Polk County Criminal Lawyers

I am a seasoned criminal defense attorney with 25 years of courtroom experience. My background as a former prosecutor and law enforcement academy instructor gives me unique insight into defending the rights of the accused, which I am passionate about. I graduated from the University of Miami Honors Program and received my Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University. My legal journey began in insurance defense, but I quickly transitioned to criminal defense to advocate for clients daily. With over 200 trials under my belt, I have successfully handled a wide range of criminal cases, including homicide, drug trafficking, and DUI. My...

Tonmiel Rodriguez is a Board Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer, a distinction few Florida attorneys achieve. He is an experienced litigator, having tried over 56 criminal trials, conducted hundreds of depositions, and litigated numerous motion and evidentiary hearings. Tonmiel was inducted into the National Trial Lawyers list of "Top 40 under 40" Florida Criminal Trial Lawyers. He has been published three times in The Defender, a publication of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL). In 2015, Attorney Tonmiel Rodriguez was awarded the FACDL's James T. Miller Scholar Award.

In 2005, Attorney Tonmiel Rodriguez received his Political Science Degree, with Honors,...

Vincent R. Pawlowski, Esq. is an exceptional client advocate with more than 20 years experience in the areas of personal injury and wrongful death litigation, automobile accidents and injuries, workers compensation, criminal defense, DUI / DWI, and drug charges. He founded the Pawlowski // Mastrilli Law Group in 1995 in the heart of Tampa's Ybor City, with satellite offices in Westchase, New Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Lakeland. As managing partner of the firm, Vincent ensures that every member of his legal team holds the same core values and vigor to defend and fight for our clients case...

Attorney Howard Iken is the founder and managing partner of Ayo & Iken, a law firm helping clients with divorce, custody, bankruptcy, criminal defense, and debtor defense. We have offices throughout Tampa Bay and Central Florida. We have the following locations available: Wesley Chapel Summergate Professional Center Seven Oaks - near Wiregrass Mall - off Hwy 56 27642 Cashford Circle Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 New Port Richey - Pasco ...

Heather Bryan stands as a seasoned trial attorney, wielding extensive knowledge across family law, criminal law, and personal injury law. In 2016, she took a significant step in her legal journey by founding her own law practice, focusing predominantly on family law. In this capacity, Heather has been a guiding force for numerous families, navigating them through the intricacies of the divorce process with compassion and legal acumen. Heather's commitment to the legal profession extends beyond her practice. She has been an integral part of the Polk Association for Women Lawyers since its inception, serving on the Board of Directors and...

Diane Buerger has over 30 years experience as a Florida Criminal Defense lawyer – with cases ranging from felonies to misdemeanor and traffic cases. Her practice includes representation on both the trial and appellate levels. She handles cases from high-profile to first-time offenders. Her primary practice is criminal law -- in both trial and appellate courts. She's successfully argued before the Florida Supreme Court -- and District Courts of Appeal. She's a Past President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers -- and also the Polk County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

Attorney Brian Monk has lived in the Central Florida area nearly his entire life. In 2000, he graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Business Management and a B.A. in Political Science. Thereafter, Brian earned a Law degree, a Master’s of Education degree and Specialist degree in counseling from the University of Florida. While in law school, Brian earned a Certificate in Family Law and was named a Fellow of the UF Law Center on Children and Families. Following law school, Brian worked as an Assistant State Attorney in Ocala, Florida, prosecuting felony and misdemeanor cases...

Stacey Hendrix McNelis - Experienced Legal Support From A Polk County Native

Stacey H. McNelis is dedicated to the practice of law and helping those in need. She focuses primarily in Criminal, Dependency and Family Law, and Social Security in Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties. She is an experienced trial attorney, having handled numerous cases in the county court as well as at the circuit court level. Over the course of her career, she has argued hundreds of motions and has tried over 30 jury trials.

Prior to founding McNelis Law, Ms. McNelis joined Colón & McNelis, P.A., in 2005 and practiced...

I have dedicated my entire legal career to fighting for individuals in court. I am known as a fighter and trial attorney that will stand up for his clients.

If you have been injured or arrested call now to insure your rights are protected. 863-838-5549

http://www.FLCrimeDefense.com

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.

WORK EXPERIENCE Board Certified as a Criminal Trial Specialist by the Florida bar (1999-Present) BOSWELL & DUNLAP, LLP Bartow FL. Partner, Litigation Specialist, 2004 - Present OFFICE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY, TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, Tallahassee, FL Assistant State Attorney, Special Prosecution Director. EDUCATION COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Board of Directors Bartow Women’s Care Center, (2009 to Present) Board of Directors, Chairman, Heartland for Children. (2010 to Present) Tenth Judicial Circuit Professionalism Committee (2005-Present) Bartow Chamber of Commerce, Board of...

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...

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.

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...

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...

Matthew Kaylor was born and raised in Polk County, Florida and graduated from Winter Haven High School. He received his undergraduate degree from Florida State University and his law degree from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. Matthew worked for 3 years at the State Attorney's Office in Bartow as a prosecutor. He has been in private practice with his brother David for the past 7 years. He has tried over 70 jury trials and helped falsely accused people be acguitted of crimes ranging from DUI to petit theft to first degree murder. Matthew is a trial...

Having practiced both as a prosecutor and an assistant public defender, i was able to represent many clients in a short period of time. i was able to go to trial on a regular basis and acquire the skills that I needed to successfully represent clients throughout my 25 year career. I have tried serious cases both at the state and federal level, including, murder, trafficking and sex crimes to mention just a few. I have the trial experience that will facilitate a fair resolution of your case short of trial or if necessary,aggressively represent you and your rights...

As the founder of the legal practice Advocate Law Firm, P.A., Lakeland attorney Melissa A. Wilson devotes her practice to cases of family law, criminal defense and personal injury. She has been working in the legal field since 1998, and she is admitted to practice in both Connecticut and Florida courts. Attorney Wilson is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and Quinnipiac University School of Law. Contact her firm for a free case review.

I have been licensed to practice law since 1987. I have tried over 400 jury trials from DUI's to First Degree Murder. I am licensed throughout the State of Florida and the Middle District of Florida for federal cases.

I have been helping clients receive compensation for personal injuries and representing clients in family law matters for over thirty years.

Profile William F. "Casey" Ebsary, Jr. is a distinguished Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney and seasoned Trial Lawyer known for his expertise in various legal domains. Areas of Practice With a dedicated focus on trial practice, Mr. Ebsary's extensive legal career encompasses a broad spectrum of cases, including criminal defense, DUI defense, Marijuana and Cannabis Growhouse Defense, white-collar criminal defense, high-tech corporate litigation, and intellectual property issues arising from the Internet and computer networking. Prosecutorial Experience A former Prosecutor, Mr. Ebsary boasts a wealth of litigation experience that spans across a range of high-stakes criminal cases. His repertoire includes handling matters as diverse as murder,...

David Haas is a state and federal criminal defense attorney and represents clients throughout Florida and in federal courts around the country. He is a former state and federal prosecutor with extensive jury trial experience, including handling more than 65 jury trials. A fifth-generation Floridian, he graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 2001 and began his career as a state prosecutor with the State Attorney’s Office in the Tenth Judicial Circuit. After three years of handling felony and misdemeanor offenses, attorney David Haas was promoted to Chief of the Economic/Environmental Crimes Division where he was...

Corey Cohen is a former public defender and state prosecutor for the 18th and 5th judicial circuit of Florida. He received his law degree from Barry University School of Law and his Masters of Law in Intercultural Human Rights from St. Thomas University School of Law.

After graduating from Barry, Corey was employed by the Public Defender's Office where he represented criminal defendants in hundreds of cases. Later in this career, Corey accepted an appointment with the State Attorney's Office where he prosecuted criminal cases. In his experience with both the Public Defender's office and as a State Attorney he has...

Attorney Jason M. Melton, is a founding partner of Whittel & Melton. As a former state prosecutor, he continues fighting for victims bringing in some of the largest single event results in Central Florida. Jason is a lifetime member of the Multi-Million and Million Dollar Advocates Forum, AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and continues to be listed among SuperLawyers in Florida by Thomson Reuters. He is a Founding Member of the National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, and in 2023 was named President. Attorney Melton is dedicated to providing clients with personalized, high-quality representation. We handle Auto Accidents, Slip and Fall, Injury, Nursing...

Shiobhan Olivero was born in Plant City, Florida, and as a native Floridian, has lived in the Tampa Bay area her entire life. She enjoys spending time with her family. She is an active scuba diver, and enjoys traveling to local and distant sites to dive. Shiobhan earned as Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies from Hillsborough Community College. She worked for approximately ten years as a paralegal for criminal attorneys in the Tampa Bay area prior to, and during law school. She then earned her undergraduate degree from St. Leo University receiving a B.A. degree in Criminal...

In January 1997, I founded the law firm of Lynette Silon-Laguna, P.A., now known as All Family Law Group, P.A. We are experienced and responsive attorneys concentrating in the areas of divorce, child custody/visitation/child support, stepparent and relative adoptions and name changes, as well as criminal defense, and consumer, personal bankruptcy.

Our objective is to provide professional and informed representation in the most expeditious and economical manner possible in consideration of each client's circumstances. Amicable settlement is the ultimate goal, if it is possible, to avoid the financial and emotional cost of litigation. Although we strive for an amicable resolution...

Brett Szematowicz is originally from Chicago, Illinois, but moved to Tampa when he was in 1991. He attended high school locally at Tampa Preparatory School and graduated in 1999. Mr. Szematowicz attended college at The American University in Washington, D.C. and graduated with a B.A. in Justice. While at The American University, Mr. Szematowicz was a member of the highly selective Leadership Program in the School of Public Affairs. Mr. Szematowicz attended South Texas College of Law, located in Houston, Texas. During law school, Mr. Szematowicz interned with the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office in...

Tampa Bay Criminal Defense and DUI Attorney Ajay Pallegar -
Former State Prosecutor with over 50 criminal jury trials, 50 bench trials, and extensive DUI training and experience.

Mr. Pallegar is a graduate from the University of South Florida and Stetson University College of Law. He is a Former Pinellas County Assistant State Attorney and has over tried over 100 criminal trials to verdict. As a prosecutor, he received specialized training in domestic violence cases by being appointed to the domestic violence division of the Pinellas County State Attorneys Office, specifically battery, assault and domestic violence injunctions. Mr. Pallegar has also...

Bradenton personal injury attorney Steven G. Lavely is a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer who is considered a specialist in civil trial law. Less than two-percent of Florida lawyers can claim this distinction. He is also one of the less than five-percent of Florida lawyers named a Florida Super Lawyer. Mr. Lavely is rated the highest possible rating on AVVO—a 10 out of 10—and is a proud member of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America.

“I am very proud of the honors and distinctions I have achieved, as they are either earned from advanced testing by independent agencies...

Attorney Rahul Parikh is an award-winning criminal and civil trial attorney located in Orlando, Florida with an extensive track record of success both in and out of the courtroom. Due to his unrelenting commitment to excellence, Mr. Parikh possesses a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating was selected as Florida Trend Magazine’s Up and Comer in 2019, Expertise’s Best DUI Lawyers in Orlando in 2020, and was included in The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 under 40.

He is best known for his trial skills, diligent and pragmatic approach to solving problems for his clients and aggressive posture toward litigating cases.

Mr....