Criminal Defense
Since 1993
Since 1993
The Most Unethical Lawyers in Florida History? (The DUI Setup)
By: John Guidry
What if you were just told that you are about to hear a “shocking, unethical, and unprofessional” story?
First, the word “shocking” sounds like something straight out of The National Enquirer. Every week this tabloid claims to have a new, shocking story—which has the effect of making it seem not so shocking. Is it shocking that a vegan celebrity was caught eating ribs at 4 Rivers? No, it’s not. The BBQ at 4 Rivers is so good, its intrinsic deliciousness has the power to convert vegans to the other team.
But today, our shocking story doesn’t come from a tabloid. It comes from The Florida Supreme Court.
In The Florida Bar v. Adams and Filthaut, the Court called the behavior of these lawyers “among the most shocking, unethical, and unprofessional as has ever been brought before this Court.”
Do you feel you were set up by the police or unethical lawyers?
If the system was rigged against you, we fight back. Call John today at (407) 423-1117.
The Plot: A Real-Life Legal Thriller
It all began in Tampa during a high-profile lawsuit between two local radio DJs: Bubba the Love Sponge (represented by the firm Adams & Diaco) and Todd “MJ” Schnitt (represented by attorney Philip Campbell).
One night after trial, a paralegal for the defense firm spotted the opposing lawyer, Philip Campbell, at a bar in a nearby steakhouse. She called her bosses.
The Scheme: After a flurry of texts between the paralegal and the three partners (Stephen Diaco, Robert Adams, and Adam Filthaut), a plan was hatched.
- The Honeypot: The paralegal was instructed to flirt with Campbell (who didn’t know she worked for the other side), lie about her identity, and buy him drinks. The goal? Get him drunk enough to drive.
- The Muscle: Attorney Adam Filthaut called his friend, Sgt. Raymond Fernandez of the Tampa Police DUI unit, and told him to “post up” outside the steakhouse to wait for the target.
The Problem: Campbell Didn’t Want to Drive
There was one big problem with this DUI plan—Campbell lived within walking distance. So much for the drinks, the lies, and the flirting.
But nice guys finish last, right? These attorneys didn’t give up.
- Attempt 1: When the paralegal asked for a ride home, Campbell declined and called her a cab. (He was trying to be responsible).
- Attempt 2: The paralegal refused the cab, claiming her car was with the valet and they wouldn’t hold it overnight.
- Attempt 3: Campbell asked the valet to keep the car. The valet (likely confused) agreed.
The Final Trap With Campbell rejecting every scenario to drive, the paralegal claimed she didn’t feel safe leaving her car in the valet lot. She begged him to just move her car to a “safe” lot near his apartment. Out of frustration—and trying to help a “stranger”—Campbell agreed to move the car a few blocks.
The Bust: As soon as he pulled out, Sgt. Fernandez (who had been waiting for hours) pulled him over. Campbell was arrested for DUI in the middle of a multi-million dollar trial.
Insult to Injury
The scheme didn’t stop at the arrest.
- The Media Blitz: The next day, Stephen Diaco made statements to the media about how Campbell’s arrest was an “embarrassment” and a “mockery of the judicial system.” (Talk about projection).
- The Trial Bag: Campbell inadvertently left his trial briefcase in the paralegal’s car. Do you think the opposing attorneys took a peek at his secret trial notes while it was in their employee’s possession?
- The Setup Revealed: Campbell’s Blood Alcohol Level was barely over the limit, but the timing was too suspicious. His legal team subpoenaed phone records and discovered the hundreds of texts between the paralegal, the lawyers, and the cop.
John’s 2026 Update: Justice Was Served
Note: You rarely see lawyers get punished this severely, but the system actually worked this time.
Where are they now?
- The Lawyers: Stephen Diaco, Robert Adams, and Adam Filthaut were all Permanently Disbarred. This is the death penalty of the legal profession. They can never practice law in Florida again.
- The Cop: Sgt. Raymond Fernandez was fired from the Tampa Police Department for his role in the scheme.
- The Victim: The DUI charges against Philip Campbell were dropped.
The Lesson: Trust is hard to come by these days. We don’t trust the government, corporations, or lawyers. (I don’t even trust lawyers, and I am one). But in this case, the “bad guys” got caught because they left a digital trail of arrogance.
Can We Restore Trust?
This case is now taught in law schools as the ultimate example of what not to do. If you have been the victim of unethical conduct by police or prosecutors, know that the truth can come out—if you know where to look.
Call me at (407) 423-1117. Let’s find the truth.
About John Guidry II
John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.
Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.
Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.
When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.