A native Floridian, Bob Dillinger is an Ivy League graduate from Columbia University in New York City . He graduated from college in 1973 and then graduated from Stetson College of Law in 1976. He subsequently became an Assistant Public Defender for the Sixth Judicial Circuit. During his initial service as an Assistant Public Defender, he was a member of the Capital Crimes Defense team and was instrumental in publishing the first comprehensive death penalty training manual in Florida for defense attorneys.

After several years as an Assistant Public Defender, Bob left Government service to open his own practice where he specialized in criminal defense and civil jury work.

In 1995 he decided to run for Public Defender for the Sixth Judicial Circuit and was successful in obtaining his party’s nomination in September 1996. He was re-elected in 2004 and 2008.

Bob has received numerous awards for his service to the community, including the Nelson Poynter Award from the St. Petersburg Times.

 Awards/Achievements:

Adjunct Professor of Law – Stetson College of Law
Advocacy Award - Florida ’s Children First - 2004, 2008
AV Rated Martindale Hubbell Attorney
Ben C. Willard Award from Stetson College of Law
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition by Congressman Gus Bilirakis - 2007
Chosen a Florida Super Lawyer - 2006, 2008
Co-Founder of Florida Public Defender College
Florida Division National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Award 2004 for advocacy efforts to assist adults and children with mental illness in our community and the state
Former Master & Counselor, Barney Masterson Inn of Court
Kiwanis Distinguished Service award - 2001
Legislative Chair, Florida Public Defender’s Association - 1999 to present
NAMI Iris Award for significant contributions to improving the mental health system - 1999
Nelson Poynter Award - 1982
PACE Award for community service to Partners in Crisis - 2001
President's Award - Florida Public Defender Association
St. Petersburg Bar Association Pro Bono Award - 1990
Suncoast Center for Mental Health award - 2003
Who’s Who in American Law - 1998, 1999, 2000

Civic & Professional Memberships:

Board of Directors – Van Gogh’s Palette, Florida's Children First
Board Member – Juvenile Welfare Board, Florida Medical Examiner’s Commission
Life Member, National Rifle Association, Distinguished Expert Ranking
Multi-million dollar federal grant recipient for jail diversion of mentally ill clients
Pilot program recipient for troubled juveniles
Rotary - Paul Harris Fellow