Geneva Criminal Lawyers

Jay is a native Floridian, graduated from the University of Florida in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He continued his studies at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 2010. During his tenure at the University of Florida, Jay was the co-founder of the Mock Trial Team affiliated with Florida Pre-Legal Honor Society. While in law school, Jay clerked for Florida Student Legal Services where he advised students on a variety of legal issues and became a teaching assistant for Trial Practice. He is an experienced trial lawyer, and represents lenders and...

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...

David Haenel protects the rights of the accused. His firm,The Law Place, has offices in Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, and Clearwater but they represent people throughout the State of Florida. David is the former 2004 State of Florida DUI Prosecutor of the Year and has spent his entire legal career representing individuals charged with traffic and criminal traffic violations. David and his team of lawyers are relentless in their legal representation and are not satisfied until they have exhausted all possible defenses.

Alain Rivas’ desire to focus exclusively on criminal and traffic defense led him to join forces with Robert Skubiak in 1999 to form Skubiak & Rivas, P.A. Since then, the firm has evolved into Central Florida’s most recognizable one of its type, gaining the majority of its clients from referrals by former clients—the highest form of flattery.

Before forming Skubiak & Rivas, he served as legal counsel for Joelo Inc. in Orlando. Rivas also worked in various capacities for the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office.

Rivas graduated from Rollins College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. He then earned...

Magdalena Cuprys received her Juris Doctor from the University of Washington School of Law in 2002. She was admitted to the practice of law in California in 2003 and in Florida in 2006. Before law school, she completed two bachelor’s degrees, one in Political Science and one in Latin American Studies, at the University of Chicago in 1999 (AB Degrees Political Science & Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago in 1999). Ms. Cuprys is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and was the Panhellenic President at the University of Chicago. – She is a 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...

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...

Attorney Hillary Johnson is a former prosecutor who brings experience and exceptional legal knowledge to each case she tries. She holds a degree in communication from Florida State University and Juris Doctor from the Jones School of Law at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama. While she was in law school, Ms. Johnson completed an internship with the State Attorney’s Office in Panama City. After graduation, she worked as an attorney with Florida’s Department of Children and Families before accepting a position at the State Attorney’s Office in Manatee County and Sarasota. It was while she was at the...

Michael LaFay Trial Attorney graduated from the American University Law School in Washington, D.C. in 1983. He was admitted to the New York Bar in 1984 and the Florida Bar in 1985. Michael LaFay is board certified in Criminal Law by the Florida Bar and has achieved an "AV" rating overall, which is the highest ranking bestowed by Martindale-Hubbell, the national attorney ranking service. He has practiced in Central Florida as a trial attorney for the past 27 years and has litigated over 300 jury trials. During that time, he has served as a criminal defense attorney and also as...

Eric Barker earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Florida in 1989 and went on to earn his J.D. from the University of Florida College of Law in 1992. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1992 and is currently admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Eric has been rated as a preeminent lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell and has earned an AV rating, the highest rating given by the organization, which is a nationally recognized attorney rating service. As a former Assistant Public Defender, Mr. Barker took several dozen...

David has been in Orlando since 2012. He was born and raised in New York City, and developed a desire to attend law school after spending two years as a guardian ad litem to foster children in Austin, Texas. In 2009, David moved to Tallahassee, Florida, to attend law school at Florida State University, where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 2012. While attending law school, he participated in a Criminal Law Externship in the 2nd Judicial Circuit, reinforcing his decision to enter the field of criminal defense work after graduation. David moved to Orlando in...

Derek Brett is a trial attorney who has been actively practicing since 1996. He maintains two offices, one in Orlando and another in Pensacola.

David Hill obtained his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, and all state courts of Florida. Mr. Hill has practiced exclusively in criminal defense in the state of Florida, primarily in the Central Florida community, since graduating from law school and represents clients in a far-ranging array of matters, including felony, misdemeanor and traffic allegations, in both State and Federal courts. He has twenty years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer having been admitted to practice in 1991,...

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...

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.

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....

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.

A veteran of the United States Army and Texas National Guard, and a native Floridian, John Russo has a passion for helping his neighbors. Born and raised in Central Florida, John chose to serve his country in the United States Army. After his service, he attended the University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development. Pursuing his interest in the law, John earned his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Wyoming. This background provided John with the foundation that developed his commitment to professional excellence, client service, and providing the best possible legal...

After attending the United States Coast Guard Academy, I transferred to the University of Florida. There, I worked my way through college and law school as a full-time police officer and police Sgt. On graduation, I was appointed the first attorney for the Gainesville Police Department. Later, I was appointed General Counsel for the Orange County Sheriff's Office and Legal Advisor to the 10 city police agencies in Orange County, Florida. I attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and did a post-doctoral program at Case Western Reserve University in Public Safety Law. I'm a Past President of the...

Grozinger Law is a law firm focused on criminal defense in the heart of downtown Orlando, Florida. Patrick Grozinger is the founder of Grozinger Law, and is an experienced criminal trial attorney dedicated to protecting his client's Constitutional rights while providing them with the courtesy, respect and professionalism they deserve. Mr. Grozinger is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, the State of Texas, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit and the Northern, Middle and Southern District Courts of Florida. He is proficient in French, and he is also a member...

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...

William Vásquez is a native of Queens, NY. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 2000-2007. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and received the Joint Service Achievement Medal for his work as a Spanish linguist for the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2005. William graduated from Campbell University in 2007 with a degree in computer science. He earned his J.D. in 2011 from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. His practice areas include immigration law and criminal defense cases. He is licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of North Carolina and...

Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, I attended the University of Florida for undergrad and the University of Miami School of Law. I moved back to Orlando after law school to be close to my family and started my career at the Public Defender's Office. After that, I opened a boutique law firm to focus on getting my clients the attention they deserve to solve the particular problems they have. Whether it's a DUI, a divorce, or a car accident injury, the focus is on the client, preserving their rights, and getting the best possible outcome for...

Mark McCulloch is the managing attorney/owner at MKM LAW PLLC. He holds licenses to practice in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Florida and is admitted to practice in several federal courts across the country including the United States Supreme Court. Mr. McCulloch began his legal career in 2009 in the legal department at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company before opening his own practice in 2010. As a Bar Advocate in Massachusetts, Mr. McCulloch represented indigent criminal defendants charged with misdemeanors and felonies in state courts across the Commonwealth. His clients benefitted from his belief that regardless of economic status, a criminal defendant...

Once you become involved in the criminal justice system every decision matters. You should not be forced to make serious decisions without the advice of an attorney. Every word you say or even what you don't say can be used against you. The decisions you make will have lifelong consequences on you, your family and your friends. The decisions can affect your employment, housing, driving privileges, immigration, voting rights, and rights to own or possess a gun. You need an attorney that will aggressively fight for you and protect your rights.

Tad Yates is admitted to practice law in the state courts of Florida, the U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, and the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Florida in 1991 and from the University of Florida College of Law in 1994.

Mr. Yates is a past President of both the Orange County Bar Association and the Board of Trustees of the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association. In 2004, Mr. Yates was awarded the Young Lawyer Professionalism Award by the Orange County Bar Association.

In 2011, Florida Governor...

Attorney Neal T. McShane has been a resident of the Central Florida area since 1978. Neal earned his bachelor's degree from Kent State University, and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Akron School of Law. As a U.S. Army Lieutenant, he served in Vietnam and later as a Captain in the U.S. Army, Ohio National Guard. Neal was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge and numerous other awards and decorations. In 1980, he graduated from the Investigation and Prosecution of Organized Crime and Fraud Program at Cornell Institute on Organized Crime, Cornell University Law School. Neal...

An arrest or accident, can have a far-reaching impact on your future. Misdemeanors and felony convictions can stay on your record indefinitely, casting a shadow on your future. Additionally, you may suffer from your car accident for many years to come.
I can advise you on the best course of action for your situation. I was admitted to the bar in 2004 and my law firm concentrates on criminal defense. My experienced, aggressive representation comes from 13 years of courtroom experience, including 6 years as a felony prosecutor.
I am tough in the courtroom, but I always put the needs of my...

I have represented hundreds of clients in Orlando and Central Florida for more than 16 years, handling all types of family law cases, including divorce, paternity, custody, modifications and step-parent adoption, as well as all types of criminal defense cases. We look forward to putting that experience to work for you and your family. We treat our firm like family, and treat our clients as members of that family. This is more than a business. We know dealing with Divorce/Custody issues, and Criminal allegations can be the most painful and difficult times for our clients. We will take the time to...

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...

Darryl R. Smith, Criminal Defense and Civil Litigation Lawyer, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2008 summa cum laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies. Darryl went on to attend Vanderbilt University Law School, and graduated with his Juris Doctorate in 2011. He then moved to Orlando to pursue his dream of practicing law in Central Florida.

Darryl Smith began his legal career with the Office of the Public Defender for the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orlando, Florida, exclusively practicing criminal law. In 2012, Darryl Smith was offered the prestigious opportunity to become a Civil Litigation...

Arna Cortazzo grew up in South Florida. Her love for the ocean and Florida's beaches began at a young age, so did her quest for justice.
As a lawyer, Arna has protected the rights of Floridians for more than 30 years. While in her last year of law school, Arna began the practice of law in the juvenile division of the Broward County Public Defender’s office as a legal intern certified by the Florida Supreme Court. Upon graduation from law school and passing the...

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...

With over a decade of experience and recognition within the legal industry, Attorney Lazaro Blanco has established himself as a dependable Kissimmee criminal defense lawyer. He serves clients throughout Osceola County who were charged with crimes such as DUI, theft, and violent offenses. As Lead Attorney at Blanco Law Center, PA, he stands ready to fight for the rights and futures of all his clients. If you face serious criminal charges, now is the time to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how you can protect yourself from the devastating consequences of a conviction. Do not fight the...

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.