Fort Pierce Domestic Violence Lawyers

I received my undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from Florida International University in 1995. I then received my Masters in Business Administration degree from Florida Institute of Technology. I later received my Juris Doctorate degree from Florida A&M University. This educational background helps me understand many of the concerns that my clients share with me regarding their interest in small and/or family owned businesses.

I am a member of the following professional organizations:

The Florida Bar
The Orange County Bar Association
The Osceola County Bar Association

Michelle Merson, Esq. graduated from Nova Southeastern University School of Law in 1992.
After working side by side with a prominent criminal defense attorney for 12 years on every type of criminal felony and misdemeanor cases, Michelle decided Misdemeanor crimes needed to be the focus of her practice. Misdemeanors and only misdemeanors. Why? “My experience has shown me that misdemeanor cases are routinely not given the priority they deserve,” Michelle explains. “I feel a need to provide these often forgotten clients with a high level of personal service and attention.”

Because she realizes that a person charged with a misdemeanor is...

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 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,...

Mr. Hancock is the Managing Partner at Hancock & Associates, P.A. He graduated from undergraduate school at the University of Central Florida in 2003, where he received his Bachelors of Science in Psychology. He attended and graduated from Florida A&M College of Law, in Orlando, FL, and received his Juris Doctor in 2010. He has been a member of the Florida Bar and a practicing attorney since September, 2010. During law school, he was a summer associate at McCreary & Hancock, P.A., in Orlando, Florida, and later was a clerk for the Judge of Compensation Claims in Orlando, FL....

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...

I graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida in 1997. I was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1998 and immediately began working as an assistant state attorney for the Palm Beach State Attorney’s Office where I prosecuted hundreds of criminal defendants. Towards the end of 1998, I then entered civil practice when I joined the Legal Aid Office in Dade County, Florida where I assisted clients in family law matters ranging from divorce, to distribution of properties and debts. Thereafter, in 1999, I went into private practice, and based upon my experience and qualifications was also appointed...

At the Law Office of Paulette Hamilton Divorce Lawyers, we are a dedicated family law firm serving Orlando, Florida. We understand that every case is unique, and we pride ourselves on taking a client-centered approach. While some cases may share similarities, each family’s situation is distinct. That’s why we don’t rely on a one-size-fits-all method when handling family law matters. Building strong, long-term relationships with our clients is a priority, and we tailor our legal strategies to meet each individual’s specific needs and goals. Our commitment to personalized service is backed by a drive to achieve the best possible outcomes...

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.

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...

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...

The Law Offices of Ben I. Farbstein, P.A., focuses on family law matters in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miami, Palm Beach, the Florida Keys and the surrounding areas. The firm has also taken on cases throughout the State of Florida at both the trial and appellate levels. Ben I. Farbstein, Esq., has developed a sophisticated family law practice that handles complex family law litigation matters in virtually every area of family. However, no case is too large or too small – if it is important to you, it is important to Ben I. Farbstein, Esq.

I am Dave L. Simmons, and I practice law at the Law Offices of Dave L. Simmons, P.A. in Broward County, where I have been working in the criminal justice field for nearly 28 years. My academic journey began at Florida State University, where I graduated cum laude with a degree in Communications. Following this, I pursued legal studies at Nova Southeastern Shepard Broad Law School and earned my Juris Doctor degree. After completing law school, I served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Broward County State Attorney’s Office and later as an Assistant Public Defender for the Broward County...

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...

I have been practicing as a criminal defense attorney since 2006 and currently manage my own firm, Jordan H. Kramer, P.A. Prior to opening my firm, I worked as a partner with Howze, Monaghan, Theriac & Kramer, PLC and before that I worked as an Assistant Public Defender in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit (Brevard County) where I quickly earned the reputation as a zealous advocate of my clients constitutional rights. I have successfully defended hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases in both the Circuit and County Court. During law school, I worked as an extern with the Wayne County...

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...

Ernest L. Chang is an experienced Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer, having practiced exclusively in the field of Criminal Defense since his admission to the Florida Bar in 1990. Mr. Chang obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor degree in law from Nova Southeastern University. Mr. Chang has also appeared pro hac vice, in other jurisdictions, most recently in the State of Arizona. Past experiences include prosecuting Felony trials as a Certified Legal Intern with the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office, Former Public Defender with the 18th Judicial Circuit and Criminal Defense with...

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...

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...

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.

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

EXPERIENCE: President, University of Miami School of Law Family Law Society 1999-2000, Criminal Law Society, Author: Drugs a Process of Death Florida Police Chiefs Association, Computer Animation Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Will it Become Tomorrow's New Form of Substantive Evidence? If so, Should it Be? University of Miami School of Law. CALI Award for RICO University of Miami School of Law, Member Golden Key National Honors Society University of Central Florida; Chief of Police City Of Oak Hill Florida 1988-1991Youngest Police Chief In Florida; Lake County Sheriff's Office, Investigator in Charge of Intelligence and Organized Crime 1985-1988; Lead Investigator 5th...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Josh A. Howard, Esq. is a trial and appellate attorney, practicing in South Florida’s tri-county area (Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties). Mr. Howard’s practice focuses primarily on criminal defense work, representing adults and juveniles charged with misdemeanors, felonies, domestic-violence crimes, and both criminal-traffic and traffic-citation matters.
Mr. Howard attended the State of Florida’s first law school, and the Nation’s preeminent law school for trial lawyers – Stetson University College of Law, which is consistently ranks number one among law schools in the United States for trial advocacy, and number two for legal writing, by U.S. News & World Report....

Meritxell has been practicing criminal defense in South Florida for more than 13 years. As a former Assistant Public Defender, she handled thousands of cases ranging from Death Penalty cases to misdemeanor DUIs and drug offenses. She has tried more than 50 jury trials, including Murder and Capital Sexual Battery trials. Meritxell received her juris doctorate degree from St. Thomas University, where she was the recipient of the ABOTA Trial Scholarship. She has always had a passion for helping those who could not help themselves and has devoted her entire career to the zealous advocacy of those accused of crimes,...