Palmetto Criminal Lawyers

I have focused my entire career in criminal defense. I firmly believe in our Constitutional rights and passionately fight to keep those rights alive.

Founded in 2001 by Amir A. Ladan, The Ladan Law Firm, P.A. is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to our clients. We handle criminal matters, injunctions and infractions in courthouses throughout Central Florida and have earned an exceptional reputation as experienced, effective advocates for our clients.

Our legal team is available seven days a week to assist our clients and potential clients with their legal needs. With three offices and phone and virtual appointments available, we make meeting with one of our lawyers simple and convenient. For a free, confidential consultation, simply call our office...

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...

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...

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,...

Growing up in Central Florida, Mr. Bailey decided to stay local when pursuing a higher education. Attending the University of Central Florida, Mr. Bailey obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 2012. While completing this degree and afterwards, Mr. Bailey worked for a large firm handling Bankruptcy cases for those who had fallen on hard times, especially those caused by the mortgage crisis. Mr. Bailey was inspired to go to law school by the work and dedication of the attorneys he worked with for years. Mr. Bailey obtained his Juris Doctorate in December 2016.
Mr. Bailey focuses his...

Kimberly LaSure has practiced law for several years, all in the central Florida area. Primarily a criminal defense attorney, Ms. LaSure has handled many high profile cases. Ms. LaSure started her career working under Thomas Egan where she gained valuable experience defending teachers charged with criminal offenses. Ms. LaSure then moved to the Office of the Public Defender, 9th Judicial Circuit. At the Public Defenders Office, Ms. LaSure handled hundreds of serious criminal cases. These cases included, Sexual Battery, Drug Trafficking, Aggravated Battery, Grand Theft and Murder. Ms. LaSure has been practicing criminal defense law the past...

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...

Experience: • More than 30 years experience • Former Prosceutor for Orange and Osceola County • Handled Capitol Cases involving the Death Penalty • Handled Thousands of Criminal Cases • Handled Thousands of DUI and Traffic Cases Licensed To Practice: • United States Supreme Court • United States District Court Middle District Florida • All Florida State Courts

Christopher Largey began his legal career with the Lake and Citrus County Public Defender’s Office, where he successfully tried cases ranging from DUI issues to attempted murder. Mr. Largey then joined a local personal injury law firm in 2002 and quickly became the top producer and litigator in that firm.

In 2005, Mr. Largey began Largey Law a personal injury and auto accident law firm with offices in Lake County and Citrus County. He has handled cases throughout Central Florida and has secured millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of his clients. In 2014, Mr. Largey received the prestigious AV®...

As a former prosecutor, I understand the complexities of working a case inside and outside a courtroom. Having experience working in cases involving investigators, law enforcement, civilian witnesses, evidence departments, parenting coordinators, guardian ad litem coordinators and attorneys, Department of Children and Families’ case managers and attorneys, as well as counsel for other parties, I have been able to understand and have the ability to work towards the resolution of any situation, in my covered areas of law. As a current Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, as well as, an attorney for children (Attorney ad...

Fighting Tickets in Lake, Sumter, Hernando,& Marion County, Florida.

Melissa Sherman earned her Juris Doctor from the Barry University School of Law in Orlando, where she graduated magna cum laude, and when she’s not defending clients, she’s volunteering in the Fort Myers community. She opened the Sherman Defense Law Firm in May 2021. Defense attorney Melissa Sherman has successfully represented misdemeanor and felony defendants in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and throughout central and south Florida. As an Assistant Public Defender, Melissa Sherman has represented defendants charged with crimes that include robbery, arson, aggravated battery, drug crimes, sex crimes, theft, burglary, and driving under the influence (DUI).

Robert Greene is an experienced Cape Coral personal injury lawyer with over 30 years of legal service in SW Florida.. He has been Board Certified by the Florida Bar as a Civil Trial Lawyer for over 25 of those years. Only about 2% of the lawyers in Florida have this certification. His legal philosophy is simple: to provide personal service to each client from start to finish. He takes the time to understand their needs and to personally address their concerns. This even includes making sure you are treated by qualified doctors, so your insurance is not wasted on...

Former State Prosecutor Serving Tampa Bay and Pasco County areas

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...

Originally from the great State of Texas, Mr. Archer has sought the practice of law as his second career. After graduating high school in 1992, Mr. Archer enlisted in the US Air Force and served as a Munitions Systems Specialist and a Training Manager/Instructor until he discharged in 2000. Upon completion of his bachelors degrees at McMurry University (Science) and University of Central Oklahoma (Business Admin.), he attended Barry University School of Law and received his Juris Doctorate in 2005. Mr. Archer began his practice in 2006 and has continued in the areas of Family Law and...

Have you found yourself worried about the solidarity of your future due to the heartbreak of a sex crime or violent crime? If so, you need to garner the helpful understanding of a professional in quick succession. The team from the law office of Brian L. Edwards, Esq has more than a decade of experience ready to help you move forward. Don’t let your pain continue any longer than it already has, but instead work towards the effectual case completion that’s deserved. The law office of Brian L. Edwards, Esq is made up of a team of tenacious legal professionals...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Robert A. Morris, Jr. has been practicing law in Hernando County since 1991 when he started his career as an Assistant State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit . While working at the State Attorneys Office he prosecuted a variety of crimes including DUI’s, misdemeanors and felony offenses. Born in Indiana Robert graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1984 and then continued on to received his undergraduate degree from Ball State University located in Muncie, Indiana in 1988. Robert graduated Law School from Valparaiso University School of Law, which is located a short distance from Chicago Illinois, in...

For nearly three decades I have navigated the legal system, achieving the results my clients desire. As a former prosecutor with hundreds of trials under my belt, I understand that a successful lawyer is not just an aggressive one in the courtroom but also a compassionate one outside of it. Anyone can be aggressive; it takes experience and dedication to understand when to be each. You need a lawyer to preserve your interests during the worst of times. My job and my privilege is to assist my clients through the legal system and the pitfalls that are contained therein.

Those facing criminal charges in the area of Brooksville, Florida can turn to attorney Ashley Aulls for personal attention to their individual case. At The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, Ashley uses his more than 25 years of legal experience to guide his clients through the stressful and tough issues they are facing. Ashley is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and studied law at Thomas Cooley Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1997. For his whole life, Ashley has been surrounded by respected legal professionals. His father has served as an attorney for more than 40 years....

I was born and raised in Polk County. I was a prosecutor in Bartow for three years before I went into private practice. I have tried over 75 jury trials. I am a married father of three and I live in Winter Haven. I also serve on the Lake Region Lakes Management District.

Rafael was born and raised in Polk County, Florida, and graduated from Auburndale High School in 1984. Rafael received his B.A. degree from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor degree from The Ohio State University College of Law in 1997. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in April of 1998, and initially served as an Assistant Public Defender, handling a variety of cases. After just a few months as a misdemeanor attorney, Rafael was quickly promoted to Felony, where he was responsible for cases ranging from drug possession to murder. Rafael soon established...

Pete was raised in Hardee County and graduated from Hardee Senior High School in 2003. He then went on to get his bachelor's degree in International Affairs from Florida State University with a focus on Middle Eastern Studies. He received his law degree with honors from Tulane University Law School in New Orleans in 2010 and was a Notes and Comments Editor for the Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law. After law school, Pete worked as a prosecutor mostly in Hardee and Highlands Counties, and briefly in Polk County in the Economic Crimes Division. Pete then worked for William Fletcher...

I am a trial attorney with more than nineteen years of courtroom experience helping individuals, couples, and families in Polk and Hardee Counties. I hold a Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability. Due to the nature of my practice, I appear before the judges in the Family Law division practically every day of the week. Through my years of trial work I have grown to recognize which cases may ultimately have to be tried and which cases may be resolved without going to court. By focusing on solutions to my client’s problems rather than...

"Whitney Boan is an experienced Orlando criminal defense lawyer with 11 years of trial litigation experience who is committed in serving her clients by treating them with dignity and respect, by humanizing them to the court and to opposing counsel, and by expeditiously and aggressively assisting them by protecting their legal, civil, and human rights through what is sometimes a daunting and complex legal system. In 2015, she formed Whitney S. Boan, P.A. where she continues to handle federal and state criminal cases as well as select family matters for her clients. At Whitney S. Boan, P.A., she...

Stephen J. Calvacca has over thirty-five years of litigation experience in a broad range of practice areas ranging from murder to legal malpractice. He began his career as a criminal trial lawyer in New York City working as a Public Defender in one of the busiest courts in the country. He was later appointed by New York’s Attorney General as Special Assistant Attorney General to investigate and prosecute corruption in the nursing home industry during its most scandalous heydays. He was lead prosecutor in some of the most significant Medicaid fraud cases in New York City and earned the...

The defense of men, women, and juveniles who have been charged with crimes has been the driving focus of Maria D. Hale for over 10 years. Her experience within criminal defense gives her the confidence to pursue dropped or minimized charges for her clients. Maria's passion for criminal defense began as a result of a comprehensive legal education at the Stetson University College of Law and later experience as a Prosecutor. After receiving a Juris Doctor (JD), Maria went on to become a Prosecutor in Central Florida. As a Prosecutor, Hale conducted nearly 50 trials in front of a jury....

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...

I was first employed in the field of criminal justice in 1983. I worked for the Indiana University Police Department and was a law enforcement officer at the Bloomington, Indiana, campus. I graduated from Indiana University in 1985 with B.S. with a major in criminal justice.
I came to Florida in December 1985, when my Dad's employer transferred him from Indianapolis to Orlando. I became a Florida State Trooper in 1987. As a Trooper, I thought that the most interesting part of my job was...

Melisa L. Militello has been a practicing attorney for since 1995. She has practiced in the area of criminal defense defending people for everything from a speeding ticket to cases where someone faced life imprisonment. She cares about you, your family and your case because she understands that bad things happen to good people and she is here to guide you through everything to the best possible outcome.

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...

Jill E. Cabai, a former prosecutor now practicing criminal defense and family law, graduated Cum Laude from the University of Central Florida in Orlando Florida where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Environmental Studies. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the Florida State College of Law. She graduated from law school with a Certificate in Land Use and a Certificate in Environmental Law. She was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2007. Ms. Cabai has been practicing criminal law for the past twelve years. Ms. Cabai is a seasoned and talented trial attorney...

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...