DeSoto County Lawyers

Dual-licensed attorney in Kentucky and Florida representing individuals and organizations in state and federal civil and criminal matters.

Former prosecutor and former public defender.

Business developer and creative consultant for entrepreneurs, candidates, companies and nonprofits.

Legal research and writing professional open to contract with other legal practitioners as co-counsel.

Appellate successes and trial experience, as well as business development samples, can be viewed at www. MaggieJo.com/portfolio

Attorney Jackson Hilliard has lived in St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area for the past ten years. Mr. Hilliard received his Bachelor’s degree in 1988 from the University of Central Florida. He earned his law degree in 2006 from Stetson College of Law. He is a member of multiple associations, including the Florida Bar, Clearwater Bar, St. Petersburg Bar, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer. Mr. Hilliard is the leading attorney at his Clearwater law firm, Hilliard Law, P.L. At the firm, he provides Florida residents with criminal and DUI...

Marc Wolfson is a business litigator who came to the law after careers in business and the military, and brings that experience to bear in his work. Litigators often see businesses at their most precarious, when their leadership may face business-crippling financial or legal rulings. As a former entrepreneur, he understands what these consequences mean to you, and he’s committed to finding creative legal solutions that help you not only stay in business, but thrive. He is committed to providing vigorous representation while retaining the personalized service Heller Law strives for. After finishing high school in Hillsborough County, Marc joined the...

Mike Dal Lago, the founder of Dal Lago Law, has more than 20 years of experience providing customized and comprehensive legal business solutions for businesses in Southwest Florida worth $1.5 million and more. He has consistently been recognized in Florida Trend’s prestigious Legal Elite list, and is an AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest rating an attorney can receive for their professional ethics and legal ability by their peers and judiciary. Mike is admitted to practice law in Florida, New York and New Jersey.

With broad experience in an array of industries including...

Amanda O. Singleton is an AV-Preeminent rated attorney who focuses her practice on estate planning, probate, guardianship, and caregiver advocacy. She writes and speaks nationally as an AARP Family Caregiving Expert. Amanda serves clients in Tampa Bay and throughout the state of Florida.

Tiffani K. Thornton is a solo practitioner in Tampa, Florida. Her primary areas of practice and expertise are estate planning, business transactions, real estate and real property. Ms. Thornton is a former Assistant Attorney General for the State of Florida, where she managed cases from intake through trial preparation, including making regular court appearances and arguments on behalf of a state agency. While a student at USF St. Petersburg she launched her mother’s senior care business, worked as a Legal Assistant for an attorney representing Homeowners and Condominium Associations, and interned for local and state-level political campaigns. During law school,...

Sarah hails from Upstate New York and is a Yankee at heart, though she relocated to Florida over a decade ago. After high school, she moved to New York City to attend Fordham University. While living in the Big Apple, she gained experience through several jobs, including interning for The Fresh Air Fund, tutoring disadvantaged children in the Bronx through the America Reads Challenge program, and working on a congressional campaign, to name a few. During her junior year, she traveled to Ireland for a six month study abroad program and studied Celtic History and International Economics at University...

Born and raised in Tampa, Drew attended Tampa Preparatory High School and then graduated from New College of Florida, The State’s Honors College, in Sarasota. During Law School at the University of Florida, Drew interned as a student law clerk for both State and Federal Judges in Tampa and worked as a certified legal intern at the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office.

At the State, Drew was able to conduct voir dire (jury selection) and prosecute criminal jury trials before he graduated from law school. It was during this later experience that he came to understand the invaluable...

Mastry Law provides a no nonsense, cost effective approach to estate planning and probate law that allows you to pass your assets and your family legacy to whom you want, when you want and how you want. We focus on developing customized estate plans for families that want to protect their children and families with total assets of $100,000 or more. We believe that quality estate planning isn't just for the rich.

Attorney Brandon R. Bytnar has practiced law in Naples, Florida since 2009 when he and his wife moved from Ohio. He focuses primarily on estate planning (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living wills, etc.), probate and trust administration, elder law, real estate law, and guardianship. Before earning his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law, Brandon graduated magna cum laude from Ohio Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s degree in both political science and journalism. As a member of the Ohio Wesleyan University men’s golf team, Brandon was recognized as a scholar athlete. During law school,...

Army Veteran handling Probate, Estate Planning, and Guardianship. Offices located in Orlando, Auburndale, and Tampa. We serve clients in the surrounding Central Florida areas and all of Florida. Orange County, Polk County, Hillsborough County, Lake County, Osceola County, Seminole County, Pinellas County.

I’m a licensed attorney for the states of Florida and Illinois. I have over 13 years of real estate law experience. I am a member of The Fund and provide title insurance, closing and escrow services. Contact me today for all of your real estate needs.

After graduating from Harvard, I chose to attend Stetson University, the number one law school for trial advocacy in the country. I was on Stetson’s Law Review, and I also earned a Master’s of Business Administration from Stetson’s School of Business. I worked as a teaching assistant for pretrial practice while in law school, and I began clerking at a prominent law firm in the Tampa area. After law school, I jumped right into trial practice and began handling employment law and personal injury cases. I tried my first jury trial within my first year of graduating law school...

Paul A. Meissner was born in New York and moved to Florida with his family as a child. He is a graduate of Clearwater High School. He co-founded the Carlson & Meissner law firm with Edward Carlson in 1971. Paul and his wife Jayne have five children & thirteen grandchildren. They enjoy boating and traveling. In the past, Paul and Jayne have traveled extensively by motorcycle.

My practice centers around commercial and residential real estate. I represent property owners in all matters pertaining to real property including transactional representation, landlord/tenant matters, real estate litigation, and condo and HOA representation. Additionally, I also maintain an active lender representation practice representing private and institutional lenders in secured financing transactions.

Lauren Osa, P.A. is a Tampa area law firm specializing in consumer bankruptcy and foreclosure matters. Before opening her own law practice, Lauren managed the consumer bankruptcy divisions of multiple law firms in both Florida and New York. She is a University of Florida Levin College of Law graduate and has been working exclusively in consumer bankruptcy since receiving her degree. Lauren's main office is located at 100 S. Ashley Dr., Ste 1750, Tampa FL 33602. Visit her website at www.OsaLegal.com or e-mail her at Lauren@OsaLegal.com to set up your free, confidential consultation today.

St. Petersburg/ Clearwater DUI, CRIMINAL AND PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY I have more than 24 years of courtroom experience and I have tried more than 80 cases. I am a former 6 year Pinellas County Prosecutor. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, contact me today for a free initial consultation at 727-538-4155 or visit my website www.montronelaw.com.

Lee Pearlman was born and raised in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, a small town just outside of Harrisburg.

He attended college at the University of Maryland, College Park where he received two bachelor of arts degrees and two minors. While in college he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve and served two years in the Military Police.

After college Lee moved to St. Petersburg where he attended Stetson University College of Law. While there Lee was a member of Stetson's top nationally-ranked Trial Team and Alternative Dispute Resolution Board. He was the recipient of the Ralph Harris Ferrel...

Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney, Ben Stechschulte, is a board-certified expert in criminal trial law. He has been practicing in the Tampa Bay area for nearly 15 years and has tried over 60 cases to verdict.  His experience is both varied and comprehensive, which makes him uniquely qualified to aggressively and effectively defend his clients who are facing criminal charges or have been injured in an accident. Ben attended Stetson University College of Law, which is recognized as one of the top law schools in the country for trial advocacy.  After graduating in 2005, Ben served as a prosecutor in Hillsborough County.  Ben...

Richard F. Cipriano, III, Esquire was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. He graduated from Jesuit High School in nded the University of South Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Richard attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan and has been practicing law since 2004. He gained a tremendous amount of trial experience as a prosecutor with the Twelfth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office as an Assistant State Attorney in both Sarasota County and Manatee County. While there, he successfully prosecuted cases, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies such as Driving Under the Influence, Burglary,...

John Carter has more that 25 years in the financial services industry. He runs a law office in St. Petersburg. Until recently, John served as Chairman, President, and CEO of a $50 billion asset management company consisting of approximately 120 funds and 35 investment sub-advisers. He has a vast amount of experience, which includes working for a law firm (Skadden Arps), a federal regulator (SEC), and leading companies (Franklin Templeton, Citigroup, and Transamerica). He is licensed as an attorney in Florida, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. John currently is obtaining a Master of Theology from Saint Leo University, Dade...

Ashley Ivanov's professional history includes working for a large international law firm and small to mid-size law firms, as well as clerking within a division of the Executive Office of the United States President. She has represented plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of causes of action, including but not limited to matters related to breach of contract, deceptive and unfair trade practices, construction defect, foreclosure, guardianship, breach of fiduciary responsibilities, and real estate. She currently focuses her practice primarily on probate and estate planning. Ashley uses her acute negotiating skills and meticulous attention to detail to zealously advocate for...

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...

While growing up, I had the pleasure to spend many summers in Florida were I developed an appreciation for boating Florida's waterways. These positive experiences influenced my decision to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy, a federal service academy. While at the Academy, I had the opportunity to work on container ships, boom ships, and a LASH ship. Upon graduating and receiving a USCG license, I gained valuable experience working as a marine engineer aboard research vessels, ATBs and tug boats. I also had the privilege to serve as an officer in the US Navy Reserve. After...

I am a Board Certified workers' compensation attorney who has been representing injured workers for over 20 years. I have tried hundreds of cases through trial to secure the benefits to which my clients are legally entitled. I am a member of Florida Workers' Advocates and the William Wieland Inn of Court.

Deborah Carroll grew up in central Florida, raised her family in central Florida and committed her practice to her hometown area. She graduated in 1999 from University of South Florida with a B.A. in Business Management. In 2002, Ms. Carroll graduated from Stetson University with her MBA and Stetson University College of Law with her JD. Following law school, Ms. Carroll worked as an Assistant Public Defender with the 10th Judicial Circuit in Bartow, Florida, with both felony and misdemeanor cases. In 2005, Ms. Carroll went into private practice with a well known law firm in Lakeland, FL...

Stephanie Koether is the founder and principal attorney at Koether Law, P.A., a Brandon family law firm helping families in the Bay Area with divorce, child custody and related matters as well as other important legal needs such as personal injury and estate planning. Ms. Koether completed her undergraduate studies at Fordham University in the Bronx, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. These studies have helped Ms. Koether understand the emotional and mental health challenges her clients are going through as they deal with a contested divorce or child custody dispute and other difficult matters. Upon completing her undergraduate degree,...

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.

Spiro’s professional background includes estate planning and probate, elder law, corporate and business law, real estate and closings, intellectual property, civil litigation of all types, with wide experience in admiralty and environmental law, serious personal injury and probate litigation. He has handled class actions, consumer protection, and privacy matters, and was the first attorney to sue Microsoft in the In Re Microsoft Consumer Antitrust Litigation. He has also pursued claims against major financial institutions on behalf of defrauded customers, and he has tirelessly championed civil rights suits. A native of Tarpon Springs, Florida, Spiro was formerly a partner at Jones, Verras...

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

Sanga Turnbull is the founder and principal attorney at The Turnbull Law Firm, a Florida law firm helping personal injury victims in Lakeland, Winter Haven and Orlando recover compensation for harm done to them by the negligence of others. The comprehensive personal injury practice at The Turnbull Firm includes all manner of motor vehicle accidents, nursing home neglect and abuse, slip and fall, workplace and industrial accidents, medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and more. Injury victims or their families are invited to call The Turnbull Firm for a no-cost, confidential consultation about any potential claims they may have.

Born and...

Principal Neilsen Law Group, P.A. www.NeilsenLawGroup.com We are a general practice law firm, with specialties in bankruptcy, family law, immigration, and general civil litigation. Often, more than one area of expertise is required to address a particular matter. With us, there's no need to hire a multitude of attorneys. We can provide you with comprehensive legal support allowing us to advocate for you in many areas of law. We are dedicated legal professionals well-versed in many specialized areas of law, bringing a diverse background to the table. This gives us an edge when dealing with complex legal matters.

Mrs. Rivas is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Ben. They live in Tampa, Florida with their beautiful children, Trey and Bella, and their beloved Boxer dog, Chino. Mrs. Rivas is passionate about all families and does not take lightly her role, as mother and wife, in shaping the future generation.

Shayna K. Cavanaugh is dedicated to the practice of issues involving families, including divorce, guardianship, children’s issues, child support and alimony, and domestic violence. Recognizing that every case is unique, we focus on the individual client and provide the personalized attention that each client deserves. We strive to listen to each client’s needs, to educate them regarding their options, and to advocate for their goals and desired outcomes.

Dylan Cappello is the managing attorney at Cappello Legal's office in his hometown of Winter Haven practicing in the area of personal injury, first party property claims, and family law.
?
Mr. Cappello obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Government and World Affairs with a minor in Philosophy from the University of Tampa. While continuing his education full-time, Dylan also continued to work in several personal injury firms throughout the Bay area. While in undergraduate, Mr. Cappello was also a member of UT's Moot Court Board where he competed in national competitions.
?
After graduation, Mr. Cappello immediately attended Stetson University College of Law...

Understanding my clients' experiences allows me to represent them on a personal level, which can significantly impact their cases. Seeking challenges in my career, I joined the Brevard County Public Defender's Office after law school, eventually moving to the Pinellas County Public Defender's Office. Working in the public defender's system has been an incredible learning experience, collaborating with brilliant trial attorneys who provide hope for our clients. Having handled thousands of criminal cases, I understand that behind every name and case number is a unique story, enabling me to empathize with my clients and earn their trust for an unwavering...

I am The Consumer Protection Attorney, PA. I currently focus my practice on foreclosure defense (including loss mitigation - short sales and loan modifications), bankruptcy representation (chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy), real estate/property law, consumer credit collection violations, and criminal law. A consultation with me or my firm may result in seeking relief under Title 11 of the US Code (Bankruptcy). We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

Born in Miami, James L. O'Leary ("Jim") is a native Floridian. Jim attended the University of Florida and studied Political Science. While at the University, Jim served in numerous leadership positions and was ultimately awarded the coveted membership in the Florida Blue Key. He then went on to attend Stetson University College of Law and graduated Cum Laude earning his Juris Doctorate degree. While at Stetson he was also awarded first place in Stetson's nationally ranked #1 Trial Team by winning the statewide mock trial competition sponsored by the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers. After working at a large personal...