Tierra Verde Criminal Lawyers

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...

Richard was born and raised in Brevard County, FL. After graduating from Holy Trinity Academy in Melbourne, FL, he attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. At Florida State, Richard obtained an undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in criminology and criminal justice, graduating with honors. Richard was a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. Richard received his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida. While at Stetson, Richard geared his course selections toward criminal defense work and criminal trial advocacy. He successfully completed internships at the Public...

Jack A. Kaleita graduated from Stetson University College of Law, was admitted to the Bar in 1986 and began his legal career as a state prosecutor on Florida's west coast. He then returned to Central Florida after 5 years, serving as an Assistant State Attorney in Seminole County for an additional 12 years. As a prosecutor, Mr. Kaleita tried numerous cases involving virtually every type of criminal charge. In addition to taking dozens of criminal cases to trial himself, he taught and supervised other attorneys, first as a Lead Trial Attorney, and later as the Misdemeanor/Traffic Division Chief and as the...

Paul's practice is focused on providing his clients with "good judgment" and Paul prides himself on working hard to see that his clients move towards fixing problems and preparing for a better future. Paul concentrates on matters involving business law, entertainment law, replevin law, real estate, landlord-tenant, probate, wills, estates, and trust law. Paul has been appointed several times by Florida Courts as personal representative and attorney ad litem in complex and sensitive litigation matters involving probate and wrongful death, as well as in representing unknown parties and historic landmarks in real estate foreclosure and eminent domain...

Criminal Defense Lawyer Rajan Joshi received his Bachelors degree from the University of Central Florida in 1996, and earned his law degree with Honors from the University of Florida College of Law in 2000. While in law school, Rajan Joshi demonstrated academic excellence, earning the highly coveted Book Award in Criminal Procedure (highest grade). Mr. Joshi was also selected and employed by the Dean of Student Affairs to tutor first-year contract students and conducted his own class to prepare the students for their final exam. Mr. Joshi also worked as a legal intern at the Seminole County State Attorney's Office...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

Edward Kone has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Lafayette College, 1984, and a J.D. Degree from University of Miami Law School, 1987. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in November of 1987. He has conducted numerous Jury Trials and is in Court in Palm Beach, Broward and Dade counties on almost a daily basis. In over twenty-five years of practice, he has handled over a thousand criminal cases, over 500 personal injury cases, and close to 10,000 traffic tickets.

Clay D. Morgan was born and raised in Florida, graduating from Cooper City High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1979, and obtaining his Undergraduate degree from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton with concentration in the area of finance. Clay went on to earn his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Miami, School of Law in Miami, Florida, graduating in 1987. At University of Miami Law School, Clay concentrated his studies in the area of trial practice. After graduating from the University of Miami, Clay worked for a period of 4 years with the Law Firm of High,...

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...

Jason Hicks is a trial attorney in Cocoa Beach who offers high quality and personal representation in the areas of Criminal Defense, Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Suspended Licenses, Traffic Tickets, and Auto Accident cases. Our firm, located in Cocoa Beach, takes pride in highly personalized and effective legal representation in the Central Florida area. Jason Hicks is a former prosecutor who represents clients in all of Central Florida including Brevard, Indian River, Orange, and Seminole Counties. Jason was raised in Brevard County, Florida. He attended Titusville High School and graduated in 1996. Jason graduated from the University of Central...

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!

Attorney Jay M. Arnesen is a fierce fighter for those who find themselves in desperate situations. If you have been arrested for DUI or a crime in Fort Lauderdale, you need an experienced lawyer who is educated, prepared, experienced and willing to go the extra mile for you. After being arrested, the stakes couldn’t be higher as your freedom, reputation, job and permanent criminal record are on the line. If you have been arrested for a DUI, you need a criminal defense lawyer who will stand up to the Assistant State’s Attorney and level the playing field. You need a...

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

Drew McLaughlin is a dedicated attorney who represents those facing criminal charges and others seeking help through personal injury claims in South Florida. McLaughlin serves clients throughout Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties as an attorney with McLaughlin Morris, P.A., the firm he co-founded in 2014. McLaughlin attended Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, where he received a bachelors of arts in both history and Spanish, graduating magna cum laude. He then turned his focus to law school at the University of Florida's Levin College of Law, where he earned his start in the legal field as a Certified Legal...

Ms. Stover is an attorney with extensive knowledge and experience in a wide variety of legal matters including family law (divorce, custody, child support), criminal and traffic (DUI/DWI, theft, Post-Conviction Petitions), personal injury (auto accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and falls), and immigration (naturalization, adjustment of status, and asylum).

After graduating law school, Ms. Stover clerked for the Honorable Marielsa A. Bernard of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD. Throughout her clerkship, Ms. Stover not only gained knowledge of the law and the inner workings of the courthouse, but she also gained extensive insight into a wide variety of family law...

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...

Susan Winston has been practicing law since October 2004 when she was admitted to the Florida Bar. She came to Florida from Virginia after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the College of William and Mary in 2001. Susan then went to the University of Miami School of Law and received her Juris Doctor in 2004. Susan began her legal career at the Office of the Public Defender for the 15th Judicial Circuit in 2004. In over six years at the Office of the Public Defender, Susan represented the indigent accused in...

Mr. Shafran has dedicated his legal career to zealously advocating for victims and seeking justice for others. Mr. Shafran grew up in Parkland, Florida until he attended Florida State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology. In 2012, he received his Juris Doctor in law at Nova Southeastern University College of Law.

Upon graduating law school, Mr. Shafran worked as an Assistant State Attorney in Palm Beach County, prosecuting those accused of committing crimes and representing victims of crimes. As a prosecutor, Mr. Shafran handled thousands of cases ranging from minor offenses like misdemeanors, all the way...

Michael Mirer is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Miami-Dade, Florida. His firm, the Law Office of Michael Mirer, P.A., handles all types of misdemeanor, felony, and federal charges. Michael earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law and was licensed by the Florida State Bar in 1997. Michael served as a Miami-Dade County Assistant State Attorney before entering into private practice. His experience on both sides of the courtroom helps him build comprehensive defenses and seek the best possible results for each client. Michael has defended a number of high profile cases...

Jeffrey Morris is an experienced defense attorney and co-founder of McLaughlin Morris, P.A. who serves those facing criminal charges and personal injury matters in Delray Beach, Florida and the surrounding areas. He has a passion for providing each customer with personal care to meets his or her individual needs. With more than a decade of experience as a prosecutor and an attorney, he is able to apply his knowledge of Florida's courtrooms to the challenging situations that his clients face. This dedication to every matter can be seen in his work ethic and educational background. After studying...

As a preeminent West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer at Perlet & Shiner, P.A., Marc Shiner has a reputation as a top-notch, tough, respected attorney with 28 years of experience and hundreds of trials, many of them high-profile which received national media attention. Over the course of his career, Mr. Shiner has achieved notable success. As a former major crimes prosecutor for the State Attorney’s Office, he has had 250 jury and non-jury trials, including many high-profile sex crimes and murder cases. Mr. Shiner handles all criminal cases, including all white collar crimes, drug offenses, conspiracy, murder, DUI manslaughter, fraud, robbery,...

Carey D. Carmichael, Jr. is recognized by the Florida Bar as a Board Certified Expert in Criminal Trial Law. Mr. Carmichael's office is in Lake City, Florida. Mr. Carmichael received his Bachelors degree from Mercer University; and obtained an MBA prior to law school. Graduating from law school in 2006, Mr. Carmichael began his career as an Assistant Public Defender. During the next few years, Mr. Carmichael handled over 2000 cases, ranging from misdemeanors to capital felonies.

Prior to opening his practice, Mr. Carmichael served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Third Judicial Circuit for 6 years. During his...

As a Martin County native, Attorney Kathryn Roegiers attended Martin County High School before enrolling in the University of Florida. She then went on to pursue her legal education by enrolling in Stetson University College of Law. After graduating, Ms. Roegiers worked with the 19th Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s office, obtaining valuable experience working on juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony cases. Ms. Roegiers briefly worked at a private law firm on the Treasure Coast before opening her own practice. Now, she is able to provide the criminally accused a haven for defense at Roegiers Law. Ms. Roegiers has been given a...

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...

Brian Mallonee is a take-charge advocate and a well-disciplined, board certified criminal defense trial lawyer. He has defended thousands of cases and has extensive experience in all phases of the criminal justice system. This includes pre- and post-arrest investigations, negotiating charging decisions with the prosecutor's office, creative motion practice, plea bargaining, bench trials, jury trials, appeals, and post-conviction matters. Mr. Mallonee is licensed to practice in all Florida state courts and the Southern District of Florida's Federal courts.

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...

Thomas M. Prestia began his legal career serving as a prosecutor at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office. During his tenure as a prosecutor, Mr. Prestia gained the knowledge and experience necessary to manage and litigate cases from the government’s perspective. This knowledge and experience has been critical in defending individuals facing criminal charges, as well as in his general trial practice. After leaving the State Attorney’s Office, Mr. Prestia further developed his trial practice by working at a leading medical malpractice firm. There he gained valuable insight into the operation of medical practices, experience in evaluating and litigating serious...

Joshua Padowitz is a skilled and dedicated criminal defense attorney at Kenneth Padowitz, P.A., a reputable criminal defense law firm based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. With a strong passion for justice, a reputation for his acute attention to detail and aggressive representation, and a commitment to protecting his clients’ rights, Joshua brings an impressive background and diverse experience to every case he handles. Joshua adds his skills, knowledge, and tenacious attitude to the firm’s collective 40+ years experience in legal practice. Joshua’s experience extends beyond his work with Kenneth Padowitz, P.A. He served as a Supreme Court Certified Legal Intern and...

Criminal Defense Attorney in South Florida.

Gary Cole is a Fort Lauderdale based criminal defense attorney providing legal representation that is specifically tailored to each client’s unique situation. Whether you're charged with a misdemeanor such as DUI, Petit Theft of Possession of Cannabis, or are charged with a Felony such as Drug Possession or Trafficking, Burglary or Robbery, Gary Cole will provide you with the experienced legal representation you need. Gary Cole has a unique perspective in criminal defense from his experience as a former prosecutor. In order to successfully represent someone charged with a crime, one must know what the available options are and have...

ELERLAW is a general trial practice law firm handling all family, criminal and general litigation matters in both State and Federal courts.

My 30 year legal career began as Assistant State Attorney in Duval County where I prosecuted criminal offenses.

For approximately 20 years thereafter I was a private practitioner in Jacksonville. I started as an associate attorney at the law Offices of Tassone & Ferebee and represented clients in criminal and civil litigation. I then went on to partner of Tassone & Eler, with a focus on complex and major litigation practices in criminal and...