Columbia County Domestic Violence Lawyers

I received my undergraduate degree in English from Florida International University in 1991, and received my Juris Doctorate degree from Notre Dame Law School in 1995. Immediately thereafter I started practicing law in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I later opened an office in Melbourne, and then moved my office to Orlando in 2001.

I am a member of the following professional organizations:

The Florida Bar
The Orange County Bar Association

Welcome to Finkelstein Firm, P.A. I have dedicated my 20 years of practice to representing citizens charged with criminal offenses. Throughout my career, I have represented thousands of clients charged with a wide variety of crimes. I have extensive experience through all stages of litigation and trial. My trial experience includes cases ranging from DUIs and misdemeanors to violent crimes, sex crimes, and capital offenses where the state is seeking the death penalty. My profession is my passion! At Finkelstein Firm, P.A., you will get the attention you and your case deserve. Your Defense Starts Here!

Experienced trial attorney, practicing in federal and state court. Licensed in Florida, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Has earned three degrees, including a law degree from Florida State University and an advanced law degree, LL.M. in Trial Advocacy, from Temple University's Beasley School of Law (which consistently competes with Stetson University's law school for the TOP trial school in the U.S.A.).

Oxalis B. Garcia is a native from Puerto Rico. After being admitted to practice Law in the State of Florida she began focusing on practicing Family and Criminal law in the Tampa Bay area. Since that time, she has represented clients in divorces, custody disputes, post-judgment modification actions, child support matters, alimony and domestic violence injunctions. In addition she has represented client in Misdemeanors, Traffic Infractions, DUI’s and Violations of Probation. Presently she is admitted in three (3) jurisdictions and is fluent in both the Spanish and English languages. In addition Attorney Garcia volunteers at the Free Family Law...

With over 35 yrs experience in criminal law, Ronnie Crider has built a strong reputation as a defense attorney by applying his extensive experience as a Pinellas County Deputy Sheriff and Assistant State Attorney towards defending his clients. Upon leaving the State Attorney's Office, Ronnie began his successful Criminal Law Practice and was among the first one hundred criminal attorneys in the State of Florida to achieve Criminal Trial Law Board Certification , a distinction held by fewer than 1% of all Florida attorneys. During the past 26 years, Ronnie has exclusively represented those charged with both Felony and...

TAMPA CRIMINAL DEFENSE AND DUI ATTORNEY Jason Sammis is a shareholder with the Sammis Law Firm, P.A., who represents individuals charged with felony and misdemeanor criminal offenses in Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL. Jason Sammis is actively involved as an attorney on the NORML Legal Committee, which fights for the reform of marijuana laws. He is also a member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. EXCLUSIVELY FOCUSED ON CRIMINAL AND DUI DEFENSE By focusing exclusively on criminal and DUI defense in Tampa, FL, Jason Sammis is able to stay...

Jacob “Jake” Pillsbury attended the University of Florida and Stetson University College of Law. He graduated with a Juris Doctor in 2012 and immediately began serving the Tampa Bay Community handling plaintiff’s personal injury actions. A year into his career, Mr. Pillsbury transitioned into criminal defense, by joining the Public Defender's office. In each of his four years as an assistant public defender, he represented more than 200 indigent citizens of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas County. During those years he handled thousands of criminal cases ranging from minor traffic infractions to first degree life felonies. Through more...

As the founder of Hanlon Law, my number one priority is to protect our clients' future. We have over 20 years of experience in handling criminal defense cases including drug crimes, DUI, violent crimes, domestic violence, and other charges that carry serious penalties. Contact our firm for a free and confidential consultation if you or someone you know has been charged with a crime in Tampa.

Attorney Brian Monk has lived in the Central Florida area nearly his entire life. In 2000, he graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Business Management and a B.A. in Political Science. Thereafter, Brian earned a Law degree, a Master’s of Education degree and Specialist degree in counseling from the University of Florida. While in law school, Brian earned a Certificate in Family Law and was named a Fellow of the UF Law Center on Children and Families. Following law school, Brian worked as an Assistant State Attorney in Ocala, Florida, prosecuting felony and misdemeanor cases...

A native of Florida, Ryan T. Cox graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in criminology before going on to get a master’s degree in criminal justice from UCF and a law degree from UF’s Frederick G. Levin College of law. Following graduation, Ryan represented clients in civil litigation and business transactions before finding his niche defending people against criminal charges.

Now, having returned home after 4 years working in Colorado, Ryan has decided to apply his skills to representing the people of the gulf coast. He joins Carlson Meissner with extensive experience handling all manner of...

Dominic J. Baccarella is a divorce and family law attorney and criminal defense lawyer. He has earned an AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest rating available for attorneys for legal ability and ethical standards. Prior to opening Baccarella & Baccarella, P.A., Mr. Baccarella worked as an assistant professor for the Legal Assistance program at Hillsborough Community college and as the Assistant State Attorney for the State of Florida. In 1989–1990, he was a certified contract advisor to National Football League (NFL) players. In addition to providing clients with zealous and thorough representation in divorce, family law and...

Former prosecutor.

Former President of the Osceola County Bar Association.

Over 30 years of continuous criminal practice.

The Tinsley Criminal Defense Team is wholly devoted to the intelligent and aggressive defense of people accused of crimes.

If you or someone you love is charged with a crime, there's a lot to talk about. Please call for a free consultation.

William H. Beck was born December 28, 1971 in Arcadia, California. As a youth, Mr. Beck achieved the highest rank in Boy Scouts, the Eagle Scout, and spent two years in Europe where he learned to speak fluent German. After High School, Mr. Beck attended the National Polytechnic College of Science in Los Angeles where he specialized in Hyperbaric Medicine and received a Commercial Diving Certificate with a concentration on Advanced Dive Medicine in 1994. Mr. Beck worked as a Paramedic in Los Angeles County and served four years as a Fireman in the United States Navy Reserve...

As an experienced trial lawyer, Kevin has handled more than 200 jury trials in the last 32 years. Although he has represented many clients charged with serious felony and capital offenses, a vast majority of his work involves defending citizens accused of DUI. Mr. Mawn is the recipient of the 2000 Brevard County Bar Association Professionalism Award and was a Master in the Vassar B. Carlton Inn of Court. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Bar Association and as chairman of the 18th Judicial Circuit Florida Bar Grievance Committee.

Arielle Capuano’s practice is focused almost exclusively on divorce, custody, and family law matters. Her family law experience ranges from uncontested divorces to complex divorces, high asset divorces, paternity cases, custody cases, relocation cases, modifications, enforcement and contempt, and domestic violence. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Arielle obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising & Public Relations from the University of Central Florida. Graduating near the top of her class, Arielle received her Juris Doctor Degree from Florida International University College of Law, where she was actively involved in the leadership of the Board of Advocates, the...

Sasha Shulman is an attorney, licensed to practice in Florida. She is a Florida native, who grew up in Palm Beach County. Ms. Shulman graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. She then returned to South Florida to attend the University of Miami School of Law, where she was a member of the International Honors Fraternity, Phi Delta Phi, and served as Vice President of the chapter. Prior to founding Shulman Law, Ms. Shulman served as an Assistant State Attorney for over a decade. She prosecuted cases in the Homicide, Career...

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.

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...

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...

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).

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.

Ryan M. Cardoso is the founder and principal attorney at Cardoso Law, PLLC, in Pensacola, Florida. He serves clients in a wide variety of practice areas, including criminal defense, personal injury, and civil litigation. Ryan is an experienced attorney who has helped countless clients seek justice and defend their rights. Ryan M. Cardoso is a graduate of the University of South Florida and obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Florida College of Law in 2002 where he graduated with honors. He has been a member of The Florida Bar since 2003 and is admitted to practice before the...

Stephen “Steve” Joseph Ryan was born in the Bronx, where his mother worked as a nurse and his father was an officer with the New York Police Department. In the early ’90s, Steve moved to Tallahassee, Florida to continue his studies at Florida State University’s College of Law, where he met fellow law student and his future law partner, Shawn Risen. In 1995, Steve graduated with honors and received a Juris Doctorate, and one year later, Steve and Shawn Risen established Risen & Ryan, Attorneys at Law.

Clark H. Henderson, originally from Waynesboro, Mississippi, is a 2007 graduate of the University of South Alabama and a 2011 graduate of the Cumberland School of Law, Sam ford University, in Birmingham, Alabama. During law school Clark interned at the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and with the Honorable Laura Petro, 10th Judicial Circuit, Criminal Division. He practiced in Birmingham, Alabama before being admitted to the Florida Bar. Clark is licensed to practice in both Florida and Alabama.

My name is Brandy Merrifield. I am a criminal defense attorney and partner at Flaherty & Merrifield Criminal Defense. We serve Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Destin, and all of Northwest Florida. I devote 100% of my practice to criminal defense. With my background in psychology, I bring a unique perspective to the resolution of criminal cases. My objective in all of my cases is aggressive defense coupled with compassion and understanding. No matter what you are accused of, Flaherty & Merrifield will not judge you. We will defend you. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help...

Clay B. Adkinson is a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney at Adkinson Law Firm in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. The firm, which has more than 30 years of experience in the Florida Panhandle, represents clients facing criminal charges and others who are involved in family law issues. Adkinson earned his bachelor's degree in political science at Florida State University in Tallahassee in 2003. He then attended law school at Florida State University College of Law where he graduated with his juris doctor degree in 2005. After law school, he joined Adkinson Law Firm with...

DANIEL E. FORREST specializes in all divorce and family law matters, including paternity, premarital agreements, domestic violence, enforcement, contempt, alimony, child support, custody, visitation, parenting plans, time-sharing, equitable distribution, property division, restraining orders, mediation, and post-judgment modifications.

He is Board Certified in Marital & Family Law by The Florida Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization and Education.

He is a graduate of the University of Florida (B.A., 2002) and Nova Southeastern University School of Law (J.D., 2006).

Mr. Forrest has received Martindale-Hubbell's esteemed "AV- Preeminent" rating, which recognizes lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. He has been selected for...

Attorney Ivette Gonzalez Petkovich is a seasoned Miami criminal defense attorney, serving clients throughout the state of Florida who are indicted or charged in federal and state criminal offenses or under investigation by law enforcement or other government agencies. Born and raised in Miami, Attorney Petkovich attended the University of Miami where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She received her Juris Doctorate degree from the St. Thomas University School of Law, also in Miami. She is now a married mother of two with a private law practice in Miami-Dade. Having spent her life in South Florida, she...

Evan Hoffman of The Hoffman Firm has dedicated his professional career to advocating for the rights of individuals across Florida--first as a state prosecutor and now as a skilled criminal defense attorney. Evan Hoffman has over 17 years of complex criminal trial experience. In 1998, Hoffman started his legal career as an Assistant State Prosecutor with the Broward County State Attorney's Office. In this role, Hoffman prosecuted defendants charged with both misdemeanor and felony offenses, including battery, possession of a controlled substance, and driving under the influence (DUI). During his tenure at the State Attorney's Office, Hoffman handled...

Leysi Jimenez practices in the areas of Immigration, Family Law, Foreclosure, and Criminal Justice. Ms. Jimenez obtained a Bachelor of Science Magna Cum Laude in Criminal Justice at the Florida International University, and also a Juris Doctor Cum Laude at the Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center. She has been representing clients at mediation, temporary hearings, and trials. Ms. Jimenez has also managed and prepared cases, attended court hearings, and drafted motions to reopen cases. She speaks fluent Spanish.

*AV Rated Preeminent® from Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ *Highest Rating of 5.0/5.0 from Martindale-Hubbell® Client Review Ratings™ *Highest Rating of 10.0/10.0 "Superb" on Avvo.Com *Rated Excellent on LawyerRatingz.com *Rated 5 out of 5 stars on Lawlink - The Attorney Network *Rated 5 out of 5 stars on Merchantcircle.com *A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau

Criminal Defense, Family Law, Business Litigation DUI/DWI Defense/ Divorce / Domestic Violence Injunctions / Contract Litigation

Grant Dwyer is a Notre Dame-trained Miami criminal defense attorney. He is a fighter and he knows how to beat your case. If you need to get your loved one out of a Miami jail, call Grant Dwyer Law. He is in court every day and he knows the judges and prosecutors. He knows how to handle your case from the arrest all the way through clearing your name. He is undefeated in front of juries. If you need a Miami criminal lawyer, call for a free consultation. Se habla Español.