Welaka Criminal Lawyers

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...

Barbara has practiced criminal defense in Alachua County and the Eighth Judicial Circuit since 1984, handling criminal matters including murder, manslaughter, dui/vehicular manslaughter, possession, sale and trafficking in drugs, robbery, burglary, grand theft, forgery, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, gun crimes, and numerous other felony and misdemeanor offenses. Before joining DeThomasis & Buchanan, P.A. in 2001, Barbara practiced criminal law as an assistant Public Defender for the 8th Judicial Circuit for over sixteen years. Barbara was a member of the defense team for Danny Harold Rolling from 1992 through his capital murder sentencing proceeding in February of 1994. She is a past...

As an attorney for almost 20 years, I have learned the ins-and-outs of the criminal justice process, defending hundreds of clients against misdemeanor and felony criminal charges. I have experience defending individuals charged with civil crimes and representation in higher courts for the appellant, as well. I have been a member of the Florida community for over 15 years, attending the University of Florida Law School and admitted to the State Bar of Florida in 1992. As such, I gained significant knowledge and agility in the Florida legal system. I was a former attorney for...

I grew up in the Dr. Phillips area of Orlando, Florida from age seven until I left for college. After graduating law school, I have worked in both the public and private sectors, as a criminal prosecutor for five years and in-house counsel for a private equity group, respectively, culminating in my opening my own practice. For most of my services I can serve all Florida counties and have experience in all stages of litigation, from negotiation to jury trial. I will give it all I have for my clients, so contact me today!

I'm a lifetime resident of the greater Daytona Beach area. I have also practiced my entire legal career, spanning more than 35 years, in Volusia County, Florida. Many clients have never been arrested or exposed to the criminal justice system. As a criminal defense lawyer, it is important for the clients to understand every step of the process and also trust that their attorney will work hard for them. My goal has always been to protect the rights and futures of my clients.

Graduate of Fla State University and College of Law
Past President Volusia Criminal Defense Lawyers (11 Yrs)
Member of...

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...

DeLand Attorney Richard "Jake" Jackson has been in private practice in Volusia County, Florida since 1985. Practice areas include Criminal Law, Adoptions, Juvenile & Family Law, Civil Cases, Estate Planning and Probate. CRIMINAL LAW: As a criminal defense lawyer with over 25 years experience in State and Federal Court, Jake Jackson has extensive experience handling drug cases, DUI's, violent crimes, property crimes, and sex offenses. Mr. Jackson is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. ADOPTIONS: As an adoption attorney and intermediary, Jake Jackson provides professional and compassionate service to birth mothers and adoptive families for both...

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...

Practicing in Volusia County since 1983, Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer since 1989, national Trial Lawyers Top 100 Criminal Defense attorneys, Certified Mediator, Airline Transport Pilot, Masters in Aviation Safety, Adjunct Asst. professor, ERAU. Aviation litigation, personal injury, wrongful death, motorcycle accident, Truck accident, aircraft disaster, premises liability, dog bites, slip and fall, products, medical malpractice.

Attorney Lakeena “Keena” Gillion is a skilled family law attorney specializing in divorce, child custody, timesharing, modifications, injunctions, and other family law matters. With a deep commitment to helping families navigate challenging legal situations, she offers a compassionate yet assertive approach to securing her clients’ best interests. Attorney Gillion brings a comprehensive understanding of family dynamics and legal complexities, combining her legal expertise with a genuine passion for helping individuals and families in need of resolution and closure during emotional and difficult times. Having practiced in various areas of law, Attorney Gillion has developed a strong reputation for her work 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.

Joseph C. Warren has handled thousands of criminal cases and has over 25 years of experience in criminal trial practice. During his years of practice, Mr. Warren has represented many clients in criminal cases in both Circuit and County Courts.

Before joining the Musca Law Firm, Mr. Warren worked both as a prosecutor and defense attorney. As a prosecutor, Mr. Warren handled all types of criminal cases including Governor assignment cases in Brevard, Sumter, and Marion counties.

As a criminal defense attorney, Mr. Warren has defended the accused in every phase of the case, from intake through trial. Mr. Warren...

Patrick Harris is a retired judge (2003-2015) now serving as a lawyer in Central Florida. His practice focus includes Criminal, Traffic and DUI Defense, Mental Health (Baker Acts, Guardianship), Education Law (school suspensions, expulsions and disciplinary actions), Administrative Law, Small Business Law, and Child and Family Law. His 25 years of legal experience, both as a trial attorney and a judge, gives him the Legal Knowledge and Practical Wisdom to give Trusted Advice on a wide range of legal issues.

During his tenure on the bench, Mr. Harris presided over a docket that consisted of both criminal and civil cases....

Brooklyn, NY born, and Daytona Beach raised, Serena is a seasoned litigator who has practiced law in Florida since 2006. Serena began her legal career prosecuting criminal cases as an Assistant State Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit before going on to represent the best interest of Florida’s abused, neglected, and abandoned children as a Senior Guardian ad Litem Attorney in Volusia County. Serena then focused on practicing Family Law for several years, representing clients in dissolution of marriage, paternity, modification, and injunction for protection actions before joining the Family Law Practice Group at the Rice Law Firm. Serena earned her...

We are a full service, boutique law firm, offering personalized service tailored to each clients needs. At the Law Offices of Amanda C. Micallef, P.A we understand that each clients situation is different and our goal is to obtain the best possible outcome for each and every client. Big or small, simple or complex, your legal issue is important to us.

This trial focused practice has the goals of delivering quality legal services, providing to clients personal services while developing strong, trusted relationships through effective communication, analysis, planning and litigation skills seeking the best result possible.

Veronica Arenas graduated Cum Laude from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2007. Prior to that she worked as a certified court interpreter in the state of Florida. Her experience as a court interpreter sparked her interest in the practice of law as she realized how much people need help in order to navigate the judicial system. She is there to help. If she takes your case it’s because she knows she can help you. With over eight years of experience in criminal defense and immigration law, Veronica has successfully represented clients in a wide range...

I started my career in the Office of the State Attorney-Fourth Judicial Circuit as a prosecutor in Clay County, Florida. From there, I began working in private practice at Luke Law- focusing on criminal law defense.

I use the training and experience I learned as prosecutor to make sure my clients get the aggressive, creative, and passionate defense they deserve.

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...

Gainesville Criminal Defense Attorney Michael Buchanan has been practicing criminal law in the Ganesville, Florida, area for more than 25 years. He is a former president of the Eighth Judicial Circuit chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Robert Stepniak earned his law degree at South Texas College of Law. He spent over a decade in the U.S. Army and ended with the military career as a Captain. He has been practicing law for over fifteen years, including at large law firms in Florida. But in the last several years, Mr. Stepniak turned his efforts to starting his own practice, where he is able to dedicate more of his personal attention to each client. Mr. Stepniak is committed to making sure that each client receives customized solutions and responsive advocacy to their legal needs.

Mr. Whittington has practiced law for over 16 years exclusively devoted to family and criminal law. He has handled a wide array of criminal & family law cases throughout the state of Florida. He is a skilled trial lawyer who is capable of negotiating a just and fair agreement when necessary. Mr. Whittington and his partner, Bruce Culbert, practice law from their office in Green Cove Springs directly behind the Clay County Courthouse and the practice focues on Clay, Duval, Putnam & St. Johns counties.

Christina (Christy) Opsahl is a criminal defense attorney practicing in St. Johns, Putnam, Flagler, Duval, Volusia, and Clay Counties. Christy is a former prosecutor with 15 years of criminal trial experience. Christy has extensive trial experience in all areas of criminal law including misdemeanors, felonies, DUIs, drug offenses, driving offenses, domestic batteries, homicides, financial crimes, and violent crimes. Christy has tried over 100 cases and has put in thousands of trial hours.

Law Office of Christina J. Opsahl is a results oriented firm to help you when faced with criminal accusations. Every individual...

Stephanie K. Heimann received her Juris Doctor in 2013 from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law, where she received the Barrister’s Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy and was a founding member of the International Criminal Court Moot Court Team.

Stephanie has clerkship experience in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, The Superior Court of Pennsylvania, and she held a clerkship at the Federal Criminal Court of Switzerland. Before joining the Lento Law Group, Stephanie worked as an intelligence analyst for the City of New York in the Sheriff's Bureau of Criminal Investigation investigating financial...

Attorney Carlos J. Vidal-Collazo employs his knowledge and skills as a lawyer to protect the interests of adults and children that have been arrested or accused of a criminal offense. He has always taken pride in being a straightforward, honest, and fair lawyer with an outstanding work ethic. With an office in DeLand, Mr. Vidal fights criminal allegations in Volusia County and its surrounding areas.

Born in Saint Louis, Missouri, I moved to Florida in 2003 in order to obtain my law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law. I met my wife in 2006 and wife we eventually settled down in beautiful Saint Augustine, Florida. However, I still stick to my Saint Louis roots and am fanatical about my Saint Louis Cardinals baseball team. I graduated from Law School in 2006 and immediately joined the ranks as an Assistant State Attorney practicing in both the 7th Judicial Circuit (Counties: Saint Johns, Flagler, Putnam, and Volusia) and the 4th Judicial Circuit (Counties: Duval, Nassau...

Originally from New York City, Angelique made her way down to Florida and attended Florida Coastal Law School. She became an Assistant State Attorney, prosecuting various criminal offenses in the 5th Judicial Circuit.

In 2008, She left the State Attorney's office to join The Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel for the 5th District.

Now with over 13 years of trial experience, she is ready to defend all who need her help.

Attorney Christopher L. Dunham is a native of Ocala, Florida who is committed to providing the community with exceptional representation against criminal charges. He earned his Juris Doctor from the Florida University College of Law and is licensed to practice by the Florida State Bar. Before opening his own firm, Attorney Dunham served as a prosecutor for the Fifth Judicial Circuit at the State Attorney’s Office. This invaluable experience helped him understand the strategies used by the prosecution during criminal trials, which enables him to prepare comprehensive defenses to effectively challenge his clients’ charges. Attorney Dunham is a skilled trial...

Founding partner Joshua Silverman is a 2001 graduate of the University of Florida College of Law in Gainesville and an experienced former prosecutor with the Florida State Attorney’s Office in Gainesville. Mr. Silverman brings a wide variety of legal experience to the firm, having worked extensively during his five years as a state prosecutor in the areas of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual offenses. In addition, he handled various criminal matters ranging from routine crimes to more serious misdemeanors and felonies, such as cases involving DUIs and homicides. As an experienced litigator, Mr. Silverman’s...

Member of north central Florida community for over twenty-five years, deep committment to justice, and zealous and caring representation of all clients.

After completing her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Michigan, Attorney Rebecca Sonalia received her Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law, graduating cum laude. She is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida and the State of Michigan. Criminal defense law involves helping people through very traumatic times in their life. Attorney Sonalia takes this aspect of her profession very seriously. Her compassionate nature and diligence in keeping her clients informed has truly been an asset to the success of the firm. Musca Law clients have consistently expressed their gratitude...