Venus Criminal Lawyers

Jessica Mishali is a resident of Boca Raton, where she lives with her husband and two children. Her main office is in West Palm Beach; she has an additional office in Fort Lauderdale. Jessica graduated, cum laude, from Touro Law School in 2006, where she was a research editor on the Law Review, A Research Assistant and a Teaching Assistant. She has worked in the Florida legal system ever since graduation. Jessica is currently with the Law Office of Stephen J. Press, a trusted and respected West Palm Beach law firm that has been skillfully advocating for its clients for...

Larry Sandefer has handled well over 5,000 criminal cases. Over 250 of these have resulted in jury trials of from one day to several weeks in length. These trials have included numerous first degree murder cases, multi-jurisdictional drug and homicide conspiracies, drug trafficking, sales and possessions, sexual battery, lewdness and exposure charges, arson, white collar crimes including trade secrets and fraud, robbery, theft, assault and battery, domestic violence, traffic deaths, DUI, resisting arrest, shoplifting, abuse allegations of children and the elderly, embezzlement, insurance fraud, burglary, kidnaping, and many other criminal charges. Mr. Sandefer has been honored with the...

As a Partner of the Law Offices of Russo Pelletier & Sullivan, I limit my practice of law to represent only those clients charged with criminal offenses and DUIs. Both I and my partner Tim Sullivan are former state prosecutors. My experience as an Assistant State Attorney with the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida has given me invaluable legal knowledge and insight into the strategies and tactics often used by prosecutors in trying criminal cases. This experience allows myself and Mr. Sullivan to develop unique, creative strategies in an effort to obtain the best possible outcome in each and every...

Timothy W. Weber is Board Certified in Appellate Practice and practices in the areas of appellate law, civil and commercial litigation, business litigation, employment and labor, civil rights and education, land use and real estate, criminal, and family. He represents clients in state and federal courts at both the trial and appeal levels. Before co-founding the firm, Tim was a shareholder at Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & Wein, P.A. in St. Petersburg for 16 years. He has been board certified in Appellate Practice since 2004 and has been selected as a SuperLawyer every year since 2014. He has also...

Zahra S. Umansky is an Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer and Managing Partner of The Umansky Law Firm, along with her husband William Umansky. She has over 20 years of experience handling all types of criminal cases, including assault, DUI, domestic violence, theft & burglary, sexual assault, probation violations and more. Prior to The Umansky Law Firm, Zahra was an Assistant Public Defender in the 18th judicial circuit in Brevard and Seminole Counties. As a former Public Defender, Zahra handled over 100 felony and misdemeanor trials. She was able to secure a countless number of acquittals, protecting her...

I represent clients charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses throughout the Tampa Bay area. I am a member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL), and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). I graduated with Honors from the University of Florida College of Law in Gainesville, Florida, in 1999, and served as Vice Chair on the Executive Board for the UF Justice Campbell Thornal Moot Court Board. I completed internships at the State Attorney's Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit prosecuting cases in the felony division, and the United States Attorney's...

David fights tirelessly for the criminally accused in both State and Federal Court in Florida, having tried over 40 jury trials and successfully defended more than 1,000 clients. He graduated as a Merit Scholar from the Fordham University School of Law in Manhattan, New York and has been recognized as one of the top 40 criminal defense attorneys under the age of 40 in Florida by the National Trial Lawyers. With a long-time passion for competition, creative conflict resolution, and the art of persuasion, the arena of criminal justice is where David can best fulfill his dream of spend every day...

Brian Palacios Law is a Criminal Defense Firm located in Tampa, Florida. A Criminal Defense Attorney and former State Prosecutor, Mr. Palacios is an experienced Trial Attorney with a deep knowledge base in all areas of Criminal Defense. He personally handles each case, securing favorable outcomes for his clients and tirelessly advocating for the just and fair treatment they deserve. Mr. Palacios has handled thousands of criminal cases across a broad range of practice areas from DUI's to Murder. Mr. Palacios is an experienced and skilled Criminal Defense Attorney, who will advocate on your behalf to secure the best possible...

Frank Fernandez has been practicing law for over 26 years in the Tampa Bay area and Hillsborough County. In 1992 he received his undergraduate degree from St. Louis University, which he attended under a full academic scholarship. He received his law degree from the Florida State University College of Law in 1995 and became a member of he Florida Bar later that year. Frank has appeared on behalf of his clients at the trial and appellate level in Federal and State courts all throughout Florida. He has dedicated his legal career to specialize in Personal Injury and Criminal Defense. As a personal injury lawyer, Frank...

We are O’Brien Hatfield, PA, a criminal defense law firm with offices in Tampa, Orlando, and Miami. I am an equity partner. I am a statewide recognized criminal defense attorney with over fifteen years of experience in state criminal courts. I head the state criminal defense division. I am a licensed member of the Bar of the State of Florida (2009). My law firm consists of five lawyers, four legal assistants, two private investigators, one sentencing mitigation specialist, and numerous third party experts who assist on a case by case basis. We have three divisions in our firm: federal criminal...

Jason Reid began his career in Florida in 2006 with the Office of the Public Defender for the Ninth Circuit. Jason Reid moved to the Tampa Bay area joining a local lawyer firm in 2012. Jason Reid decided to take his dedication to his client's cases with a hands on approach at The Reid Firm in 2019.

Jason Reid is Board Certified Criminal Trial, Appellate, Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation lawyer with experience in all areas going back to at least 2012.

The Reid Firm is located in Bradenton, and handles cases frequently in Sarasota and Tampa. We are a...

Nichelle Womble loves people and is passionate about advocating for human rights and diligently representing her clients in various kinds of lawsuits. She serves as an Attorney with Counsel in the American Islamic Relations office in Philadelphia, representing clients on criminal, civil rights, and civil law matters with a laudable winning rate. She fiercely fights for justice and equality. As a litigation associate Ms. Womble offers legal advice and handles cases including criminal law/trials, sports/business, civil rights, police brutality, workplace discrimination, wage violations, labor rights violations, sexual assault, unlawful imprisonment, juvenile & family law, student defense/title ix, etc. Prior to attending law...

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.

Been practicing Criminal law, nearly exclusively, for over 25 years. Ran the Public Defender's office in late 80's, then had 18 year partnership at Kirschner & Garland, P.A. Now in solo practice in Fort Pierce on the Indian River; Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer continually since 1994. Martindale-Hubbell AV rated. 5/5. AVVO rated 10/10. We also handle complex property distribution family law cases, as well as serious injuries. Same talented, courteous and competent staff for 17 years.

I am a Florida criminal defense lawyer passionate about helping those charged with serious misdemeanor and felony offenses. My legal background includes several years as an assistant state attorney. Working throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, I bring forth a client-focused legal representation.

James A. Fowler Jr. is the co-founder and managing partner of Fowler Law Group. James draws upon his diverse criminal law experiences to defend adults and juveniles involved in all types of criminal law matters, including federal and state crimes, DUI offenses, driver’s license suspensions and traffic cases. He is a native of Sarasota County and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida.

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...

CARING ADVOCATE DEDICATED HELPING TO FAMILIES NAVIGATE THROUGH LEGAL CHALLENGES, Former Prosecutor. Call now for a Free 15 minute Consultation! Laura Kenney is an experienced Palm Beach County Family Law and Criminal Defense attorney dedicated to helping those in matters such Divorce, Alimony, Child Custody, Child Support, Adoption and Domestic Violence. Call today for more information!

Ronald W. Chapman is the owner of Chapman Law Group and has been practicing law for over 25 years in Michigan and Florida. He is AV® Rated. Ron is a recognized leader in the legal community and a frequent speaker in the area of medical malpractice and risk management. In 1997 Ron was ranked as one of the top ten speakers for Skillpath, Inc. Ron graduated from California State University, Sacramento (BA, Cum Laude 1979), University of Southern California School of Administration (MPA 1980) and Wayne State Law School (JD 1984). After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the United States Air...

Summer Goldman is an experienced criminal attorney representing individuals facing criminal charges. Ms. Goldman started her legal career as a prosecutor in the State Attorney’s Office in Pinellas County. During her time there, she handled thousands of cases from the initial investigation with law enforcement through sentencing.

Attorney Goldman left her position as a prosecutor in 2004 and started working as a criminal defense attorney. In 2009, she co-founded Goldman Wetzel, a criminal defense law firm based in St. Petersburg, Florida.

As a criminal defense laywer, Ms. Goldman is skilled in Federal and State serious felony charges including sex offenses,...

Kai Li Aloe Fouts is the owner of the law firm of Eisenberg & Fouts, P.A., located in West Palm Beach, Florida. Ms. Fouts practices exclusively in the area of criminal defense in both state and federal courts and has an AV Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubble. Ms. Fouts graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1991 and graduated from Syracuse University, College of Law, in New York in 1995. After working for four years at the Office of the Public Defender, Ms. Fouts went into private practice with James L. Eisenberg, P.A. In 2003, Ms. Fouts was named...

EXPERIENCE MATTERS! Since 1985, attorney Richard G. Canina has been practicing exclusively criminal defense in Brevard County, FL. Mr. Canina graduated with Honors from The University Of Florida at age 20, obtaining a B.A. in criminal justice. He later attended Stetson University College of Law, where he received his Juris Doctorate. While at Stetson, Mr. Canina served as Vice President of Sigma Nu Phi Legal Fraternity and successfully completed an internship with the Office of The Public Defender, Sixth Judicial Circuit. After graduating from law school Mr. Canina took a position with the Brevard County Public Defender’s Office, where...

Brigitta Hawkins is an Of Counsel attorney with the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns. Her primary areas of practice are Social Security Disability and Workers’ Compensation. She received her B.A. from University of Central Florida (2002) and her J.D. from the Florida A&M College of Law (2006).

Ms. Hawkins is the recipient of Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award 2017 for the 18th Judicial Circuit and the Florida Association for Women Lawyers Leader in Law Award, along with several awards for her pro bono work.

Chad Piotrowski – the former dogged Assistant State Attorney for Miami-Dade – opened his private practice: Piotrowski Law, currently located in downtown Miami, Florida in 2010. With an extensive and storied background in prosecuting some of the toughest cases in the criminal circuit court, Piotrowski’s venture revolutionized the methods employed for tactical client representation. Chad began his legal career in Wilmington, Delaware by obtaining his J.D. from Widener University School of Law. Criminal defense came naturally, as evidenced by the Certificate of Achievement he was awarded for academic excellence in an advanced Criminal Procedure course. Piotrowski’s nonpareil desire for excellence has...

Maj: pronounced like the first syllable of "Magic" Vasigh: pronounced "Va-sigh" Most people go through life thinking they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. And many of them never will. But sometimes, a regular, decent, professional person - a teacher, college student, nurse, or fellow lawyer - will find themselves in a situation they never thought they'd be in. That's when they call Maj Vasigh, a criminal defense attorney in Tampa who is an expert in criminal defense litigation. Though he represents people from all walks of life the majority of his clientele aren't the type of "hard criminals"...

Stephanie Boomershine is an Of Counsel Attorney with the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns. She specializes in Intellectual Property including Portfolio Development & Maintenance, Planning & Strategy Management, Responses & Negotiation, and Litigation; Criminal Defense; and Traffic Defense. She received both her B.S. (2004) and her J.D. (2007) from the University of Florida.

Ms. Boomershine has appeared in federal courts within the United States and in Puerto Rico. She is a former public defender and speaks fluent Spanish. In her spare time, she enjoys running marathons and spending time with her family.

For more than 3 decades David Olson has passionately advocated for the accused, utilizing his compassion and experience to enable successful results. This letter from former Federal Judge and current United States Congressman Alcee L. Hastings is emblematic of Mr. Olson's reputation and abilities: "Dear Mr. Olson: I am writing to congratulate you on being selected to the 2015 list as a member of the Nation's Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. Your years of honorable service to our profession make you an excellent choice...

I am William Wallshein, founder of the West Palm Beach law firm William Wallshein, P.A. I began my legal career in 1984, working as a prosecutor in the state attorney’s office in West Palm Beach.

In 1990, I left that position and founded this law firm. At that time, the firm focused on two areas of law: criminal defense and family law. Today, that focus remains. My firm and my staff are dedicated to helping the people of South Florida when they need it most.

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...

Marc A. Joseph, P.A. has defended thousands of clients and prosecuted none. Unlike former prosecutors, I have never worked one day to put someone in jail or prison. I will provide the level of uncompromising legal representation that makes a difference in my ability to help my clients avoid criminal convictions and maximum penalties for the offenses they have been accused of committing. Marc A. Joseph is passionate about protecting the rights of the accused in Florida criminal cases! Many defendants are wrongly accused, others know they have made mistakes, but look for an attorney who will...

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...

Christopher Hersem is an attorney in the Clearwater, Florida, area. He was born and raised here, and has practiced law for fifteen years in the area. His advocacy for clients has helped clients overcome criminal charges, traffic tickets, and personal injuries for more than a decade. Attorney Christopher Hersem started his career with an undergraduate education at the University of Florida. After this, he studied law at Stetson University College of Law, with a concentration in advocacy. He was also a member of many organizations at this time. He was named in Who’s Who of American Law Schools. He also...

Attorney Jeff Paulk is a criminal defense lawyer at the Tampa law firm of Thomas & Paulk, P.A. Throughout his career, Jeff has handled more than 3,500 criminal cases, and many jury trials. Jeff is a Florida native and graduate of Stetson College of Law. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1998 and the Federal Bar in 2001.

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...

Nicole has resided in the Tampa Bay area for the last 20 years. She majored in criminology while attending Saint Leo University and interned with the United States Secret Service.

Upon graduation, Nicole attended Stetson University College of Law in Pinellas County, where she concentrated on trial advocacy. While attending school, she interned with the State Attorney’s Office for Pinellas County.

After law school, Nicole became the Assistant State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit for Pinellas County. During the three years, she was employed at the State Attorney’s Office, she prosecuted misdemeanors to serious crimes.

Nicole served as a...

Andrew Tetreault (pronounced Tay-tro) grew up all over the United States, though spending most of his life in the Midwest and the South. Andrew attended college at Ohio Wesleyan University, just outside of Columbus, Ohio, and received a Bachelor's degree as a double major. After college, Andrew enrolled at Tulane University Law School in New Orleans, Louisiana. During the fall of 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused a disaster in New Orleans and Tulane was shut down for the entire fall semester. In order to graduate law school on time, Andrew enrolled as a visiting student at the University of Florida College of...

Wes Trombley is a partner with Trombley & Hanes, P.A., concentrating in the areas of both criminal and civil litigation. Wes is a lifelong resident of Tampa, Florida, and graduated from Jesuit High School, the University of South Florida with a Business Marketing Degree, and Stetson University College of Law. As a law student and prior to becoming a member of the Florida Bar, Wes served in the 13th Judicial Circuit for Hillsborough County, Florida as a Judicial Intern and a Florida Supreme Court Certified Intern Prosecutor and he served for the 6th Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida...

Dominic J. Baccarella is a divorce and family law attorney and criminal defense lawyer. He has earned an AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest rating available for attorneys for legal ability and ethical standards. Prior to opening Baccarella & Baccarella, P.A., Mr. Baccarella worked as an assistant professor for the Legal Assistance program at Hillsborough Community college and as the Assistant State Attorney for the State of Florida. In 1989–1990, he was a certified contract advisor to National Football League (NFL) players. In addition to providing clients with zealous and thorough representation in divorce, family law and...

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...