawyers of Distinction Award.
  • February 2024
    Andrew Pouget was named as one of The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40.
  • September 2023
    James Fowler is recognized as Top Elite Attorney in criminal defense by SRQ Magazine.

Our Satisfied Clients

HEAR WHAT FORMER CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY About Us
  • “Trust me when I say, call The Fowler Law Group and ask for Andrew.”
    I started calling different local law offices. After calling many law offices I came across Fowler Law Group. I was lucky enough to get a call back from an incredible man named Andrew Pouget. I say incredible man as most of the other attorneys I spoke with took very limited time with me. Maybe as my issue was on the minor side, not really sure. All I can say is that Andrew took the time to call me back after 5pm when all of his office staff had gone home for the evening. He was so generous he spoke to me about life, family and things that we all have in life that really matter. He far outshined all of the other firms I had spoken with, both on a professional and personal level. It was obvious he is a happy family man doing what he loves and that is helping people and making a difference in the lives of others. I am very happy I continued my search until I came upon Andrew Pouget. Trust me when I say, call The Fowler Law Group and ask for Andrew. You will be in the best hands with him!
    - Joe (Google Review)
  • “Made an unpleasant experience more bearable.”
    “Both Mr. Fowler and his staff were a pleasure to work with and made an unpleasant experience more bearable. I greatly appreciate his assistance and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
    - Former Client
  • “Best choice for my legal defense.”
    In August 2016, I was arrested for driving under the influence. After my release from jail, my best friend Jessica gave me a number for a defense lawyer so I could hopefully fix my current legal situation involving my arrest by Sarasota PD. Mr. Fowler previously helped my friend get out of her sticky situation with the law. After briefly speaking to Mr. Fowler about my situation, I decided that he would be the best choice for my legal defense.
    - Nicole
  • “Demonstrated true passion & professional in my case.”
    Mr. Fowler took on a criminal case in my behave & display full attention to my concerns, he demonstrated true passion & professional in my case. If you ever need a criminal attorney, I highly recommend this law firm for your situation.
    - John
  • “Great Job!”
    “Mr. Fowler did a great job. He worked hard for my defense and got me the best possible out come for my case.”
    - Sean
  • “Highly Recommend!”
    “Highly recommended. James is very knowledgeable.”
    - Joe
  • “Wonderful Team!”
    “James and his team were wonderful to our family in our time of need. They were knowledgeable, diligent, professional, and someone was always accessible for questions, concerns, and issues.”
    - Sarah
  • “Great Customer Service!”
    “I would highly recommend Mr. Fowler and his Team! They were fantastic every step of the way and fought hard to get us the best possible outcome for our case; Jim got us exactly what he hoped he could get for us and exceeded our expectations.”
    - Olivia

Legal Awards and Accolades

  • 2026 | Selected to the Top 50 Lawyers In America list
    2026 | Selected to the Top 50 Lawyers In America list
  • Legal 100 - 2026 Award Winner
    Legal 100 - 2026 Award Winner
  • Legal 100: Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession - 2025
    Legal 100: Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession - 2025
  • 2025 | Top 50 Lawyers In America list
    2025 | Top 50 Lawyers In America list
  • Fowler Law Group: Nominated for Bradenton's Best Criminal Defense Law Firm 2025
    Fowler Law Group: Nominated for Bradenton's Best Criminal Defense Law Firm 2025
  • Elite Top Attorney - 2024
  • Lawyers of Distinction - 2024
    Lawyers of Distinction - 2024
  • 2024 Top 50 Lawyers In America list
    2024 Top 50 Lawyers In America list