Apalachicola Criminal Lawyers

Legacy of Success

I have been working within the criminal justice system with prosecutors and judges for over 32 years. I consider myself to have a proven track record of success against the prosecution.

I am a 1988 graduate from the University of Florida Law School. I work in all Florida state courts and the Northern District of Florida Federal Court. I have worked three years as a public defender and have been in private practice for over 30 years. I became a lawyer to defend the people to make sure their rights are protected. I believe everyone...

Mr. Benjamin emphasizes delivery of outstanding legal services in a variety of legal areas such as civil and commercial litigation, family litigation, criminal litigation, bankruptcy, probate administration, employment/labor, and personal injury just to name a few. After nineteen years of litigation practice, Mr. Benjamin has chosen to expand his practice in the areas of Business and Corporate transactions, his practice will focus on providing exceptional representation to startups (with an emphasis toward tech companies) and non-profits corporations.  He clients already include lenders, developers, investors, entrepreneurs, entertainers, publishers, corporations (including non-profits and religious groups), individuals, and small business owners. Mr. Benjamin...

Profile William F. "Casey" Ebsary, Jr. is a distinguished Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney and seasoned Trial Lawyer known for his expertise in various legal domains. Areas of Practice With a dedicated focus on trial practice, Mr. Ebsary's extensive legal career encompasses a broad spectrum of cases, including criminal defense, DUI defense, Marijuana and Cannabis Growhouse Defense, white-collar criminal defense, high-tech corporate litigation, and intellectual property issues arising from the Internet and computer networking. Prosecutorial Experience A former Prosecutor, Mr. Ebsary boasts a wealth of litigation experience that spans across a range of high-stakes criminal cases. His repertoire includes handling matters as diverse as murder,...

I am a former prosecutor in both Sarasota, Florida and Maui, Hawaii. I have prosecuted and defended some of the most serious crimes.

My focus is provided the highest caliber legal representation to all of my clients in contested legal matters. Your right to a trial by jury is a fundamental right if you have been injured in an accident, accused of a crime or suffered a wrong at the result of someone else's behavior. I differentiate my practice in that I routinely try cases before juries and courts.

I am authorized to practice in all state and federal courts for...

Attorney Ralph Behr has been a prominent criminal trial attorney in Florida for over 30 years. His practice is 100% criminal trials, both Federal and State. Attorney Behr is the Chairman of the Criminal Law Committee of the South Palm Beach County Bar Association. Call if you have a criminal issue, have an immigration matter with criminal aspects, or want a consultation with Attorney Behr. Practicing in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and New York, most of my work is cases of complexity and challenge. Your freedom is mine to protect! I have over thirty...

Mr. Casanova vigorously defends the accused in all cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. He practices in both State and Federal Courts.

His experience with DUI's, drug trafficking cases, drug possession and sale cases, aggravated domestic battery cases and all misdemeanors and felonies gives him a perspective on criminal law that can provide you with a significant advantage in today's legal system.

Mr. Casanova is a member of the Florida Bar Association, The Brevard County Bar Association, The National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, The Association of Trial Lawyers of America, lifetime member of The Florida Association of...

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...

John S. Hager, Esq., a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founding partner of Hager & Schwartz, P.A., offers unparalleled legal representation across Miami, Broward, and Volusia Counties. With a legal career that began in prosecution, Hager brings a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system to his defense strategies. His experience encompasses thousands of cases, including high-stakes felonies, securing his reputation for excellence in the courtroom. A University of Florida alumnus with a Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University, Hager is deeply committed to defending the rights of those accused of crimes. His memberships in prestigious legal associations, alongside multiple...

Bradenton personal injury attorney Steven G. Lavely is a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer who is considered a specialist in civil trial law. Less than two-percent of Florida lawyers can claim this distinction. He is also one of the less than five-percent of Florida lawyers named a Florida Super Lawyer. Mr. Lavely is rated the highest possible rating on AVVO—a 10 out of 10—and is a proud member of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America.

“I am very proud of the honors and distinctions I have achieved, as they are either earned from advanced testing by independent agencies...

I founded The Law Firm of Scott T. Moorey with a commitment to provide each client with the best possible defense. While interning for the local State Attorney's Office in 1997, I discovered the advantages prosecutors have over the accused. Which is why for more than 25 years, I have dedicated myself and firm to representing the accused from misdemeanors such as DUIs, batteries, petit thefts, drug charges, etc., to the most serious felonies including sex crimes, DUI manslaughter, drug trafficking and more. Know that when you hire my firm, myself and team will do everything possible to get the...

Lee Viacava has successfully resolved thousands of cases for his clients during his 15+ years of practice. Having resided in Southwest Florida since childhood Lee Viacava has developed extensive community ties. Lee Viacava has been recognized as one of the top 100 DUI attorneys in Southern Florida by The National Advocacy for DUI Defense. The American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys awarded Lee Viacava as one of the “10 Best” DUI/DWI Law Attorneys for client satisfaction in Florida. Lee Viacava also focuses his practice on individuals who are injured at work. We are here to help with your legal issues.

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,...

Michael J. Politis is the Daytona Beach personal injury attorney who established Politis & Matovina, P.A. He is a proud graduate of Nova University School of Law. Before he established the firm, Attorney Politis was a Prosecutor at the State Attorney’s Office in Daytona Beach and went on to become the Chief of Homicide Prosecutor with a 100% conviction rate. He has a strong track record of providing knowledgeable counsel not only in court but also in various TV shows, newspaper articles, and lectures. Attorney Politis is also recognized with the highest possible rating by Martindale-Hubble? Law Directory. Get...

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...

Tampa Bay Criminal Defense and DUI Attorney Ajay Pallegar -
Former State Prosecutor with over 50 criminal jury trials, 50 bench trials, and extensive DUI training and experience.

Mr. Pallegar is a graduate from the University of South Florida and Stetson University College of Law. He is a Former Pinellas County Assistant State Attorney and has over tried over 100 criminal trials to verdict. As a prosecutor, he received specialized training in domestic violence cases by being appointed to the domestic violence division of the Pinellas County State Attorneys Office, specifically battery, assault and domestic violence injunctions. Mr. Pallegar has also...

Brett Szematowicz is originally from Chicago, Illinois, but moved to Tampa when he was in 1991. He attended high school locally at Tampa Preparatory School and graduated in 1999. Mr. Szematowicz attended college at The American University in Washington, D.C. and graduated with a B.A. in Justice. While at The American University, Mr. Szematowicz was a member of the highly selective Leadership Program in the School of Public Affairs. Mr. Szematowicz attended South Texas College of Law, located in Houston, Texas. During law school, Mr. Szematowicz interned with the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office in...

DUI & Criminal Defense attorney with over 35 years of experience. Former law enforcement instructor for federal and state liability for unlawful use of force during arrest, search and seizure. Certified by NHSTSA to instruct DUI Field Sobriety Tests. Actively involved in writing on DUI defense issues and has attended seminars throughout the country on DUI defense and scientific lab blood testing. National Consultant on Federal Aviation Regulations related to pilot impairment and DUI.

Brian Gabriel is the driving force behind the Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel. He has been in practice for over 30 years and his experience during that time has been devoted almost exclusively to the defense of criminal cases. He began his career at the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office. As an Assistant State Attorney in West Palm Beach, Florida, he prosecuted thousands of cases of individuals charged with various crimes. However, he spent a majority of his time developing his skills in handling DUI litigation. In 1995, Brian Gabriel started his own private practice centered around the...

Jeffrey P. Battista is originally from Oakland, Maryland. He graduated magna cum laude from West Virginia University’s internationally accredited accounting program in 1997. Immediately thereafter, Mr. Battista attended the University of Florida, where he graduated and received his Juris Doctorate degree in 2000.

During his tenure at the University of Florida, Mr. Battista was employed with the office of the State Attorney beginning in 1998, and upon graduation from law school, he accepted a position as an Assistant State Attorney in the Indian River County State Attorney’s Office in order to gain necessary trial experience and the extensive knowledge of our...

Rob Andretz is passionate about helping his clients. Rob has had the honor and privilege of being licensed to practice law since 2003, and he is happy to put his education and experience in the fields of law, biology, and psychology to work for health professionals in need of his help. Rob enjoys being able to be a light in the darkness for those who are facing some of the toughest challenges of their lives.

Rob primarily devotes his time to helping health professionals accused of violating state and federal laws in criminal cases in state and federal courts throughout the...

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...

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...

Shiobhan Olivero was born in Plant City, Florida, and as a native Floridian, has lived in the Tampa Bay area her entire life. She enjoys spending time with her family. She is an active scuba diver, and enjoys traveling to local and distant sites to dive. Shiobhan earned as Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies from Hillsborough Community College. She worked for approximately ten years as a paralegal for criminal attorneys in the Tampa Bay area prior to, and during law school. She then earned her undergraduate degree from St. Leo University receiving a B.A. degree in Criminal...

Mr. Taylor has been certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in criminal trial defense since 1983 and is a veteran of well over 400 felony jury trials. He has represented public entities and figures, as well as private individuals, on matters ranging from driving under the influence to capital murder in state courts and from narcotics to health care fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and securities fraud in federal courts. For over 30 years, Mr. Taylor has been acknowledged by his peers and held the distinction of being rated AV Preeminent (highest for ethical standards and legal...

Doug Beam is a trial lawyer, and has been since 1985. He’s handled thousands of personal injury, civil, and criminal cases. Doug understands the importance of taking cases to trial and holding large institutions and corporations accountable for their actions.

Throughout his career, Doug has achieved numerous multi-million dollar verdicts, settlements, and judgments in cases involving brain injuries, deaths, and other catastrophic injuries. On a daily basis, Doug fights against insurance companies and corporations who undervalue his client’s injuries or do not accept any responsibility for the damage done to his clients.

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.

Former Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Prosecutor; 17 years experience in criminal law; “high rate of acquittals/dismissals” for domestic violence cases. Nationally recognized for her work in domestic violence defense, and has obtained acquittals/dismissals in several high profile sex assault cases.

Listed in: Who’s Who in Top U.S. Criminal Defense Attorneys; Who’s Who in American Criminal Lawyers. Book award, Trial Workshop, (Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Dec. 1996); book award, Advanced Trial Workshop, (Thomas M. Cooley Law School, May 1997). Referenced by SEC in development of new regulations, “Money Laundering in the Securities Industry,”. Published dissertation Georgetown...

Jonathan Blecher has defended over 5,000 DUI and Criminal cases since 1982. Jonathan earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 1978 from the University of Florida, and his Juris Doctor in 1981 from the University of Florida College of Law. A former Assistant State Attorney in Miami, Jonathan is a member of the Florida Bar, and is admitted to practice law before all Florida courts as well as the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth and Eleventh Circuits, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida,...

Anita McNulty Parker is a St. Petersburg criminal defense and personal injury attorney helping clients throughout Pinellas County. A Tampa Bay native, Anita received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a law degree at the University of Florida before working as an Assistant Public Defender. In this role, she tried over 55 cases in front of a jury, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
Her educational and professional achievements include winning a national championship at the NACDL Trial Advocacy Competition, being named UF Trial Team’s Outstanding Graduate, receiving the “America’s Most Honored Professionals Top 1% in 2019” award by American Registry...

For more information on my biography please email me directly at pmegaro@appealslawgroup.com

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...

I am a criminal defense attorney with extensive experience in the courtroom defending clients accused of DUI/DWI, drug crimes, sex crimes, gun crimes, white collar crimes and other criminal cases.

I am Board Certified as an Expert in Criminal Trial Law by the Florida Bar. I am AV Rated Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell, have been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, have a 10/10 rating on Avvo, and have been selected as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers.

I am a member of the Florida Bar, National College of DUI Defense, Florida Association...

Michael B Cohen is an experienced Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney.

He specializes in the defense trial appeal and post conviction relief of Federal Criminal cases as well as State Criminal cases.

He is a former Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and a former Assistant State Attorney in Broward County Florida.

Mr.Cohen is also a board certified criminal defense lawyer, AV rated by Martindale Hubbel and is regularly listed in the annual editions of Florida Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America

As a former prosecutor with 43 years of overall experience...