Top best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Orlando | 76 available

Zahra Umansky was a former Assistant Public Defender in the 18th judicial circuit in Brevard and Seminole Counties, Florida.  As a former Public Defender, Zahra had over a hundred trials including crimes such as robbery, theft, assault, battery, prostitution, drugs, trafficking, dealing in stolen property, fraud, sex crimes, driving under the influence, and many other Felonies and Misdemeanors.  She was able to secure many not guilty verdicts and judgment of acquittals protecting her client's right to liberty.  After Zahra left the Public Defender's office, she was appointed by the Honorable Glenda Hood, Mayor of Orlando, as the City Prosecutor for the City of Orlando, Florida.. As City Prosecutor, Zahra was successful in the implementation and prosecution of many types of criminal matters including crimes of disorderly conduct, assault and battery, resisting arrest without violence, trespass, indecent exposure of sexual organs, solicitation to commit prostitution and many other criminal and or ordinance violations. Zahra also served as the prosecutor before the City's Nuisance Abatement Board.  She was also a legal advisor to the Orlando Police Department on matters involving search and seizure law, trespass, drugs, domestic violence etc.  As a legal advisor, Zahra trained police in matters of search and seizure laws, Miranda and other constitutional rights.  She reviewed search warrants, wiretap applications, and gave police last minute advice they needed before they made arrests.. While City Prosecutor for the City of Orlando, Zahra was appointed Special Assistant State Attorney for the Ninth judicial circuit to prosecute Firework cases here in Orlando, Florida.  As a former prosecutor and legal advisor, Zahra can see and evaluate your case from both sides of the law.  As a former police legal advisor, she understands how the Police investigate and secure their evidence and as a former prosecutor, understands how the State of Florida will present their case in court against you.  Zahra Umansky is dedicated to defending the rights of her clients and approaches each case with aggressive and diligent representation.  At the same time, she treats each client with the dignity and respect.

William J. “West” Ritchie is a managing attorney for The Virga Law Firm’s Pensacola office. He is well-versed in storm and hurricane insurance claims, construction defect litigation, BP oil spill claims, and insurance defense litigation. He also has 30 years of Family Law and Divorce experience. Mr. Ritchie has represented clients in the Panhandle for the past 28 years. Some of his current practice areas include Hurricane claims, Construction Defect Litigation, B.P. claims, and Insurance Defense Litigation. After Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle in October 2018, he got right to work to hear the stories of claimants who needed to file homeowners’ insurance claims but did not know where to begin.. Growing up in Alabama as the 12th child in a family of 14 children, Mr. Ritchie learned the importance of togetherness and community involvement at an early age. This lesson would prove to be integral to his development into adulthood, pointing him to the path of becoming an attorney.. Ever since he received his law degree from the Cumberland School of Law, Mr. Ritchie knew he wanted to help people in need and in tricky legal situations. As a lawyer with The Virga Law Firm in Florida, he is able to continue his career focus by contributing to family law/divorce, criminal, bankruptcy, and insurance law cases our law firm accepts. In terms of family law and divorce cases, he has personal insight, having gone through a difficult divorce and child custody case himself some years ago. He uses that experience to relate to his clients and guide them through their family law dispute with confidence.. Mr. Ritchie often says his career highlight arose during a criminal defense case. He was defending a client who could have been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment with no chance of early release. After a hard-fought legal battle, the jury was convinced his client acted in self-defense and returned a not guilty verdict.. Recently, Mr. Ritchie has sat on the Board of Directors of many civic organizations in his area. He believes in using his skills and education to help improve the lives of others, and such seats give him this great opportunity.

William D. Umansky has over a decade of experience to offer any client, especially in the area of criminal defense and personal injury. He has an insight into the workings of the prosecution because his career includes experience as both a former Assistant State Attorney in Florida and The City Prosecutor for the City of Orlando. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Umansky was in charge of the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Division. He has also been a Police Academy Instructor, an Adjunct Professor at Florida Metropolitan University, and a Legislative Assistant to a United States Senator. Mr. Umansky's entire career has centered on the legal process, both as a prosecutor and now a defender of those accused of illegal behavior.. During his career, Mr. Umansky has remained involved in his community and is an active part of Florida's legal system. He belongs to the Orange Bar Association, acting as Co-Chair of the Orange County Bar Criminal Law Committee for several years. He is a member of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Central Florida Criminal Defense Attorneys Association.. Mr. Umansky graduated cum laude from the University of South Florida with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and obtained his law degree from the University of Florida College of Law. During law school, Mr. Umansky was a member of the University of Florida Trial Team and received a Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Contribution to the University of Florida Law School. He also earned an award for achieving the top grade for his work in Negotiations and Dispute Settlement. Mr. Umansky also attended the Tulane Institute of European Legal Studies.. Mr. Umansky is admitted to practice in the Florida State Courts and the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida. At the offices of The Umansky Law Firm, he offers criminal defense representation for nearly every type of criminal charge, including:

While working as a Director for a major Military Defense Contractor Kevin C. Maxwell was inspired to attend Law School. While in Law School, at the Barry University School of Law, Mr. Maxwell co-founded the Richard Senate branch of Delta Theta Phi legal fraternity and appointed to the position of Supreme Court Justice of Honor court. He achieved these honors and graduated Suma Cum Laude from Barry University all while working full time. After passing the Florida State Bar, Attorney Maxwell, joined the practice of Retired Judge Dominic Salfi, where the firm’s focus was on Criminal, Personal Injury and Family Law matters. In 2004 Attorney Maxwell joined the firm of Mr. Thomas A Vaughn II as an associate. In 2005 Mr. Maxwell formed a partnership with Mr. Vaughn creating the firm of Vaughn and Maxwell. The primary focus was on Claimant’s rights in the area of worker’s compensation.. In 2008, Attorney Maxwell dissolved the partnership with Attorney Vaughn. Taking all the knowledge and experience he had garnered as a lawyer and the 18 plus years of business acumen, Attorney Maxwell established his own firm. His current practice, The Office of Kevin C. Maxwell & Associates, focuses on a wide variety of practice areas. In 2012, Mr. Maxwell secured the seventh largest a jury verdict award in an Auto Accident case in the country, where his client was awarded over $27.5 million dollars in Damages.He can be reached at or on the 24 HOUR HOTLINE

Timothy W. Terry is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, and his areas of practice include family law, divorce, child custody, property distribution, juvenile law, criminal defense, felonies, white collar crimes, probation, and personal injury.. Mr. Terry received his A.B. degree, Magna Cum Laude, in 1973 from Duke University, and his J.D. in 1976 from Florida State University. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1981. As a member of the Florida Bar, he was Chair of Grievance Committee C for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida in 1996, a member of the Rules and Forms Committee from 1996 to 1997, a member of the Legislation Committee from 1997 to 1998, and a member of the sections on trial lawyers, family law, and criminal law. He is also a member of the Orange County Bar Association, the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.. Mr. Terry served as a law clerk for the Honorable Charles R. Scott of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the Honorable Warren L. Jones of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and a staff law clerk for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. He has also served as an Assistant State's Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida from 1984-1993.

The  Ladan Law Firm, P.A. continues to build on years of the community involvement of founding Partner, Amir Ladan.  The lawyers and staff of our firm are active in the communities we serve.  Not only do our lawyers provide pro bono legal services well in excess of what the Florida and local Bars require, but our lawyers and staff enjoy participating in a variety of community service projects, fundraisers and events.. Amir is the Past-President of the Rotary Club of Seminole County Sunset, where he is responsible for thier annual fundraiser - Poker Chips for Scholarships.  The annual event raises thousands for scholarships benefitting high school Seniors in Seminole County, as well as funding the amazing community service projects our club participates in throughout the year. The Ladan Law Firm proudly sponsors all of the club's fundraisers and Amir sits on their Board of Directors, where he has served for a decade.. Amir continues his involvement as a Rollins College alumnus. In 2014, he was nominated and elected to the Rollins College Alumni Board of Directors, where he served for six years, including his recent successful term as Co-President of the Alumni Board of Directors.  In 2020, he was invited to join the Board of Trustees of Rollins College.  Amir is committed to ensuring that Rollins will continue its mission, to educate students for global citizenship and responsible leadership, empowering graduates to pursue meaningful lives and productive careers.  He is also actively involved as an advisor to Tau Kappa Epsilon - Zeta Phi Chapter, where he sits on the Board of Directors of their Alumni Association and 501(c)3.. In December of 2019, the Firm celebrated it's 11th annual Happy Hour Toy Drive benefiting XL 's Baby DJ.  Over the years, this event has turned into Orlando's second largest source of group donations for local families in need during the holidays.  This event brings great joy to the entire team at the Firm, knowing that our efforts mean that hundreds of local families and their children will be able to celebrate the holidays.. The Ladan Law Firm was the title sponsor of The Fifth Amendment Happy Hour benefitting the Orange County Bar Association's Legal Aid Society.  Funds raised at the event are used to provide free legal services to those in our community that cannot afford legal counsel.  The event was a great success, well attended and a lot of fun for our lawyers and defense team.. Amir Ladan was honored to be named the King of The Krewe of Leaders in 2012.  The Krewe of Leaders recognizes and honors those that serve their communities and provides scholarships to deserving high school students who pursue careers in medical, hospitality and the performing arts.  Scholarships are funded by a series of community events surrounding "Mardi Gras" season including the Royal Gala, Fat Tuesday celebration and the Festival of Cities.. In 2012, Carsten & Ladan, P.A. was also a major sponsor of the 1st Annual Judicial Assistant Appreciation Luncheon, where we paid tribute to the excellent JA's in Orange & Osceola Counties.

Tad A. Yates is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has 29 years of criminal trial experience. He is a Phi Beta Kappa Graduate of University of Florida (B.A., Criminal Justice) and the University of Florida College of Law (J.D.)  Tad is a current member of the Florida Bar Board of Governors.  He is a Past President of the Orange County Bar Association and President of the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association.  In 2010, Mr. Yates was appointed by the President of the Florida Bar to serve on the Florida Bar's Criminal Rules Committee.  From 2008 to present, Mr. Yates was selected by Florida Trend Magazine as one of "Florida's Legal Elite" in the area of Criminal Law. In 2009, he was selected by "Florida Super Lawyers" for inclusion on the Florida Rising Stars list, featuring outstanding young lawyers in the state.  He was seleced a "Florida Super Lawyer" from 2010 to present.. In 2011, Tad was appointed by Governor Rick Scott Scott to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission.  He served 2 years in the position of Chair of that commission.  The Governor re-appointed Tad to the Ninth Circuit JNC for a second term and he will serve on that Commission through June 2019.. In 2014, Chief Judge Belvin Perry appointed Tad Vice-Chair of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Professionalism Panel.  Tad previously served as Chair of one of the Ninth Circuit Grievance Committees.. Tad is a former member of the Board of Directors of the University of Florida Alumni Association and the Board of trustees for the UF College of Law.. Tad currently serves as Chair of the Disciplinary Procedure Committee of the Florida Bar Board of Governors and was elected in 2023 to the Executive Board of the Board of Governors.

Orlando attorney Thomas D. Sommerville is a highly respected lawyer defending businesses and people accused of crimes and licensure violations. Mr. Sommerville defends clients in a wide range of criminal matters, including complex white collar offenses, homicide, sex offenses, and narcotics violations. The law practice encompasses pre-indictment investigations, negotiations with prosecutors, criminal jury trials, appeals, and post-conviction and collateral relief. The firm additionally represents professionals including lawyers facing the grievance procedure with The Florida Bar, and physicians, and nurses facing discipline from the Florida Department of Health.  Mr. Sommerville also represents those being investigated by the Florida Board of Bar Examiners facing Investigative Hearings and Formal Hearings.

My firm consists of a team of experienced and highly skilled criminal defense attorneys. We have board certified criminal trial experts, a former judge and other skilled attorneys with over a 100 years of combined experience. We have former State Prosecutors and Public Defenders.  I handle all criminal law matters. I have personally represented people on thousands of cases and will not hesitate to take your case to trial.. Our previous cases include DUI, Driving While License Suspened, Resisting an Officer with and without Violence, Violation of Probation (VOP), Grand Theft, Armed Robbery, Attempted Murder, Drug charges, Trafficking, and many more. We are available for all state and federal charges.. The Majority of oury cases are out of Orange County, Osceola County, Seminole County, Voluisa County, Polk County and Lake County, however, I do represent people throughout all of Central Florida.. We offer reasonable payment plans and competitive pricing.   Call my office today at  for a free consultation.

Mr. Guidry graduated, with Honors, from St. Louis University School of Law in
1993 with his Juris Doctor,  a Masters of Business Administration, and
his Bacholor's Degree was in Accounting.  Mr. Guidry began his criminal
defense career at the Orange County Public Defender's Office in 1993,
under the wonderful supervision of then elect Public Defender Joseph
DuRocher (in my opinion, the best public defender, ever).  In 2001, Mr.
Guidry left his position as a Felony Division Chief with that office to
begin his private practice in downtown Orlando, right next to the
Orange County Courthouse (where his office remains to this day).. Mr. Guidry owned and operated U.M.P. Recording Studio, an Orlando
recording facility he founded in 1998.  In 2009, he sold U.M.P. to a
record label, but retained a mastering facility, where to this day Mr.
Guidry still engineers and masters albums for artists all over Florida.

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 a prosecutor with the Office of Statewide Prosecution where he specialized in white-collar offenses, racketeering and narcotic wiretap/conspiracy cases. Recent significant trials that Michael has won include two murder trials, one of which charged a triple homicide and also a major pill mill case which was dismissed at trial by the judge.

Mark NeJame is the Founder and Senior Partner of NeJame Law. Mark received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Florida and graduated with his Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida, College of Law, in 1980. NeJame Law maintains its primary office in Orlando. Mark has routinely handled state and federal cases and clients throughout the U.S. He has practiced in numerous counties throughout Florida and in all 3 Florida federal district courts; the Middle, Northern and Southern. In addition to Florida, he has represented clients and handled cases in numerous other states and districts throughout the United States and the Caribbean, including cases in Georgia, Texas, Massachusetts, California, New York, Virgin Islands, New Jersey, Michigan, North Carolina, and Virginia.. For the first 25 years of his 40+ year career, Mark primarily devoted his practice to criminal defense. He developed a state and national reputation by passionately representing thousands of clients charged with essentially every type of criminal offense. Because of the demand for him and his firm to provide additional legal services, NeJame Law expanded its practice areas 17 years ago to include personal injury and civil/commercial litigation divisions, offering the same standards of excellence, reputation, negotiating, and trial skills for which he and his firm have become renowned.. NeJame Law's vibrant Personal Injury Division and team helps and represents those who have been injured in everything from vehicle accidents, to negligent security, to excessive force by law enforcement cases. Personal attention, a dedication to excellence, and a relentless pursuit for compensatory justice for those in an accident or injured are the cornerstones of the division.. The Civil and Commercial Litigation Division is similarly dedicated with the same measure of excellence to a variety of areas which includes contractual and corporate controversies, defamation, employment cases, sexual harassment, probate disputes, and multiple other matters.. Founder and Senior Partner, Mark is driven in making certain that his Firm and its team of trial attorneys provide creative, aggressive, ethical and compassionate representation in seeking the best results on behalf of its clients.. Although most of Mark's and the firm’s cases involve regular people and their families who find themselves hurt, accused, or needing help with a legal challenge, Mark has handled innumerable high profile and media cases throughout his career and is highly regarded as a media expert and legal analyst. Clients have included lawyers, entertainers, judges, professionals, celebrities, professional athletes, congresspeople, politicians, high ranking law enforcement officials and renowned business people. The majority of such cases often are kept off the public radar and become resolved quietly. A small number of others either necessitate public exposure or proper handling with the media. With his vast media experience, as well as his substantial legal background, Mark has often been called The Fixer as he has vast experience knowing how to navigate and strategize a case and his clients through issues, landmines, adversaries, and the media.. Among the many awards and accolades, Mark NeJame has been honored to receive are:. 1. NeJame Law was selected in the Orlando Business Journal annual reader's poll as The Best Law Firm in Orlando Central Florida.. 2. For decades Mark has been recognized in the Bar Register of Preeminent Attorneys, which acknowledges but a small number of the leading lawyers in the United States.. 3. Mark is an AV rated lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating given by the organization, which is a nationally recognized attorney rating service. This ranking is the top ranking for both legal skills and ethics.. 4. Orlando Leisure Magazine has listed Mark NeJame among Orlando's Best Lawyers.. 5. Mark has also been recognized in the prestigious Florida Trend Magazine's Legal Elite as one of the best attorneys in Florida.. 6. He has been the subject of numerous newspaper and magazine articles, being referred to as "Orlando's Own Johnny Cochran", " The Power Worthy", "Defender is a Contender", "Orlando Power Couple", and the "Voice for the Voiceless".. 7. Mark NeJame has been named among Orlando's 50 Most Powerful People for multiple years in Orlando Magazine's Most Powerful annual list.. 8. Dedicated to service to others, Mark has been very active in a variety of civil, charity and political functions, having hosted multiple charitable and political events.. 9. Mark is co-founder and intimately involved, along with his wife, with Runway to Hope, a charity that provides assistance, research, help and support to children with pediatric cancer and their families. Runway to Hope has raised over $10,000,00 for pediatric cancer patients, has been voted multiple times as The Best Charity Event of the Year in different publications. 10. Along with his wife, Josie, they received the Award for Excellence in Fundraising by a Nonprofit, by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in Runway to Hope’s first year.. 11. Mark and Josie were also awarded Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy by AFP in a later year.. 12. Mark was contracted as a Legal Analyst and Commentator for both CNN and HLN (HeadLine News), speaking frequently to a national and international audience on the major national cases of the day.. 13. At various times, because of Mark’s reputation as a legal and media expert, Mark was also a Legal Analyst and providing legal commentary for WKMG(CBS affiliate), WFTV(ABC affiliate), and Central Florida News 13.. 14. Being recognized as Humanitarian of the Year by Onyx Magazine, Florida’s largest circulated magazine to the African-American community, is among Mark’s most treasured awards.. 15. Frequently sought out as a legal speaker, lecturer and commentator Mark has been recognized and awarded by numerous organizations. He has been a featured speaker for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Association of Black Narcotics Officers, innumerable other law enforcement groups, the Florida Private Investigators Association and numerous other associations.. 16. In addition to the previous regular appearances on CNN and HLN, Mark has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Morning Show, Anderson Cooper 360, Piers Morgan Show, The Canadian News Network (CBC), Nancy Grace Show, The Dr. Phil Show, Dr. Drew Show, MSNBC, FOX News, Joy Behar Show, Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell, Geraldo Rivera, Studio B with Shepard Smith, Inside Edition, Greta van Susteren, Court TV, TruTv, as well others, and a variety of ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox national and local news segments and outlets.. 17. Mark had been nominated on two separate occasions as an Emmy Nominee. Along with the rest of the WKMG new team, he provided ongoing legal analysis and commentary on the Casey Anthony trial. He has recently been co-nominated for a heart rendering video that was produced for Runway to Hope.. 18. A graduate of Edgewater High School, Mark was selected to join its Hall of Fame.. 19. Mark has regularly been interviewed or featured in a variety of news publications and magazines, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, People Magazine, The Atlantic, the New Yorker, the New York Post, as well as numerous others.. 20. Because of his legal expertise Mark had been invited as a guest instructor, for over 20 years, teaching law enforcement professionals courtroom and legal strategies and the law.

I understand the devastating impact an arrest may have on your entire life, family and your job.. When the stakes are this high, you need an experienced attorney to help guide you through the legal system.. I promise to represent you aggressively with the goal of the best possible resolution of your charges.. Please contact me and allow me to help you.

I have been licensed as an attorney since September 1995.  I graduated from the University of Alabama in 1995.  I went to work as a criminal prosecutor for a District Attorney's office in Central Alabama.  After a couple of years (and 16 jury trials) I started my own practice.  In 2000, I moved to Florida and began working in the medical malpractice defense and general insurance defense field.. I presently practice in the areas of insurance coverage, SIU, property coverage and liability claims, auto liability and bad faith litigation.

Everyone from the falsely accused, first time offender or the career offender deserves to have a lawyer who will fight for them and protect their rights.. Eric Barker has practiced criminal defense exclusively for 20 year and has been able to analyze each case to prepare your defense. This is why Attorney Eric Barker is your EXPERIENCED Criminal Defense Lawyer. Initial consultations are always free of charge. Call Today

Blair T. Jackson was born in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada in 1965. He attended McGill University in Montreal where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1988. He then attended the Western Michigan Cooley School of Law where he received his juris doctorate in 1991. Mr. Jackson also graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law with a LL.M. (Masters of Law) degree in Business Transactions in 2014. Mr. Jackson has more than twenty-three (23) years of civil litigation experience, practicing in both state courts in the State of Florida, as well as the United States District Court of the Middle District of Florida. He successfully litigates civil disputes of all kinds, including, but not limited to, contract disputes, employment law agreements (for employer and employee), mortgage foreclosure cases, and certain administrative actions.. In addition to his twenty-three (23) years of litigation experience, Blair Jackson has taught as a professor at Barry Law School in Orlando, Florida and the Crummer School of Business (M.B.A. program) at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. In addition to receiving a faculty achievement award for scholarship in 2014, he has published two (2) law review articles.. Mr. Jackson has consistently participated in the Orange County Bar Association’s Guardian ad Litem program. He has provided his services as a guest speaker to high school and college students with respect to various legal topics, such as starting your own practice, and the practice of law in general.. Practice Areas: Civil Litigation, Administrative Law

After working as an Assistant Public Defender for 3 years following graduation from law school, I opened my own firm which has now been in existence for the past 26 years. I handle exclusively family law matters and criminal cases. I represent clients on all types of criminal charges, as well as divorces (both contested and uncontested), same sex divorces, paternity, child support, child custody, step-parent adoption, modifications, and guardianships.

Above all else, I believe in the Constitution and in a person's right to be represented by a capable lawyer during what may be one of his or her most difficult times in life. Whether you are facing criminal charges or an allegation of professional misconduct, I focus on finding a solution that meets your current needs while also protecting your future.. When charged with a crime or accused of professional misconduct, don't accept a plea offer or settlement agreement until you speak with a qualified attorney. I protect my clients by pursuing a resolution that will put them in the best possible position for their future. Many issues can be resolved amicably with the government's lawyers. However, if a hearing or trial is necessary, my experience and skill in the courtroom will put you in the best possible position to achieve your goals.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Orlando and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Orlando and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Orlando and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Orlando and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Orlando and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Orlando and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Orlando and surrounding areas.