Goodland Criminal Lawyers

Christopher Hersem is an attorney in the Clearwater, Florida, area. He was born and raised here, and has practiced law for fifteen years in the area. His advocacy for clients has helped clients overcome criminal charges, traffic tickets, and personal injuries for more than a decade. Attorney Christopher Hersem started his career with an undergraduate education at the University of Florida. After this, he studied law at Stetson University College of Law, with a concentration in advocacy. He was also a member of many organizations at this time. He was named in Who’s Who of American Law Schools. He also...

Originally from Charleston, West Virginia, I attended West Virginia Wesleyan College studying both business administration and political science. After three semesters at West Virginia Wesleyan College, I transferred to West Virginia University, where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree in Multi-Disciplinary Studies. While attending West Virginia University, I worked with my father as a surface miner in the coal fields of West Virginia. Of all the lessons learned during those summers, I learned to appreciate the value of a hard work and the importance of taking pride in whatever you do. At Blumenauer Hackworth, we take pride in our...

Attorney Jeff Paulk is a criminal defense lawyer at the Tampa law firm of Thomas & Paulk, P.A. Throughout his career, Jeff has handled more than 3,500 criminal cases, and many jury trials. Jeff is a Florida native and graduate of Stetson College of Law. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1998 and the Federal Bar in 2001.

Marc A. Joseph, P.A. has defended thousands of clients and prosecuted none. Unlike former prosecutors, I have never worked one day to put someone in jail or prison. I will provide the level of uncompromising legal representation that makes a difference in my ability to help my clients avoid criminal convictions and maximum penalties for the offenses they have been accused of committing. Marc A. Joseph is passionate about protecting the rights of the accused in Florida criminal cases! Many defendants are wrongly accused, others know they have made mistakes, but look for an attorney who will...

TAMPA CRIMINAL DEFENSE AND DUI ATTORNEY Jason Sammis is a shareholder with the Sammis Law Firm, P.A., who represents individuals charged with felony and misdemeanor criminal offenses in Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL. Jason Sammis is actively involved as an attorney on the NORML Legal Committee, which fights for the reform of marijuana laws. He is also a member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. EXCLUSIVELY FOCUSED ON CRIMINAL AND DUI DEFENSE By focusing exclusively on criminal and DUI defense in Tampa, FL, Jason Sammis is able to stay...

Wes Trombley is a partner with Trombley & Hanes, P.A., concentrating in the areas of both criminal and civil litigation. Wes is a lifelong resident of Tampa, Florida, and graduated from Jesuit High School, the University of South Florida with a Business Marketing Degree, and Stetson University College of Law. As a law student and prior to becoming a member of the Florida Bar, Wes served in the 13th Judicial Circuit for Hillsborough County, Florida as a Judicial Intern and a Florida Supreme Court Certified Intern Prosecutor and he served for the 6th Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida...

Attorney Pichardo-Riestra is the Owner and Managing Attorney of Pichardo-Riestra Law. She is a former psychologist who has worked with children, juveniles, and adults. As a Psychologist Specialist working for the Department of Corrections, Mrs. Pichardo-Riestra provided Mental Health services to incarcerated females housed in General Population, Closed Management, and Death Row.

After years in psychology, Mrs. Pichardo-Riestra decided to pursue a career in Law. She attended Florida A&M University where she concentrated on Criminal Defense while participating at the FAMU Criminal Defense Clinic. Mrs. Pichardo-Riestra also interned with the Public Defender's Office for the Fifth Circuit in...

With over 29 years of trial experience, attorney Michael Herring has zealously represented those that have been accused of all crimes, the injured and small business interests in all state courts of Central Florida. Herring and Herring P.A., a third generation Sanford Fl Law Firm, is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, conveniently located in the County Seat of Sanford, Seminole County, Florida. As a criminal defense lawyer, Michael Herring has been representing the accused for more than two decades in Central Florida. He handles a wide variety of cases ranging from high profile felonies to simple misdemeanors. Mr. Herring...

DeLand Attorney Richard "Jake" Jackson has been in private practice in Volusia County, Florida since 1985. Practice areas include Criminal Law, Adoptions, Juvenile & Family Law, Civil Cases, Estate Planning and Probate. CRIMINAL LAW: As a criminal defense lawyer with over 25 years experience in State and Federal Court, Jake Jackson has extensive experience handling drug cases, DUI's, violent crimes, property crimes, and sex offenses. Mr. Jackson is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. ADOPTIONS: As an adoption attorney and intermediary, Jake Jackson provides professional and compassionate service to birth mothers and adoptive families for both...

As an attorney for almost 20 years, I have learned the ins-and-outs of the criminal justice process, defending hundreds of clients against misdemeanor and felony criminal charges. I have experience defending individuals charged with civil crimes and representation in higher courts for the appellant, as well. I have been a member of the Florida community for over 15 years, attending the University of Florida Law School and admitted to the State Bar of Florida in 1992. As such, I gained significant knowledge and agility in the Florida legal system. I was a former attorney for...

I'm a lifetime resident of the greater Daytona Beach area. I have also practiced my entire legal career, spanning more than 35 years, in Volusia County, Florida. Many clients have never been arrested or exposed to the criminal justice system. As a criminal defense lawyer, it is important for the clients to understand every step of the process and also trust that their attorney will work hard for them. My goal has always been to protect the rights and futures of my clients.

Graduate of Fla State University and College of Law
Past President Volusia Criminal Defense Lawyers (11 Yrs)
Member of...

I grew up in the Dr. Phillips area of Orlando, Florida from age seven until I left for college. After graduating law school, I have worked in both the public and private sectors, as a criminal prosecutor for five years and in-house counsel for a private equity group, respectively, culminating in my opening my own practice. For most of my services I can serve all Florida counties and have experience in all stages of litigation, from negotiation to jury trial. I will give it all I have for my clients, so contact me today!

Barbara has practiced criminal defense in Alachua County and the Eighth Judicial Circuit since 1984, handling criminal matters including murder, manslaughter, dui/vehicular manslaughter, possession, sale and trafficking in drugs, robbery, burglary, grand theft, forgery, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, gun crimes, and numerous other felony and misdemeanor offenses. Before joining DeThomasis & Buchanan, P.A. in 2001, Barbara practiced criminal law as an assistant Public Defender for the 8th Judicial Circuit for over sixteen years. Barbara was a member of the defense team for Danny Harold Rolling from 1992 through his capital murder sentencing proceeding in February of 1994. She is a past...

Paul's practice is focused on providing his clients with "good judgment" and Paul prides himself on working hard to see that his clients move towards fixing problems and preparing for a better future. Paul concentrates on matters involving business law, entertainment law, replevin law, real estate, landlord-tenant, probate, wills, estates, and trust law. Paul has been appointed several times by Florida Courts as personal representative and attorney ad litem in complex and sensitive litigation matters involving probate and wrongful death, as well as in representing unknown parties and historic landmarks in real estate foreclosure and eminent domain...

Jack A. Kaleita graduated from Stetson University College of Law, was admitted to the Bar in 1986 and began his legal career as a state prosecutor on Florida's west coast. He then returned to Central Florida after 5 years, serving as an Assistant State Attorney in Seminole County for an additional 12 years. As a prosecutor, Mr. Kaleita tried numerous cases involving virtually every type of criminal charge. In addition to taking dozens of criminal cases to trial himself, he taught and supervised other attorneys, first as a Lead Trial Attorney, and later as the Misdemeanor/Traffic Division Chief and as the...

Michael LaFay Trial Attorney graduated from the American University Law School in Washington, D.C. in 1983. He was admitted to the New York Bar in 1984 and the Florida Bar in 1985. Michael LaFay is board certified in Criminal Law by the Florida Bar and has achieved an "AV" rating overall, which is the highest ranking bestowed by Martindale-Hubbell, the national attorney ranking service. He has practiced in Central Florida as a trial attorney for the past 27 years and has litigated over 300 jury trials. During that time, he has served as a criminal defense attorney and also as...

Criminal Defense Lawyer Rajan Joshi received his Bachelors degree from the University of Central Florida in 1996, and earned his law degree with Honors from the University of Florida College of Law in 2000. While in law school, Rajan Joshi demonstrated academic excellence, earning the highly coveted Book Award in Criminal Procedure (highest grade). Mr. Joshi was also selected and employed by the Dean of Student Affairs to tutor first-year contract students and conducted his own class to prepare the students for their final exam. Mr. Joshi also worked as a legal intern at the Seminole County State Attorney's Office...

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...

Thomas B. Luka, Esq. is a native Central Floridian who has provided clients with exceptional courtroom representation and guidance for over 16 years. As a partner at the law firm of Adams, Luka, & Benton, P.A., Mr. Luka has an extensive background in litigation, and has been lead counsel on more than 150 criminal and civil trials. Mr. Luka has appeared as a legal analyst on local and national talk shows such as CNN, CNBC, Fox News, Nancy Grace, Geraldo Rivera, Jane Velez Mitchell and Court TV. Thomas Luka began his law career as an Assistant State Attorney in...

Anton J. Nace, Esq. has served the Central Florida community as a criminal defense attorney for 22 years. Mr. Nace was born and raised in Florida and is well known throughout the legal community, possessing a strong reputation amongst attorneys and judges in the Orlando area and throughout the State of Florida. Mr. Nace began his career as an Assistant State Attorney in Orlando, Florida. He handled misdemeanor and felony cases before accepting a position in a specialized unit that dealt with Sex Crimes and Child Abuse. He furthered his career as a partner in several law firms, distributing his...

Derek Brett is a trial attorney who has been actively practicing since 1996. He maintains two offices, one in Orlando and another in Pensacola.

Alain Rivas’ desire to focus exclusively on criminal and traffic defense led him to join forces with Robert Skubiak in 1999 to form Skubiak & Rivas, P.A. Since then, the firm has evolved into Central Florida’s most recognizable one of its type, gaining the majority of its clients from referrals by former clients—the highest form of flattery.

Before forming Skubiak & Rivas, he served as legal counsel for Joelo Inc. in Orlando. Rivas also worked in various capacities for the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office.

Rivas graduated from Rollins College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. He then earned...

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...

Eric Barker earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Florida in 1989 and went on to earn his J.D. from the University of Florida College of Law in 1992. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1992 and is currently admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Eric has been rated as a preeminent lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell and has earned an AV rating, the highest rating given by the organization, which is a nationally recognized attorney rating service. As a former Assistant Public Defender, Mr. Barker took several dozen...

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®...

Alyssa C. Shorstein is a partner at The Law Offices of Shorstein and Lee, LLC, located in St. Augustine, Florida. Alyssa graduated from St. Augustine High School (High School Diploma) in 2002, Flagler College (B.A.) in 2005 and University of Florida Levin College of Law (J.D.) in 2009. She has been in private practice serving clients in Criminal Defense, Estate Planning & Probate law since 2009. Alyssa previously served on the St. Johns County Bar Association Board and served two terms on the Florida Bar Grievance Committee 7B. She is currently a Board Member of...

Ryan M. Cardoso is the founder and principal attorney at Cardoso Law, PLLC, in Pensacola, Florida. He serves clients in a wide variety of practice areas, including criminal defense, personal injury, and civil litigation. Ryan is an experienced attorney who has helped countless clients seek justice and defend their rights. Ryan M. Cardoso is a graduate of the University of South Florida and obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Florida College of Law in 2002 where he graduated with honors. He has been a member of The Florida Bar since 2003 and is admitted to practice before the...

Having represented thousands of clients across northeast Florida, I come into every case with a wealth of experience and knowledge. My trial experience includes a wide range of offenses from misdemeanors through life felonies. I take pride in fighting through difficult cases that other lawyers may turn away. My candor and attention to detail will help guide you through an incredibly difficult time while my dedication to you and your case will ensure that your rights are protected.

Licensed to practice law in Florida since 1995. Former Assistant State Attorney. Extensive criminal law experience. Handling all criminal defense cases in state and federal court.

Attorney, Gillis E. (Beau) Powell III, has dedicated most of his practice to criminal cases. He began his career by working at the Office of the State Attorney, prosecuting both felony and misdemeanor criminal cases. As a former prosecutor, he can evaluate your criminal case from the state's perspective and provide legal insight into what the State can or cannot prove in your case.

Geoffrey H. L. Pittman attended the University of West Florida and Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, earning Dean’s list honors multiple times. He graduated with a Juris Doctorate from Florida Coastal School of Law, in Jacksonville, Florida and was recognized with distinction for his pro bono work conducted while in law school. During law school, Mr. Pittman volunteered at the Office of the Public Defender (4th Judicial Circuit) and Legal Services of North Florida, and he also completed a judicial internship for the Honorable Circuit Court Judge Jean...

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...

Stephen “Steve” Joseph Ryan was born in the Bronx, where his mother worked as a nurse and his father was an officer with the New York Police Department. In the early ’90s, Steve moved to Tallahassee, Florida to continue his studies at Florida State University’s College of Law, where he met fellow law student and his future law partner, Shawn Risen. In 1995, Steve graduated with honors and received a Juris Doctorate, and one year later, Steve and Shawn Risen established Risen & Ryan, Attorneys at Law.

Attorney David Stevens is a third-generation resident of Okaloosa County. A proud Seminole, David graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Florida State University before earning his Juris Doctorate from the Regent University School of Law in Virginia Beach, VA. He currently resides in Niceville, FL with his wife and three-year-old daughter.

David was sworn in to practice law in Florida in 2010, and soon joined a civil litigation law firm in Santa Rosa Beach as an associate attorney. He went on to become a prosecutor with the State Attorney's Office in Shalimar, FL, and served in that capacity for...

Clark H. Henderson, originally from Waynesboro, Mississippi, is a 2007 graduate of the University of South Alabama and a 2011 graduate of the Cumberland School of Law, Sam ford University, in Birmingham, Alabama. During law school Clark interned at the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and with the Honorable Laura Petro, 10th Judicial Circuit, Criminal Division. He practiced in Birmingham, Alabama before being admitted to the Florida Bar. Clark is licensed to practice in both Florida and Alabama.

My name is Brandy Merrifield. I am a criminal defense attorney and partner at Flaherty & Merrifield Criminal Defense. We serve Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Destin, and all of Northwest Florida. I devote 100% of my practice to criminal defense. With my background in psychology, I bring a unique perspective to the resolution of criminal cases. My objective in all of my cases is aggressive defense coupled with compassion and understanding. No matter what you are accused of, Flaherty & Merrifield will not judge you. We will defend you. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help...

Clay B. Adkinson is a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney at Adkinson Law Firm in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. The firm, which has more than 30 years of experience in the Florida Panhandle, represents clients facing criminal charges and others who are involved in family law issues. Adkinson earned his bachelor's degree in political science at Florida State University in Tallahassee in 2003. He then attended law school at Florida State University College of Law where he graduated with his juris doctor degree in 2005. After law school, he joined Adkinson Law Firm with...

After graduating from Florida State University College of Law in the year 2000, Attorney Rusty Shepard became the Assistant State Attorney in Chipley for four years. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Shepard is well-versed in the legal system, judicial processes and how to best anticipate choices on the part of the prosecution in his current cases. Coming up with aggressive and intuitive defense tactics, Attorney Shepard is devoted to obtaining the best possible verdict for his clients, doing everything in his power to have their charges reduced or dismissed altogether. He is the President of the Bay County Chapter at...