Marco Island Criminal Lawyers

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...

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...

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...

David has been in Orlando since 2012. He was born and raised in New York City, and developed a desire to attend law school after spending two years as a guardian ad litem to foster children in Austin, Texas. In 2009, David moved to Tallahassee, Florida, to attend law school at Florida State University, where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 2012. While attending law school, he participated in a Criminal Law Externship in the 2nd Judicial Circuit, reinforcing his decision to enter the field of criminal defense work after graduation. David moved to Orlando in...

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...

David Hill obtained his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, and all state courts of Florida. Mr. Hill has practiced exclusively in criminal defense in the state of Florida, primarily in the Central Florida community, since graduating from law school and represents clients in a far-ranging array of matters, including felony, misdemeanor and traffic allegations, in both State and Federal courts. He has twenty years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer having been admitted to practice in 1991,...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

Jason Hicks is a trial attorney in Cocoa Beach who offers high quality and personal representation in the areas of Criminal Defense, Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Suspended Licenses, Traffic Tickets, and Auto Accident cases. Our firm, located in Cocoa Beach, takes pride in highly personalized and effective legal representation in the Central Florida area. Jason Hicks is a former prosecutor who represents clients in all of Central Florida including Brevard, Indian River, Orange, and Seminole Counties. Jason was raised in Brevard County, Florida. He attended Titusville High School and graduated in 1996. Jason graduated from the University of Central...

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...

Dealing with a divorce, an arrest or a serious injury can be incredibly stressful. You may be overwhelmed and unsure what to do. These are the times when you need an experienced lawyer who can protect your interests and guide you forward.

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.

Ashley is a Panama City, Florida native practicing criminal defense with a particular interest in helping first time offenders and vacationers who find themselves in trouble with the law. She makes herself available in a variety of ways in order to be convenient to the client. You can have an in office consultation, phone consultation or even an email consultation. Once hired she can correspond through the mail, the phone, email or by text messaging, whichever the client prefers. She will throughly evaluate your case and strive to obtain the best result for your particular situation. Call (850) 913-0364 or...

Luke Newman is an experienced Tallahassee criminal defense attorney who began his practice in 2004 as part of a small law firm handling only criminal matters, from civil traffic infractions to murder appeals. In 2009, Luke opened his own law practice dedicated to criminal trial advocacy and criminal appeals. He is one of fewer than 70 Florida attorneys board certified by the Florida Bar in criminal appeals. He has been appointed by the Florida Bar to chair the committee which tests and evaluates other attorneys (including prosecutors and judges) seeking criminal law board certification. He has been elected by his...

I have been practicing Criminal Defense since 2005. I began as a paid legal intern for the Public Defender's Office in Orlando while still in Law School and remained working there after passing the Florida Bar and becoming an attorney. With over 60 Jury Trials under my belt, I have established a reputation as a fearless attorney - ready, willing, and eager to take any case to trial. Whether a case goes to Trial is a decision entirely up to the defendant, but it is important to know that you have an attorney ready to do so, should...

Reid received his Juris Doctorate in 2009 from Stetson University College of Law, where he graduated cum laude and in the top 10% of his class. Following his admission to the Florida Bar later that year, Reid practiced in the St. Petersburg/Tampa area for several years before moving back to Jacksonville to further his law career. Since becoming a licensed attorney, Reid has exclusively practiced criminal defense, handling cases from the pre-arrest investigative phase through jury trial. He has always believed in taking a personal approach to the practice of law by establishing a relationship with each and every client...

Dear Friends: I have been practicing in the complex and interesting legal fields of family, criminal and personal injury law for over 25 years. In that time, I have learned what it takes to provide competent, aggressive representation to my clients, and at affordable rates. I believe that dedication, preparation and hard work are the cornerstones of a successful attorney and law firm. Our office has handled hundreds of complex cases over the years and we are willing to take on the challenging legal matters! If you, or someone you know needs help, call or email...

Robert M. Harris Born Jacksonville, Florida, August 9, 1951; admitted to bar, 1975, Florida and U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida; Division Chief, State Attorney’s Office, Fourth Judicial Circuit, Florida, 1977–1979; Certified Florida Supreme Court, Circuit Civil Mediator 2003.

If your freedom is at stake, you can count on me to fight for it — skillfully and with genuine passion. I have the hard-won experience serious criminal cases demand, earned in state and federal courts throughout New York and Florida.

Here at Lockett Law, we realize that bad things happen to good people. Our Jacksonville based law firm is equipped to handle all sorts of DUI related offenses including DUI Manslaughter as well general criminal defense cases.

Managing partner Lee Lockett serves on the Board for the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL) and also authors "DUI Notes" in each edition of FACDL's statewide magazine, The Defender. He is also the current Co-Chair of FACDL's annual statewide DUI seminar, "Blood, Breath, and Tears".

Visit our website at www.lockettlaw.net.

Carey D. Carmichael, Jr. is recognized by the Florida Bar as a Board Certified Expert in Criminal Trial Law. Mr. Carmichael's office is in Lake City, Florida. Mr. Carmichael received his Bachelors degree from Mercer University; and obtained an MBA prior to law school. Graduating from law school in 2006, Mr. Carmichael began his career as an Assistant Public Defender. During the next few years, Mr. Carmichael handled over 2000 cases, ranging from misdemeanors to capital felonies.

Prior to opening his practice, Mr. Carmichael served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Third Judicial Circuit for 6 years. During his...

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...

Handle civil and criminal cases throughout Northwest Florida. My firm focuses on personal injury, criminal defense, bankruptcy, real estate closings, and general civil litigation.

Jay is a native Floridian, graduated from the University of Florida in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He continued his studies at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 2010. During his tenure at the University of Florida, Jay was the co-founder of the Mock Trial Team affiliated with Florida Pre-Legal Honor Society. While in law school, Jay clerked for Florida Student Legal Services where he advised students on a variety of legal issues and became a teaching assistant for Trial Practice. He is an experienced trial lawyer, and represents lenders and...

Mr. Shafran has dedicated his legal career to zealously advocating for victims and seeking justice for others. Mr. Shafran grew up in Parkland, Florida until he attended Florida State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology. In 2012, he received his Juris Doctor in law at Nova Southeastern University College of Law.

Upon graduating law school, Mr. Shafran worked as an Assistant State Attorney in Palm Beach County, prosecuting those accused of committing crimes and representing victims of crimes. As a prosecutor, Mr. Shafran handled thousands of cases ranging from minor offenses like misdemeanors, all the way...

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.

Tracee L. Ivins graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. After graduation she worked for the State of Florida as a certified investigator, before deciding to pursue a law degree. As an attorney Ms. Ivins has handled files from inception all the way to a jury verdict. Her experience has included claims involving serious bodily injury, product liability injury and wrongful death arising from auto accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, negligent security, motorcycle and tractor trailer accidents.

Lawsuits including Negligence, Breach of Contract, Negligent Entrustment, Uninsured Motorist Insurance Claims, Under-Insured Motorists Insurance disputes, Wrongful Death, Bad...

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.