The Villages Criminal Lawyers

An experienced trial attorney, Robert Whittel provides his clients with strong, disciplined, results-oriented representation. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. Robert graduated from both law school and the United States Merchant Marine Academy with honors, and served on the esteemed Florida Law Review. Before co-founding Whittel & Melton, a full-service law firm, Robert gained valuable experience in the court room both serving as a former prosecutor and representing large corporations in complex litigation and transactional matters. Robert is devoted to fighting for his clients’ rights. He handles all types of criminal...

Mr. Klemawesch is an experienced and dedicated Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Attorney at Whittel & Melton. He provides comprehensive representation in both State and Federal Courts. Previously, Mr. Klemawesch worked as an Assistant State Attorney in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Pinellas County, Florida. He has extensive jury trial experience in both criminal and civil cases. Mr. Klemawesch is committed to diligent advocacy to protect his clients' rights and interests.

Mr. Klemawesch obtained his B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, and his M.B.A. from the University of South Florida. In 2003, he received his J.D. from the University of Florida....

Prior to joining Whittel & Melton, Mr. Sheslow served as an Assistant Public Defender in Manatee County, Florida. Mr. Sheslow accumulated an impressive trial record while with the Public Defender’s Office. He was quickly promoted from a Misdemeanor to Felony case load in less than 10 months. Mr. Sheslow has tried over 20 cases ranging from DUIs and Domestic Batteries to life felonies. He has earned acquittals in serious cases such as firearms offenses and sex offenses. Additionally, Mr. Sheslow completed the National Criminal Defense Lawyers College held at Mercer College of Law in Macon, Georgia, where he learned from...

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...

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. I have been a Florida Trial Lawyer since 1971 when I had my first jury trial in Gainesville, and I have been in and out of the courtroom ever since. As a Trial Lawyer I enjoy helping people get their lives back together after a serious accident or an arrest. I consider myself an expert in negotiating settlements as well as trying cases in the courtroom. I have the determination and experience to go head to head with the big and powerful insurance companies that try to take advantage...

Lenny was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1996. Lenny worked as an Assistant State Attorney (prosecutor) for over seven years. During this time, he prosecuted thousands of cases, supervised a staff of other attorneys and conducted numerous jury trials. Lenny knows how prosecutors think and how to speak their language. After leaving the State Attorney’s Office, Lenny worked for a prestigious Plaintiff’s law firm that practiced in the areas of Medical Malpractice/ Nursing Home Abuse/ and Personal Injury law. Lenny has been in private practice since 2004 representing people who have been accused of crimes or have been seriously injured...

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...

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...

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®...

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...

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...

Charles D. Fantl has been protecting the legal rights of Central Floridians for over a quarter century in both state and federal courts in the areas of criminal, personal injury and family law. Many of his clients have had exceptional results in the more than 100 jury and judge trials, along with his experience bringing motions and appeals.

Attorney Stephanie Modica is a native of Clermont, Florida. Stephanie attended the University of Florida (Go Gators!) graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Subsequently, she earned her Juris Doctor, Cum Laude from Roger Williams University School of Law where she was a participant in the Honors Program and Assistant editor of the Law Review.

Stephanie began her career as a Judicial Staff Attorney in Lake County for the Honorable Don F. Briggs, Honorable Mark A. Nacke, Honorable Michael G. Takac, and Honorable James Baxley. As Staff Attorney in both Circuit & County Court, Ms. Modica developed extensive knowledge...

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...

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...

With more than 22 years of experience, LGL partner Jeremy Lasnetski focuses his practice on criminal defense and immigration law. Mr. Lasnetski works in the Jacksonville office of Lasnetski Gihon Law. He handles criminal cases in both State and Federal courts and has tried more than 70 criminal trials in both State and Federal court. He also represents immigration clients filing for greencards, asylum, naturalization, and more. He is a frequent speaker on criminal and immigration issues, has hosted a criminal law podcast, is a board member on the American Immigration Lawyer's Association Central Florida Chapter,...

MEMBER OF THE FLORIDA & NORTH CAROLINA BAR With almost 20 years of experience, George Trovato has acquired the knowledge and the skills to provide effective and aggressive representation. GRADUATE OF BARRY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW He also earned The Masters of Law from Regent University School of Law. Honored by the cities of Deltona, Orange City and Port Orange. HONORED BY FLORIDA SUPREME COURT 10 YEARS IN A ROW FOR PRO-BONO WORK FOR HIS COMMUNITY Champion for hands-on classroom training & apprenticeships. SUPPORTS THE COUNCIL ON AGING George is a leader in his community and always...

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....

I was named 2018 DUI Gladiator of the Year by the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

I was one of 6 people in the State of Florida and the only DUI defense lawyer in the State of Florida that was asked by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to assist in writing the FDLE DUI curriculum.

I was named a Special Prosecutor by the State of Florida to argue DUI cases in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Volusia, Brevard, Hernando, Marion, Alachua, Broward, Lee, Collier and Monroe counties.

I was named a Lead DUI Prosecutor by the Orange/Osceola County State Attorney’s Office (9th...

Richard Hornsby is a third generation Central Floridian and a second generation criminal defense lawyer. In addition to his law degree from the University of Florida, he also holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida and a master's degree in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, with a concentration in Forensic Science, from the University of Florida. He is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by the Florida Bar and Board Certified in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He serves as the Legal Analyst for the Central Florida...

People facing criminal charges need more than just a person to appear for them in court and take whatever the prosecutor gives them as a plea deal. They need an attorney not only with skill and experience, but the tenacity to fight for justice and their rights. The life altering consequences of a conviction demand it.

My name is Rose Feller and Feller Law, P.A. is a practice based upon those ideals. My mission is to work under the presumption of innocence, to aggressively protect your rights, and to facilitate a just resolution to your legal situation.

A native Floridian, I have...

Attorney Leanna Smith is a criminal defense lawyer with nearly two decades of experience in the courtroom. As a former Volusia County prosecutor, Attorney Smith knows what it takes to effectively advocate for the defense of her clients—no matter what the situation may be. Whether you need a DUI attorney, a lawyer to defend you against drug charges, or dedicated, solid defense against any other felony or misdemeanor offense, Attorney Smith can help.

As a former Assistant State Attorney in Orange and Osceola County, I have the unique experience to understand both sides of a criminal Law. I have been practicing Criminal Law in Central Florida since 2003.

Moses and Rooth Attorneys at Law is a Criminal Defense Law firm handling both State and Federal cases.

We offer a free consultation to answer all your questions and provide advice on how to proceed with your case.

John Tolley is a former Prosecutor & Insurance Defense lawyer licensed in the States of New York, Florida, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Mr. Tolley has tried over 45 criminal and civil jury trials. He is the co-owner and a partner in JT Law Firm where he represents clients in disputes regarding homeowner's insurance claims and criminal defense. Mr. Tolley attended Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor in 2014. While in law school, Mr. Tolley was an active member of the Nova Trial Association and the Moot Court Society, representing his law school in...

I've been helping people with criminal accusations since 1993. My law firm helps good folks in all kinds of bad situations, ranging from serious felonies to misdemeanors. Let us help get your life back together.

Michael is a life long Florida native, born in a solid blue-collar suburb. From a young age Michael understood the value of hard work, learning with his father in the construction industry. His sense of service and commitment to helping others inspired him to join the military shortly after 9/11. Michael supported combat search-and-rescue and counter-terrorism operations as a United States Air Force airborne radio operator aboard H/C-130/p aircraft, where he learned many life lessons and values that he takes with him throughout his law practice. Michael is a fighter who voluntarily deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, North Africa,...

I'm a criminal defense attorney advocating for the rights of those accused of crimes throughout Central Florida. My law firm is exclusively devoted to criminal law so I am able to focus all of my attention on this complex area of practice. My prior experience as an Assistant State Attorney in Orange County has given me insight into how the prosecution will view the case and relationships to facilitate the negotiation of plea agreements that are beneficial to my clients. When negotiation isn't getting anywhere, I know when it's time to go to trial!

Bill's practice is focused on providing his clients with the "second chance" they deserve. As a personal injury and criminal defense attorney, Bill has dedicated his practice to helping his clients begin their journey towards a new and better life - a life they can begin as masters of their own destiny, not merely as victims of circumstance.

Bill has helped numerous people, who have been caught making mistakes and found themselves entrenched in the Criminal Justice system, get a second chance by getting their charges dropped, reduced, or potential sentences mitigated. In many cases, he also has given them the...

O'Brien Hatfield, PA is a criminal defense law firm that focuses on nationwide federal criminal defense and statewide criminal defense and criminal appeals. Attorney Mark J. O'Brien is the firm's founder and managing partner. He handles federal criminal cases in federal criminal courts statewide and in federal criminal courts throughout the United States. Formerly a Miami prosecutor, Mark is now widely lauded by federal judges and federal prosecutors as one of the best federal defense attorneys in the country. Mark is so in demand that his office is often an airplane with a WiFi connection. Despite reaching such great heights, Mark...

As a former Assistant State Attorney in Daytona Beach I handled over 5,000 cases. Working as a prosecuting attorney gave me a great deal of experience in DUI, theft, domestic violence, battery, assault, driving while license suspended, juvenile crimes, drug charges, misdemeanors, motions to suppress, motions in limine, traffic tickets and trial advocacy. I was exposed to numerous criminal defense strategies. This experience taught me what works and what issues The State Attorney's office faces when trying to prove their case. As a former member of the Big 12 championship Nebraska Cornhusker football team I have the mental and physical...

Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law, AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, 10/10 Rating from Avvo.com. Former Prosecutor with experience in more than 100 civil and criminal jury trials. Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Injunctions and Family Law cases. Graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law with High Distinction in Trial Advocacy, Order of Barristers. Bachelor's Degree from the University of Miami School of Business.

John Watson is a trial attorney for the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns, P.A. He specializes in Personal Injury cases including Automobile & Motorcycle Accidents, Criminal Defense, Premises Liability (Slip & Falls), Negligence, and Wrongful Death. Mr. Watson has tried over 40 jury trials in his career. He had the highest individual jury conviction rate in the 2013 & 2014 Brevard County Court while working as a prosecutor. He is a graduate of the University of Utah (B.A., 2007) and received his J.D. from the Ave Maria School of Law in Miami,...

My promise to you is simple: I will provide you with the best, honest, efficient, and personal legal services you can ask for. I will keep you informed about your options and phases of your case, will fiercely protect your rights, make sure that no one takes advantage of you or your situation, and advocate for you until justice prevails.

I was born and raised in the lovely island of Puerto Rico. However, I have been a long time resident of the Central Florida area for many years now. Although the practice of law is my job, I am fortunate...