Dade City Criminal Lawyers

Dual-licensed attorney in Kentucky and Florida representing individuals and organizations in state and federal civil and criminal matters.

Former prosecutor and former public defender.

Business developer and creative consultant for entrepreneurs, candidates, companies and nonprofits.

Legal research and writing professional open to contract with other legal practitioners as co-counsel.

Appellate successes and trial experience, as well as business development samples, can be viewed at www. MaggieJo.com/portfolio

I have been practicing law since 1992 when I began as a Assistant State Attorney in the Tampabay area, In 1996 I entered private practice in an effort to share my experience with clients seeking legal help. My background includes 10 years of law enforcement experience as a patrolmen, K-9 officer and organized crime detective. I was trained by the DEA in narcotics investigations and worked on local and Federal task force. My experience includes investigating fatal traffic crashes, K-9 handler, covert investigations, state prosecution and extensive criminal defense including traffic and serious felony trials. I have represented injured families...

As a former prosecutor, I understand the complexities of working a case inside and outside a courtroom. Having experience working in cases involving investigators, law enforcement, civilian witnesses, evidence departments, parenting coordinators, guardian ad litem coordinators and attorneys, Department of Children and Families’ case managers and attorneys, as well as counsel for other parties, I have been able to understand and have the ability to work towards the resolution of any situation, in my covered areas of law. As a current Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, as well as, an attorney for children (Attorney ad...

Christopher Largey began his legal career with the Lake and Citrus County Public Defender’s Office, where he successfully tried cases ranging from DUI issues to attempted murder. Mr. Largey then joined a local personal injury law firm in 2002 and quickly became the top producer and litigator in that firm.

In 2005, Mr. Largey began Largey Law a personal injury and auto accident law firm with offices in Lake County and Citrus County. He has handled cases throughout Central Florida and has secured millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of his clients. In 2014, Mr. Largey received the prestigious AV®...

As a practicing attorney in Polk County, Florida, for over ten years, I'm proud to offer my clients advice and representation in the areas of family law, criminal defense, and elder law. My vision is to bring a personal feel and approach to each of my client's legal concerns. It is my goal to give each client effective advice and craft personal solutions for difficult legal matters. I'm privileged to be part of the Polk County community, and proud to know that when the good people of this community need my guidance and experience, I'll be here for them.

Fighting Tickets in Lake, Sumter, Hernando,& Marion County, Florida.

Originally from the great State of Texas, Mr. Archer has sought the practice of law as his second career. After graduating high school in 1992, Mr. Archer enlisted in the US Air Force and served as a Munitions Systems Specialist and a Training Manager/Instructor until he discharged in 2000. Upon completion of his bachelors degrees at McMurry University (Science) and University of Central Oklahoma (Business Admin.), he attended Barry University School of Law and received his Juris Doctorate in 2005. Mr. Archer began his practice in 2006 and has continued in the areas of Family Law and...

Paul A. Meissner was born in New York and moved to Florida with his family as a child. He is a graduate of Clearwater High School. He co-founded the Carlson & Meissner law firm with Edward Carlson in 1971. Paul and his wife Jayne have five children & thirteen grandchildren. They enjoy boating and traveling. In the past, Paul and Jayne have traveled extensively by motorcycle.

Lee Pearlman was born and raised in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, a small town just outside of Harrisburg.

He attended college at the University of Maryland, College Park where he received two bachelor of arts degrees and two minors. While in college he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve and served two years in the Military Police.

After college Lee moved to St. Petersburg where he attended Stetson University College of Law. While there Lee was a member of Stetson's top nationally-ranked Trial Team and Alternative Dispute Resolution Board. He was the recipient of the Ralph Harris Ferrel...

Amy Ruiz received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing and International Economics from the University of Florida in 2000. She received her Juris Doctorate from the Florida State College of Law in 2004. While at Florida State, Ms. Ruiz was a member of the Journal of Transnational Law & Policy. She also participated in the Institute on World Legal Problems where she studied Comparative Constitutional Law at the University of Innsbruck, in Austria, with Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court Antonin Scalia.

Upon graduating law school, Ms. Ruiz, a Tampa native, returned to Tampa and commenced...

Now Open – January 2025! With more than 25 years of experience in criminal law, Rocky Brancato has established himself as a leading attorney in the Tampa Bay legal community. As a seasoned criminal trial attorney, he worked his way up to the role of second-in-command at the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office before launching The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., in January 2025. Rocky has a wealth of experience handling high-stakes criminal cases, including homicides and sex offenses, from his tenure in a specialized major crimes division. Throughout his career, Rocky has consistently taken on complex and serious cases, demonstrating an unwavering...

I have been dedicated to the practice of Criminal Law for over 30 years, with more than 100 jury trials to my credit. I have extensive experience in representing individuals charged or under investigation for State and Federal criminal charges as well as appeals. I am also admitted to practice in the State of Massachusetts in both the State and Federal Courts as well as the 11th and 1st Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States. I am a Certified Circuit Court and Federal Court Mediator. My practice areas include the Middle District...

Jeff Thomas is a Tampa criminal defense lawyer at Thomas & Paulk, P.A. He is a Florida native and graduate of Stetson College of Law. Throughout his career, he has handled more than 3,500 criminal cases. He is experienced with non-jury cases, jury trials, and traffic cases.

Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney, Ben Stechschulte, is a board-certified expert in criminal trial law. He has been practicing in the Tampa Bay area for nearly 15 years and has tried over 60 cases to verdict.  His experience is both varied and comprehensive, which makes him uniquely qualified to aggressively and effectively defend his clients who are facing criminal charges or have been injured in an accident. Ben attended Stetson University College of Law, which is recognized as one of the top law schools in the country for trial advocacy.  After graduating in 2005, Ben served as a prosecutor in Hillsborough County.  Ben...

Michael C. Minardi is the Senior Partner at Minardi Law. For over 16 years, Michael has dedicated his practice to fighting for clients charged with cannabis crimes and advocating for cannabis law reform. His passion has driven him to learning and understanding medical cannabis laws in the State of Florida and throughout the country.

Michael’s practice represents clients in corporate cannabis consulting, application preparation, lobbying, forfeiture matters, and criminal matters. He has won many medical cannabis cases, including several landmark high-profile cases in Florida. He won the first and second jury trials in Florida presenting the medical necessity...

Pete was raised in Hardee County and graduated from Hardee Senior High School in 2003. He then went on to get his bachelor's degree in International Affairs from Florida State University with a focus on Middle Eastern Studies. He received his law degree with honors from Tulane University Law School in New Orleans in 2010 and was a Notes and Comments Editor for the Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law. After law school, Pete worked as a prosecutor mostly in Hardee and Highlands Counties, and briefly in Polk County in the Economic Crimes Division. Pete then worked for William Fletcher...

Stephen Higgins is a lawyer who advocates for his clients and works tirelessly on their behalf. For almost 20 years, he has devoted his practice to represent people charged with traffic and criminal traffic violations, as well as personal injury cases. As a member of The Law Place, Stephen and the team of lawyers work to achieve the best possible result for every client.

A veteran of the United States Army and Texas National Guard, and a native Floridian, John Russo has a passion for helping his neighbors. Born and raised in Central Florida, John chose to serve his country in the United States Army. After his service, he attended the University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development. Pursuing his interest in the law, John earned his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Wyoming. This background provided John with the foundation that developed his commitment to professional excellence, client service, and providing the best possible legal...

Charles D. Fantl has been protecting the legal rights of Central Floridians for over a quarter century in both state and federal courts in the areas of criminal, personal injury and family law. Many of his clients have had exceptional results in the more than 100 jury and judge trials, along with his experience bringing motions and appeals.

Attorney Lakeena “Keena” Gillion is a skilled family law attorney specializing in divorce, child custody, timesharing, modifications, injunctions, and other family law matters. With a deep commitment to helping families navigate challenging legal situations, she offers a compassionate yet assertive approach to securing her clients’ best interests. Attorney Gillion brings a comprehensive understanding of family dynamics and legal complexities, combining her legal expertise with a genuine passion for helping individuals and families in need of resolution and closure during emotional and difficult times. Having practiced in various areas of law, Attorney Gillion has developed a strong reputation for her work in...

I am a trial attorney with more than nineteen years of courtroom experience helping individuals, couples, and families in Polk and Hardee Counties. I hold a Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability. Due to the nature of my practice, I appear before the judges in the Family Law division practically every day of the week. Through my years of trial work I have grown to recognize which cases may ultimately have to be tried and which cases may be resolved without going to court. By focusing on solutions to my client’s problems rather than...

For 37 years, Robert Bauer has practiced exclusively in the area of criminal law and is widely considered an expert in his field. Prior to BCPP, Rob served as an Assistant State Attorney in Florida and in 1975 formed his own firm specializing in Criminal Defense exclusively. Having solely practiced in the areas of Criminal Defense and as a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer since 1990, Rob has successfully represented hundreds of citizens charged with crimes ranging from homicide to misdemeanor offenses. He serves as a member of state and local Bar associations/committees as well as local charity organizations. Mr....

Patrick Harris is a retired judge (2003-2015) now serving as a lawyer in Central Florida. His practice focus includes Criminal, Traffic and DUI Defense, Mental Health (Baker Acts, Guardianship), Education Law (school suspensions, expulsions and disciplinary actions), Administrative Law, Small Business Law, and Child and Family Law. His 25 years of legal experience, both as a trial attorney and a judge, gives him the Legal Knowledge and Practical Wisdom to give Trusted Advice on a wide range of legal issues.

During his tenure on the bench, Mr. Harris presided over a docket that consisted of both criminal and civil cases....

The Adams Law Firm, P.A. was founded by husband and wife attorneys, Josh and Amy Adams. Josh is an experienced trial attorney. He started his career as a criminal prosecutor, where he prosecutor crimes from minor traffic crimes, including DUI, to felonies punishable by life in prison. After leaving the prosecutors office, Josh worked at a small firm in Orlando practicing criminal defense, civil litigation, and probate. In 2013, along with his wife, he started the Adams Law Firm, P.A. with a goal or bringing excellent representation and communication to Central Florida. Amy Adams...

We are a full service, boutique law firm, offering personalized service tailored to each clients needs. At the Law Offices of Amanda C. Micallef, P.A we understand that each clients situation is different and our goal is to obtain the best possible outcome for each and every client. Big or small, simple or complex, your legal issue is important to us.

John H. Trevena is the owner and principal attorney of his firm. He has been practicing law for more than 36 years. His keen sense of strategy, accomplished skills as a trial lawyer and straightforward approach bring due process for his clients in the criminal justice and civil court systems. His high profile successes have gained him national attention and he makes frequent appearances on network television. Specialties: Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer.

After attending the United States Coast Guard Academy, I transferred to the University of Florida. There, I worked my way through college and law school as a full-time police officer and police Sgt. On graduation, I was appointed the first attorney for the Gainesville Police Department. Later, I was appointed General Counsel for the Orange County Sheriff's Office and Legal Advisor to the 10 city police agencies in Orange County, Florida. I attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and did a post-doctoral program at Case Western Reserve University in Public Safety Law. I'm a Past President of the...

I have lived in Tampa since 1968 and practiced law in the Tampa Bay area since 1996. I have conducted over 100 trials and handled thousands of cases. I have the experience to help you with your situation. Call me for your free initial consultation.

Since becoming a member of the Florida Bar, Nick has dedicated his practice solely to criminal defense, earning a reputation as a passionate defender in the courtroom. He believes each case brings unique obstacles, emphasizing the importance of seeking advice from a seasoned defense lawyer capable of recognizing and addressing these challenges.

I was born and raised in Polk County. I was a prosecutor in Bartow for three years before I went into private practice. I have tried over 75 jury trials. I am a married father of three and I live in Winter Haven. I also serve on the Lake Region Lakes Management District.

Michael Mastrogiovanni has lived in the Tampa Bay area for over 38 years with his family. His career started out in the medical field where he worked as an administrator for over a decade eventually acquiring ownership of several assisted living facilities. Like many working professionals, Michael went to college at night while working full time during the day. He obtained his A.A. degree with honors from St. Petersburg Junior College in 2000, his B.A. degree Cum Laude from University of South Florida in 2002 and went on to attend Stetson University College of Law graduating in 2004. Upon...

Once you become involved in the criminal justice system every decision matters. You should not be forced to make serious decisions without the advice of an attorney. Every word you say or even what you don't say can be used against you. The decisions you make will have lifelong consequences on you, your family and your friends. The decisions can affect your employment, housing, driving privileges, immigration, voting rights, and rights to own or possess a gun. You need an attorney that will aggressively fight for you and protect your rights.

Caryna Fuller is your local legal advocate with a deep connection to the Tampa community that will fight for your rights. An experienced trial attorney with over 7 years as a seasoned prosecutor and the past 3 years specializing in personal injury claims. Fluent in Spanish, Caryna brings a diverse skill set, ensuring effective communication and representation.

I am a licensed attorney admitted to practice in all immigration courts in the U.S. and state and federal courts in Florida and Puerto Rico. I have been licensed for 7 years and have more than 15 years of experience in the legal field. I have worked on hundreds of cases in immigration, criminal defense, civil litigation, family law, and estate planning. I am fully bilingual and am passionate about representing immigrants in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, or about defending the rights of my clients. I also support electric cooperatives in Puerto Rico to help transform Puerto Rico's energy...

Mr. David A. Faulkner received his undergraduate degree in criminal justice/criminology from Florida State University. He later attended law school at FSU and received his Juris Doctorate with honors. Mr. Faulkner has practiced law for over 21 years. He focuses in the areas of criminal law and family law. In addition to practicing law, Mr. Faulkner is also a Florida Class C Licensed Private Investigator as well as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator.

Rafael was born and raised in Polk County, Florida, and graduated from Auburndale High School in 1984. Rafael received his B.A. degree from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor degree from The Ohio State University College of Law in 1997. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in April of 1998, and initially served as an Assistant Public Defender, handling a variety of cases. After just a few months as a misdemeanor attorney, Rafael was quickly promoted to Felony, where he was responsible for cases ranging from drug possession to murder. Rafael soon established...

Attorney Nadine Diaz is an instrumental driving force behind Darrigo, Diaz & Jimenez's continued success and ability to protect the rights and futures of the clients we represent. Backed by 30 years of experience and as a Board Certified Civil Trial Law Specialist by The Florida Bar, she brings a wealth of professional experience to her firm.

Now, she focuses her legal practice on personal injury law and criminal defense law.

Her proven trial skills make her a bold advocate for injured victims and families that need a voice in our civil justice system, and enable her to secure full and fair...