Sarasota County Criminal Lawyers

James M. Burns, Attorney at Law, hails from Mobile, Alabama, where he was born in 1962. When he was five years old, he moved with his family to Pensacola, Florida. James has lived and worked in the Pensacola area, Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties in Florida, and Baldwin and Mobile Counties in Alabama his whole life. As a member of both the Florida Bar and the Alabama Bar, James is licensed to practice law in both states. James M Burns is a skilled, experienced and aggressive attorney admitted to practice in both Alabama and Florida. Attorney Burns has...

Helene B. Raisman has been practicing criminal law exclusively since 1985. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from the University of Miami in 1982 and she graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 1985. While in law school, Helene served as law clerk to the Honorable Circuit Court Judge Michael Salmon, Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida. She also completed a legal internship at the Dade County State Attorney’s Office where she was assigned to the DUI division. Following her internship, Helene began her legal career as a criminal defense attorney working at Essen &...

Attorney David M. Trontz is a criminal defense lawyer at the Miami legal office, Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A. With 24 years of experience and a background in prosecution, no case is too complex for Attorney Trontz to take on. In addition, Mr. Trontz has been selected for inclusion in Florida Trend’s Legal Elite—an honor reserved for only 2% of lawyers in the state. If you would like to learn more about the services Attorney Trontz may be able to provide you with, be sure to contact the office today.

Evan M. Gardiner is an attorney with the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns. He practices out of the firm's Gainesville, Florida law office. Mr. Gardiner received his B.A. from Flagler College (2013) and his J.D. from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law (2017).

Bryan McCarthy is an attorney who is dedicated to helping those accused of misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses throughout Central Florida. He has worked as an attorney in private practice and as a public defender, allowing him to represent hundreds of people in complex criminal cases with confidence.

Bryan earned his bachelor's degree in accounting from Florida State University in 2007 and his juris doctor at Syracuse University College of Law in New York in 2010. Soon after, he began working as an associate attorney at a local criminal defense firm.

During his tenure with the New York-based law office, Bryan wrote...

I have been practicing since 1991 as a criminal defense attorney in the South Florida area including Fort Lauderdale (Broward County), West Palm Beach (Palm Beach County) and Miami (Miami-Dade County). My number one priority is to provide the best defense for my client in a professional manner and at a reasonable rate. I personally handle and oversee each phase of your case to ensure your case is handled in the most efficient manner in order to obtain the best resolution.

Joseph “Trey” Flynn received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida, and went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton - School of Law in 2007. While in law school, Mr. Flynn served on the community service based St. Thomas More Society, while also serving as a board member and later president of the Entertainment and Sports Law Society. After graduating law school Mr. Flynn moved back to this hometown of Orlando, and went on to serve as an Assistant Public Defender for the Ninth Judicial Circuit. During his time as...

Jaya Balani is a partner with the NeJame Law Firm. Born and raised in the Orlando area. Ms. Balani earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Central Florida and later went on to earn her law degree from Florida A&M University College of Law in Orlando. Ms. Balani began her legal career as a Legal Intern with NeJame Law, a position she held during her last two years of law school. As an intern, Ms. Balani worked closely with all of the partners on a wide range of state and federal criminal cases. She demonstrated an impressive work...

Joseph M. Sternberg is a highly accomplished third-generation entrepreneur with a rich history of establishing and managing a range of businesses. Inspired by his grandfather and father's wholesale produce business, he imbibed the core values of hard work and perseverance from a young age. Being the first attorney in his family, Joseph's decision to pursue a legal career was deeply influenced by his older sister's life-altering car accident and the ensuing lawsuit against U-Haul, which ignited his passion for providing innovative solutions to his clients. During his time at the University of Miami School of Law, Joseph interned with the respected...

Attorney Tiffany V. Colbert, founder of Colbert Law, is a passionate advocate for the rights of her clients. She began her legal career serving as an Assistant Public Defender for the 9th Judicial Circuit and oversaw multiple aspects of the process, including initial investigations, trial planning and practice, discovery, and more. She has handled more than 1,000 criminal cases, including 30 misdemeanor and jury trials, and is well-known for fighting tirelessly for the best possible outcome. She has been honored with several awards throughout the years, including the Victor O. Wehle Award for Trial Advocacy during her time at Stetson...

Eric J Dirga has practice law in the Central Florida area since he was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1995. He spent four years with the Office of the State Attorney in the 9th Judicial Circuit before opening his own practice.

Since 2002, Eric J Dirga has focused his practice in three areas that all stem from his experience with criminal laws; criminal defense, criminal record expungements and sealings, and traffic related issues including tickets and criminal traffic crimes.

His extensive knowledge of sections 943.0585 and 943.059, Florida Statutes (Expungement and Sealing statutes) has made him one of the...

Francesca Kenney is an Of Counsel Criminal Defense attorney with the Central Florida law firm Bogin, Munns & Munns. Ms. Kenney's areas of practice include Criminal Defense, Traffic Defense, Records Sealing & Expungement, and Family Law. She received her J.D. from Florida A&M University College of Law in 2021, and her undergraduate degree from King’s College in 2019.

To tell a person’s story correctly, you need more than a few paragraphs. But I’ll briefly summarize my career path so far and tell you where Clint & Company is headed.

In 2010, I left Orlando for Miami to attend law school at Florida International University. I worked my way through law school at a boutique personal injury and criminal defense law firm. When I graduated, it was with a job at the renowned Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office, which produces talented lawyers like Roy Black and Jose Baez. That’s where I honed my jury trial skills for five grueling years. My...

Mr. Atcachunas was born and raised in South Plainfield, New Jersey. As a child and through his high school years, Mr. Atcachunas was an avid baseball player. Upon his graduation from South Plainfield High School in 1999, he earned the distinction of All-County, and All-Area Honorable Mention as a pitcher/designated hitter.
After high school, Mr. Atcachunas was accepted to The University of Tampa. While at UT, Mr. Atcachunas “walked-on” to the Spartan baseball team and played from 1999-2001. After two years of playing NCAA baseball, Mr. Atcachunas decided to become an attorney.
Mr. Atcachunas...

As a former prosecutor with the State Attorney’s Office for Orange and Osceola counties, I now put my experience as a trial attorney to work for my clients.

I'm proud to represent clients against all types of criminal charges. I provide compassionate, personalized attention to every case, with the aggressive representation needed to protect your rights and freedoms.

My experience as a prosecutor includes both felony and misdemeanor trials in Orange and Osceola counties. No case is too big or too small. I have handled 1st degree attempted murder, DUI manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident with death, robbery with...

Brian P. Byrd Brian has worked in two of the State Attorney's Offices in the State of Florida: first as a Certified Legal Intern in Tallahassee, Florida from 2011-2012, and second, as an Assistant State Attorney in Orange County, Florida from 2012-2015. This extensive experience provided Brian with the experience of handling several thousand criminal cases. This invaluable experience provides Brian the opportunity to evaluate the facts of a criminal rationally and with neutrality. Brian has prosecuted a variety of criminal cases, and has taken many cases to trial and through to a verdict....

I began my legal career in 1986 when I was in High School. I started as a receptionist and worked my way to becoming a legal secretary in a busy New York law firm. In 1990, I relocated back to Florida, working full time as a paralegal in Brevard County. I have personally worked on hundreds if not thousands of cases and even assisted in the courtroom during trials. But that wasn't enough--my passion for helping people became so overwhelming that I became an attorney. I obtained my undergraduate degrees with top honors and summa cum laude, and graduated...

My name is Terrence O'Sullivan. I have been practicing Criminal Defense since 2003. I have tried cases all over the State of Florida and in the United States District Courts throughout Florida.

I have handled 1000's of cases from misdemeanor marijuana to DUI to murder charges. I give every case my full attention. My career in Criminal Defense has shown that every case affects each client differently.

I have been in private practice as well as a public defender in South and Central Florida for 16 years. I have extensive trial experience throughout the State of Florida.

What sets...

Richard M. Adams, Esq., has been providing clients in Orlando and throughout Central Florida with outstanding legal guidance and representation for over 18 years. As managing partner of the Law Office of Adams, Luka, & Benton, P.A., Mr. Adams focuses his law career on providing skilled legal representation for individuals accused of a wide array of crimes including assault and battery, child abuse, DUI, drug offenses, sex crimes, theft, and more. In addition, Mr. Adams represents victims of negligence who have suffered injuries in auto accidents, motorcycle and trucking accidents, premises liability and wrongful death due to the negligence...

I have been practicing law for more than 35 years, including a five year stint as a circuit judge in the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
As an experienced litigator, in both state and federal court, I have aggressively represented clients at all levels of trial courts from criminal traffic matters to first degree murder charges. In the civil courts, I have represented clients in a range of cases involving contracts, business litigation, family matters, personal injury case, professional negligence matters (Medical Malpractice), defamation and cases involving fraud.
I have also had the pleasure of being the City Attorney for the...

I'm a South Florida criminal defense Attorney, Russell Bernstein. I've been advising and counseling clients charged with criminal offenses for nearly 23 years. I handle statewide traffic ticket defense, DWI/DUI defense, and criminal defense, including battery, juvenile law, and drug cases.

Call my office now for a free consultation!

Florida Criminal Defense Attorney - Dean Galigani With over 20 years of experience, I unwaveringly defend men, women, and juveniles facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. My litigation experience includes all practices of criminal law such as DUI, domestic violence, drug charges, theft, burglary, and violent crime. I use my expertise to create the best possible defense for each of my clients' needs. Regardless of how many times I fight a particular offense, I understand that every case is unique, and each client receives my dedicated attention. This is especially important since even the smallest details can strengthen a defense...

As an experienced trial lawyer, Kevin has handled more than 200 jury trials in the last 32 years. Although he has represented many clients charged with serious felony and capital offenses, a vast majority of his work involves defending citizens accused of DUI. Mr. Mawn is the recipient of the 2000 Brevard County Bar Association Professionalism Award and was a Master in the Vassar B. Carlton Inn of Court. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Bar Association and as chairman of the 18th Judicial Circuit Florida Bar Grievance Committee.

Attorney Amanda Kazzi is passionately committed to advocating for individuals facing legal challenges such as arrest, criminal charges, family law disputes, and estate planning and probate matters. Recognizing the complexity and gravity of these issues, she believes no one should navigate them alone. With Mrs. Kazzi, you can expect unwavering dedication and top-tier representation at every stage of the legal process. Mrs. Kazzi's journey into law began at a tender age, accompanying her grandfather to courtrooms where she developed a profound appreciation for justice and the intricacies of legal proceedings. Inspired by her grandfather's dedication to fairness, she pursued a legal...

Michelle Merson, Esq. graduated from Nova Southeastern University School of Law in 1992.
After working side by side with a prominent criminal defense attorney for 12 years on every type of criminal felony and misdemeanor cases, Michelle decided Misdemeanor crimes needed to be the focus of her practice. Misdemeanors and only misdemeanors. Why? “My experience has shown me that misdemeanor cases are routinely not given the priority they deserve,” Michelle explains. “I feel a need to provide these often forgotten clients with a high level of personal service and attention.”

Because she realizes that a person charged with a misdemeanor is...

Politis & Matovina, P.A. is proud to have David A. Shekhter as one of their esteemed Daytona Beach personal injury lawyers. Attorney Shekhter is a graduate of Stetson University College of Law and spent his internship under the wing of Chief Judge David Levy in the Florida 3rd District Court of Appeals. He has dedicated his career to pursuing personal injury cases as well as criminal defense and immigration law. Attorney Shekhter is a native of Daytona Beach and speaks English and Russian fluently. Call Politis & Matovina, P.A. today and schedule a free consultation with Attorney Shekhter.

I am a criminal defense attorney. To some, that means I am noble and honorable because I do something no one else wants to do. To others, I represent the world’s worst people and therefore must be one of them myself. To me, it means I wouldn’t want to live in a world where I only got a lawyer if my accusers liked me. I hope none of you ever needs me. But if you ever do, I will be there to stand next to you and tell your accusers to prove it; to tell...

At the Law Offices of Greg Rosenfeld, P.A., we provide aggressive representation to clients facing criminal charges. Attorney Rosenfeld was named in the 10 Best list for client satisfaction by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys (2016-2020), has been selected as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers 2016-2020, is a Florida Bar Leadership Academy Committee Member, was admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States of America (2017), and was chosen to the Wm. Reece Smith, Jr. Leadership Academy (2018-2020), which only 30 attorneys throughout Florida are selected to. Additionally, Mr. Rosenfeld is the Past President of the...

As a previous Broward County Special Unit Felony Prosecutor in the Sexual Battery Unit in the State Attorney's Office, Lawrence Michael Meltzer, Esquire, is a talented protection legal counselor who got his beginning on the opposite side of criminal law in the Fort Lauderdale territory, arraigning those blamed for violations. He now utilizes that information to battle for the privileges of those same Broward County people. In 1994, Mr. Meltzer moved on from American University in Washington, D.C., with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. In the wake of working in the private division for a long time,...

Steven Bell is a criminal defense attorney and partner at the law firm Meltzer & Bell, P.A. With extensive knowledge of the Florida court system, Bell represents clients with a range of criminal charges, including DUI, drug offenses, and violent crimes. After graduating magna cum laude from Nova Southeastern University Bell became licensed to practice law in the state of Florida in 2004. Immediately, he joined the Broward County Public Defender's Office in the Juvenile Division as an Assistant Public Defender. In just three short years Bell was placed in the Felony Division in 2007. ...

Former Assistant State Attorney in Palm Beach County and a US Air Force Retired Military Officer with 20 years in law enforcement. Graduated cum laude from the University of Maryland School of Law and have a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from the University of Maryland. As a former Prosecutor, I handled thousands of cases such as, Retail Thefts, Suspended License, Driving Under the Influence, Narcotics Possession, Grand Theft, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Attempted First Degree Murder. I have done over 50 trials before 10 different judges. I served as Division...

Attorney Larry Avallone is a Florida Bar Board Certified Criminal Trial Expert, a former Deputy Sheriff and a former State Prosecutor.

When you retain Larry Avallone to help you with your legal issue, you will have a Florida Bar Board Certified Criminal Trial Expert on your side. Additionally, he knows what the law enforcement officers and prosecutors are thinking from first-hand experience. Call today for a free consultation.

David Jancha received his JD from St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami, FL. While in law school, he worked as an intern at the State Attorney's Office, which provided him valuable exposure to the criminal trial process. After gaining admission to the FL Bar, he served as an Assistant Public Defender for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, where he defended more than 1,000 clients in both felony and misdemeanor cases. His experience working with both the 7th circuit state attorney's office and the 9th circuit public defender's office provided him with a vast understanding of the criminal justice system...

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...

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.

After his graduation from American University’s Washington College of Law, Miami attorney Antonio F. Valiente, Esq. began his legal career at the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office. There, he gained valuable insight and extensive experience over the course of six+ years. Between his time at the Public Defender’s Office & since founding Valiente, Carollo & McElligott, PLLC., he’s tried over 50 felony jury trials as lead counsel, dozens of misdemeanor jury trials, taken over one thousand depositions, & dozens of juvenile trials/adjudicatory hearings. Mr. Valiente’s experience encompasses everything from minor traffic-related misdemeanors to serious first-degree murder charges.