Palm Bay Criminal Lawyers

Attorney Ivette Gonzalez Petkovich is a seasoned Miami criminal defense attorney, serving clients throughout the state of Florida who are indicted or charged in federal and state criminal offenses or under investigation by law enforcement or other government agencies. Born and raised in Miami, Attorney Petkovich attended the University of Miami where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She received her Juris Doctorate degree from the St. Thomas University School of Law, also in Miami. She is now a married mother of two with a private law practice in Miami-Dade. Having spent her life in South Florida, she...

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.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

I have been practicing criminal law in the Miami area since 1996. My goal is to make my client's brush with the law as painless as possible. Free consultations. Friendly staff. Se habla Espanol.

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.

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.

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...

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...

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

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...

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.

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...

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.

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...

As a Key West criminal lawyer, I fully understand that being charged with a crime is a stressful event that can have a lasting impact on your life. I am totally dedicated to providing the highest quality legal representation to each and every client. I believe that a lawyer’s reputation is his or her most valuable asset. My goal is to earn and maintain the respect of not only my clients, but also that of judges, attorneys and other members of the public.

As a South Floridian, Victor has defended members of the community in criminal and criminal traffic cases in the Florida Keys. After serving as supervising attorney in the Middle Keys Division for the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office, Victor’s experience is now brought to benefit his clients and their families as they navigate their options in the criminal justice system. Working to reach a resolution that has the least impact on the lives, careers, and future earning potential of his clients is the goal.

Carey D. Carmichael, Jr. is the owner and manager of Carmichael Law, PLLC in Lake City, Florida. As a former Assistant State Attorney, a former Assistant Attorney General, and a former Assistant Public Defender, Carey’s primary focus has been criminal law for the last 19 years. Carey became board-certified by the Florida Bar as an expert in Criminal Trial Law in 2019. Carey graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia with a Bachelor of Business Administration. After college, Carey earned a Master of Business Administration and then graduated from law school in May 2006 and was admitted to the Florida...

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...

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...

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.

Jeffrey Morris is an experienced defense attorney and co-founder of McLaughlin Morris, P.A. who serves those facing criminal charges and personal injury matters in Delray Beach, Florida and the surrounding areas. He has a passion for providing each customer with personal care to meets his or her individual needs. With more than a decade of experience as a prosecutor and an attorney, he is able to apply his knowledge of Florida's courtrooms to the challenging situations that his clients face. This dedication to every matter can be seen in his work ethic and educational background. After studying...

Ms. Stover is an attorney with extensive knowledge and experience in a wide variety of legal matters including family law (divorce, custody, child support), criminal and traffic (DUI/DWI, theft, Post-Conviction Petitions), personal injury (auto accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and falls), and immigration (naturalization, adjustment of status, and asylum).

After graduating law school, Ms. Stover clerked for the Honorable Marielsa A. Bernard of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD. Throughout her clerkship, Ms. Stover not only gained knowledge of the law and the inner workings of the courthouse, but she also gained extensive insight into a wide variety of family law...

Attorney Jay M. Arnesen is a fierce fighter for those who find themselves in desperate situations. If you have been arrested for DUI or a crime in Fort Lauderdale, you need an experienced lawyer who is educated, prepared, experienced and willing to go the extra mile for you. After being arrested, the stakes couldn’t be higher as your freedom, reputation, job and permanent criminal record are on the line. If you have been arrested for a DUI, you need a criminal defense lawyer who will stand up to the Assistant State’s Attorney and level the playing field. You need a...

Omar Abdelghany is a criminal defense attorney practicing in Tampa Bay, Florida and the surrounding area. He graduated cum laude from California Western School of Law in San Diego, California. He is licensed with the Florida Bar and is also licensed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida. Omar's experience includes having completed a judicial externship with Justice Terry O'Rourke at the California Fourth District Court of Appeals and his having worked as a trial attorney at the Palm Beach Public Defender's Office....

We are a law firm based in the heart of Tampa with expertise in Family Law, Discrimination and Business Litigation. Our lawyers have collective experience of over 35 years handling cases just like yours. We are a boutique law firm focused on your rights and making sure that those rights are taken care of.

Our attorneys are able to provide the skills and expertise that may be found at larger firms without the overhead expenses many of these larger law firms typically pass on to its clients. We are passionate about helping to build our community and its businesses and work...

Daniel J. Fernandez defends individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses throughout the Tampa Bay area and the State of Florida. With more than 30 years experience as a criminal defense attorney and hundreds of jury trials, Daniel earned tremendous accolades from judges, other lawyers, defendants and even jurors. Daniel started his legal career as a state prosecutor and became the chief of the Narcotics division before opening his own law practice in 1985. Daniel and members of his staff are fluent in Spanish and are available to answer questions you may have regarding a recent injury or...

Drew McLaughlin is a dedicated attorney who represents those facing criminal charges and others seeking help through personal injury claims in South Florida. McLaughlin serves clients throughout Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties as an attorney with McLaughlin Morris, P.A., the firm he co-founded in 2014. McLaughlin attended Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, where he received a bachelors of arts in both history and Spanish, graduating magna cum laude. He then turned his focus to law school at the University of Florida's Levin College of Law, where he earned his start in the legal field as a Certified Legal...

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...

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...

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...

Melissa Sherman earned her Juris Doctor from the Barry University School of Law in Orlando, where she graduated magna cum laude, and when she’s not defending clients, she’s volunteering in the Fort Myers community. She opened the Sherman Defense Law Firm in May 2021. Defense attorney Melissa Sherman has successfully represented misdemeanor and felony defendants in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and throughout central and south Florida. As an Assistant Public Defender, Melissa Sherman has represented defendants charged with crimes that include robbery, arson, aggravated battery, drug crimes, sex crimes, theft, burglary, and driving under the influence (DUI).

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.

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...