Florida City 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

Joseph “Trey” Flynn received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida, and went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton - School of Law in 2007. While in law school, Mr. Flynn served on the community service based St. Thomas More Society, while also serving as a board member and later president of the Entertainment and Sports Law Society. After graduating law school Mr. Flynn moved back to this hometown of Orlando, and went on to serve as an Assistant Public Defender for the Ninth Judicial Circuit. During his time as...

Jaya Balani is a partner with the NeJame Law Firm. Born and raised in the Orlando area. Ms. Balani earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Central Florida and later went on to earn her law degree from Florida A&M University College of Law in Orlando. Ms. Balani began her legal career as a Legal Intern with NeJame Law, a position she held during her last two years of law school. As an intern, Ms. Balani worked closely with all of the partners on a wide range of state and federal criminal cases. She demonstrated an impressive work...

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.).

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!

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...

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...

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...

Skilled and Experienced Attorney for your Divorce, Family Law, Juvenile and Criminal Law Needs in Daytona Beach, Volusia County, Flagler County, St. Johns County and the surrounding Central Florida areas.

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...

With over 15 years experience as a family law attorney, I have represented individuals challenged with the complicated, often times heavily sensitive, territory of domestic relations matters. I am skilled in creating constructive environments focused on bringing about the most beneficial results for my clients. I am a partner at the Gainesville-based Galigani Law Firm and represent clients in the Gainesville, Alachua, Ocala, Lake City and the surrounding communities. I have worked on all types of family law matters, including contested divorce, uncontested divorce and pre-marital agreements. I also provide experienced counsel during the related difficult decisions that parents...

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...

Biography: Clementine “CC” Conde is a native Floridian who grew up in Hollywood, Florida. Her love of law began early in life as she followed in the footsteps of her Uncle James, a prominent attorney in downtown Hollywood. Upon graduating from South Broward High School in 1983, “CC” attended the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. After graduating from U of M, “CC” went on to attend Law School at Western New England University School of Law in Springfield Massachusetts. While attending law school, “CC” interned at a...

With over 29 years of trial experience, attorney Michael Herring has zealously represented those that have been accused of all crimes, the injured and small business interests in all state courts of Central Florida. Herring and Herring P.A., a third generation Sanford Fl Law Firm, is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, conveniently located in the County Seat of Sanford, Seminole County, Florida. As a criminal defense lawyer, Michael Herring has been representing the accused for more than two decades in Central Florida. He handles a wide variety of cases ranging from high profile felonies to simple misdemeanors. Mr. Herring...

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...

I’ve wanted to be an attorney since I was eight years old. Frankly, I’ve always been passionate about helping others, especially those who have a feeling of helplessness. Fighting for other people is in my DNA and comes across in everything I do. I am passionate about seeking justice in all circumstances and I truly believe in our system, when it’s working as it should.

At the end of the day, that’s my job. I am intent on adding a layer of accountability to our system to ensure that it works properly for all people. This means helping people to understand...

Having been an Attorney for 20 years, Paola Parra Harris started out in Macon Georgia, before moving to Jacksonville. While in Jacksonville she met and married her Husband Robert and was an attorney at the Harris, Guidi, Rosner, Dunlap, Rudolph Law Firm in Jacksonville Florida before striking out on her own in 2016 to form Parra Harris Law.

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...

Dealing with a divorce, an arrest or a serious injury can be incredibly stressful. You may be overwhelmed and unsure what to do. These are the times when you need an experienced lawyer who can protect your interests and guide you forward.

Dear Friends: I have been practicing in the complex and interesting legal fields of family, criminal and personal injury law for over 25 years. In that time, I have learned what it takes to provide competent, aggressive representation to my clients, and at affordable rates. I believe that dedication, preparation and hard work are the cornerstones of a successful attorney and law firm. Our office has handled hundreds of complex cases over the years and we are willing to take on the challenging legal matters! If you, or someone you know needs help, call or email...

Reid received his Juris Doctorate in 2009 from Stetson University College of Law, where he graduated cum laude and in the top 10% of his class. Following his admission to the Florida Bar later that year, Reid practiced in the St. Petersburg/Tampa area for several years before moving back to Jacksonville to further his law career. Since becoming a licensed attorney, Reid has exclusively practiced criminal defense, handling cases from the pre-arrest investigative phase through jury trial. He has always believed in taking a personal approach to the practice of law by establishing a relationship with each and every client...

I have been practicing Criminal Defense since 2005. I began as a paid legal intern for the Public Defender's Office in Orlando while still in Law School and remained working there after passing the Florida Bar and becoming an attorney. With over 60 Jury Trials under my belt, I have established a reputation as a fearless attorney - ready, willing, and eager to take any case to trial. Whether a case goes to Trial is a decision entirely up to the defendant, but it is important to know that you have an attorney ready to do so, should...

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...

I have been a licensed attorney in Florida since April 2007 and have represented hundreds if not thousands of people. As a former Assistant Public Defender, I represented hundreds of people in criminal cases ranging from misdemeanor traffic cases to serious felonies. I created the Law Office of Mario R. Theodore in 2008 and strengthened my criminal defense experience while broadening my legal knowledge and representing people in administrative cases before agencies such as the Social Security Administration and Agency for Persons with Disabilities. In that same year I began expanding my knowledge and committing firm resources to Family Law. I...

Licensed to practice law in Florida since 1995. Former Assistant State Attorney. Extensive criminal law experience. Handling all criminal defense cases in state and federal court.

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...

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...

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.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Understanding my clients' experiences allows me to represent them on a personal level, which can significantly impact their cases. Seeking challenges in my career, I joined the Brevard County Public Defender's Office after law school, eventually moving to the Pinellas County Public Defender's Office. Working in the public defender's system has been an incredible learning experience, collaborating with brilliant trial attorneys who provide hope for our clients. Having handled thousands of criminal cases, I understand that behind every name and case number is a unique story, enabling me to empathize with my clients and earn their trust for an unwavering...

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).

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...