Top Best Criminal Defense Lawyers | 26001 Available

Attorney Victoria E. Hatfield is an equity partner who defends state court and county court criminal cases throughout Florida. Victoria has achieved not guilty verdicts and won motions to dismiss and motions to suppress in just about every area of the state. If you need the best, Victoria will stand by your side. A 5-4 pit bull in a skirt and high heels. Prosecutors hate to see her coming, but they are happy to watch her leave. Sadly for prosecutors, it is usually with yet another victory notch on her luxury belt.. She defends individuals accused of state court crimes in every county court and circuit court in the State of Florida. Over the course of her nearly fifteen year legal career Ms. Hatfield has accomplished more than many of her colleagues (most of them much older and male by the way) will accomplish in a lifetime of practicing law. From successful motions to suppress and motions to dismiss to trial acquittals to numerous appellate victories to a groundbreaking ruling in her favor by the Florida Supreme Court, she just flat out wins. Find a criminal lawyer in the State of Florida who has won at all of the following levels like Victoria has: The Florida Supreme Court, District Courts of Appeals, and Circuit and County Criminal Courts.. If you need me, I will fight for you.

Mallory Lizana, originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in a small Mississippi town. Her journey in criminal law began in 2018 at a small defense firm, and she shortly thereafter received her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, with honors, from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2019. During her time at USM, she traveled to Italy and worked with individuals seeking asylum in the European Union from Africa. Later she spent time in Ireland where she studied their criminal justice system and learned about the impact that the conflict, “The Troubles," had on it. These experiences fueled her passion for criminal defense in the United States.. Mallory's academic journey continued at Florida State University College of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctorate in 2021. While at FSU, she was actively involved in the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Environmental Law Society, and the Association for Criminal Justice. She was awarded the Advancement of Animal Law Scholarship and Distinguished Pro Bono Service recognition. She also earned certifications in Florida Legal Research, Legal Technology, Advanced Database Searching, and Practice Ready Research.. Furthering her expertise, Mallory earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2024, graduating magna cum laude. She was recognized for her pro-bono and community service contributions.. Currently, Mallory is an associate attorney at Longwell Lawyers, where she passionately defends individuals facing criminal charges. She handles a wide range of cases, from criminal traffic offenses, including DUIs, to serious felony charges. Prior to this, she gained extensive courtroom experience as a certified legal intern with the Ninth Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office, where she managed over 500 cases from arraignment through trial.. In addition to her legal practice, Mallory serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida, where she teaches Animal Law and Criminal Procedure courses through engaging, asynchronous learning modules for undergraduate students.Mallory has published numerous articles on animal law and environmental law, including in the Florida Bar Journal, the Florida Specifier, the Animal Law Section of the Florida Bar’s Paw Review, and the ABA's GPSolo Magazine.. In recognition of her professionalism and dedication to the field, Mallory was honored with the 36 Under Thirty-Six Professionalism Award by the Young Lawyers Division of the Florida Bar in 2024.. Mallory Lizana is a dedicated criminal defense attorney and is committed to providing effective and clear communication with clients. Mallory handles a range of criminal cases from minor offenses such as criminal traffic charges including DUI’s to more severe charges. She goes above and beyond for her clients keeping them informed and meticulously assessing every case.. Apart from her legal pursuits, Mallory enjoys volunteering with the Animal Legal Defense Fund, as well as the McCormick Research Institute. She is also an active member of the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Orange County Bar Association, Animal Law Section and Young Lawyers Section of the Florida Bar.

Attorney Brandon Gans graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. While attending FSU, he served as President of the FSU chapter of the National Criminal Justice Honor Society. He then went on to graduate from Barry University School of Law in Orlando, acquiring legal knowledge in criminal procedure and trial advocacy.. Attorney Gans graduated from the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy in Havana, Florida. During this full-time five-month police academy, he was trained in all aspects of law enforcement. Upon completion of the academy, he was certified to serve as a law enforcement officer in the State of Florida.. Before founding Gans Law in 2016, Attorney Gans practiced criminal and traffic defense for three years in one of Orlando’s premier defense firms. Prior to becoming a defense attorney, he served as a prosecutor for the State of Florida for three years. He served in Lake County for a year and a half before transferring to Orange County. As a prosecutor, his duties included meeting with law enforcement, filing criminal charges, gathering evidence, arguing motions, conducting depositions, and taking cases to trial. His three years was split between misdemeanor and felony court. Attorney Gans handled a number of high-profile cases and was designated as a Special Prosecutor on assignment from the Governor of Florida. In addition to his experience as a prosecutor, Attorney Gans has three years of service as a Deputy Sheriff with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit.. Attorney Gans’ experience as both a Deputy Sheriff and a State Prosecutor provides a unique advantage in defending criminal cases. He has a working knowledge of police procedures and knows what the government requires to build their criminal cases. As criminal defense attorney, he is able to put his knowledge and skills into action to obtain the best possible results for his clients.. After over a decade of education and experience in the criminal justice system, Attorney Brandon Gans works diligently in applying those skills when representing all of his clients.

"I have handled jury trials, ranging from misdemeanors to capital felonies, including cases where the State was seeking the penalty of death." Practices in Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties for the following: Drug Offenses Homicide Sex Offenses Burglary and Property Crimes Robbery and Theft Cases Firearms and Weapons Offenses Trespass and Criminal Mischief Prostitution Assault and Battery Domestic Violence Traffic Offenses Violations of Probation Sealing and Expungement Juvenile Offenses "I took an oath the day I became an attorney to support the Constitution. Under the Constitution you have a right to a speedy tial by an impartial jury. You have the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to due process of law. No warant shall be issued without probable cause. No bail shall be excessive. No cruel and unusual punishments shall be imposed. You have the right to counsel."- Patricia A. Cashman Member of Florida Bar since 1984 Criminal Defense Attorney my entire career Opened my own firm in 2001 Graduate of University of Florida Member of National Association of Crminial Defense Lawyers Adjunct Professor at University of Central Florida since 1993 AV rated (highest rating) by Martindale Hubbell Authored Guide to Criminal Law for Florida

Attorney Vincent A. Citro represents individuals, executives, and others in complex civil, administrative, and grand jury matters in both state and federal courts. As a lawyer at the Law Offices of Horwitz & Citro, P.A., he brings his in-depth knowledge of complex legal matters to work for every client. Before returning to private practice, Mr. Citro was a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice and has worked with law enforcement officers throughout the world. He was appointed as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in South Florida and supervised the national security program for most of the state of Florida. In addition, Mr. Citro is certified as a criminal trial expert by the Florida Bar and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. This background, among many other professional positions and experiences, gives Mr. Citro a solid background to help every client. When your freedom and your future are at stake, and it’s you against the government—the state or the United States of America—you want the Law Offices of Horwitz & Citro, P.A. by your side.

As a Florida Board Certified Criminal Trial Specialist, I have the practical skill, knowledge, and experience to give you the expert defense you deserve.  I am dedicated to my client's defense.  Remember, ONLY Board Certified lawyers can describe themselves as an "Expert" in an area of law!. When you are charged with a crime, your lawyer's trial experience, knowledge, and qualifications can be the deciding factor in your successful defense.. I have 26+ years of courtroom experience; 9 and a half years as a Prosecutor, 10+ years as a defense lawyer, and 6 years service as a FORMER County Judge (January 6, 2009 to January 5, 2015).. As a Florida Bar Association Board Certified Criminal Trial Specialist, my unique qualifications, experience, and trial skills are your best offense in mounting your legal defense.. For potential clients not familiar with Florida Bar Board Certification or Board Certified lawyers, please visit The Florida Bar website to learn more about this special and advanced certification.. Initial Consultation is free of charge.  Payment terms / options are negotiable.

Bryce Fetter graduated with honors from the University of Florida in 1994 with a degree in Political Science.  While attending the University of Florida Mr. Fetter worked in Washington D.C. for the Honorable John L. Mica.. We have one goal for resolving your case - helping you obtain the best possible outcome.  At Bryce A. Fetter, P.A., we understand that your livelihood, liberty, and good name are at stake.  Contact Bryce A. Fetter, P.A. for a free consultation to discuss your case.  In addition to keeping normal business hours our office is open every Saturday.  Call to speak directly with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Winter Park, Florida.

Deanna E. Ebanks is an attorney with Gans Law, P. A. Her practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense matters. Originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, Deanna graduated from the University of Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with Honors and a minor in Criminology. Prior to law school, Deanna was among a select group of students chosen to participate in the James Weldon Johnson Summer Institute, where she became a fellow. She later received her law degree from the University of Miami - School of Law, receiving Honors in Litigation Skills -Trial Advocacy and earning the Dean's Merit Scholarship on six separate occasions.. Prior to joining Gans Law, Deanna served as lead counsel at The Cochran Firm in South Florida, sat first chair on dozens of criminal jury trials, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies punishable by life imprisonment and managed her private practice, The Ebanks Rahming Firm. Deanna’s interest in criminal defense began when she worked at the Office of the Public Defender - Howard Finkelstein in Broward County, Florida. As an Assistant Public Defender, Deanna learned the skills and tools needed to excel as a criminal defense trial attorney.. Deanna moved north to the Treasure Coast and joined the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel - Fourth District. As an Assistant Regional Counsel, Deanna continued to focus her practice exclusively on criminal defense, representing clients charged with misdemeanor offenses, as well as first, second and third degree felonies, including Murder, Attempted Murder, Arson, Trafficking in Controlled Substances, Organized Fraud, Grand Theft, Burglary of a Dwelling, Robbery with a Deadly Weapon, Home Invasion Robbery, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, and sexual offenses, such as Lewd and Lascivious and Sexual Battery - Great Force.

Board Certified Criminal Trial Specialist since 1987. Personal Attention to your case.. Aggressive Criminal Defense for over 30 years.. AV Rated Preeminent Martindale Hubbell. Superlawyer endorsed

Darryl R. Smith, Criminal Defense Attorney and Civil Litigation Lawyer, was born in Staten Island, New York and raised in Piscataway, New Jersey. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2008 summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies. Darryl went on to attend Vanderbilt University Law School. During his law school career, Darryl Smith was recognized by Vanderbilt University Law School as a Chancellor’s Scholar, and also was named Senior Editor for the Southern Regional BLSA Law Review Journal. He graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School with his Juris Doctorate in 2011, and moved to Orlando to pursue his dream of practicing law in Central Florida.. Darryl Smith began his legal career with the Office of the Public Defender for the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orlando, Florida, exclusively practicing criminal law. During his tenure with the office, he handled over 600 adult and juvenile misdemeanor cases from arraignment to case closure, including battery, possession of marijuana, petit theft, domestic violence, unlawful display of a firearm, driving with license suspended (DWLS), driving under the influence (DUI), and countless other misdemeanor offenses. In the short span of one year, Mr. Smith took 14 cases to trial.. In 2012, Darryl Smith was offered the prestigious opportunity to become a Civil Litigation Attorney with the Orlando Office of one of the largest civil defense law firms in the State of Florida, Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer. During his time with Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, he played a vital role in litigating several high-profile personal injury cases on behalf of several Fortune 500 companies, including Walmart, Lowe’s, and Home Depot.. Driven by an undying passion to make a real difference in the community by defending the rights of those in need, Darryl Smith voluntarily left the world of corporate law and returned to practicing criminal law with the Office of the Public Defender. During his second tenure with the office, he defended over 400 adult felony cases from arraignment to case closure, including robbery, burglary, drug trafficking, dealing in stolen property, aggravated assault with a weapon, aggravated battery, punishable by life (PBL) offenses, and numerous other serious felony charges.. Mr. Darryl Smith has developed a reputation in the Central Florida legal community as a down-to-earth, compassionate, aggressive, and most of all highly effective advocate for his clients. He has also been nominated by Orlando Style Magazine as one of Orlando‘s Legal Elite. Mr. Smith has litigated over 1,000 criminal and civil cases, and has taken over 25 criminal cases to trial, ranging from Simple Battery to First-Degree Murder. He is dedicated to utilizing his legal knowledge, trial experience, and tireless work ethic to pursue justice for each and every one of his clients. Darryl Smith works as a Criminal Defense and Civil Litigation Lawyer for the Smith & Eulo Law Firm.. Practice Areas:

Imran Malik has been a Plaintiff’s attorney his entire legal career.. His first job upon graduating law school was at a Plaintiff’s Law Firm in Winter Park, Florida. Imran’s success at handling various insurance matters led to his services being used by individuals and contractor’s throughout the State of Florida.  Imran’s work on first party insurance claims has helped contractor’s throughout the State of Florida collect full payment for their services. It was this work that led to Imran being appointed lead attorney of his previous firm’s first party litigation practice. Prior to his departure, Imran supervised over ten associates in this field.. Additionally, Imran has achieved substantial recoveries for clients that have been hurt as a result of injuries from car accidents or the negligence of others. This representation includes cases involving slip and falls, dog bites, car accidents and negligent design claims.. Imran also has extensive experience representing individuals facing any type of criminal charge. Imran has handled numerous Misdemeanor, Felony and Traffic charges in Orange, Osecola, Seminole and Volusia Counties. His experience in Criminal Law began during law school where Imran had the opportunity to work as a Certified Legal Intern at the State Attorneys Office, Ninth Judicial Circuit. During that time, he helped prosecute various criminal matters. Imran now uses that experience to help in the defense of his clients.. While in Law School, Imran was selected to the prestigious Moot Court Honors Board where he competed in the Saul Lefkowitz Trademark and Unfair Competition, Moot Court Competition in 2006 and 2007. His performance at the 2006 competition earned him “Best Newcomer” on the Moot Court Honors Board 2006. Also he was selected to serve as Vice Justice of the Honors Board for the 2006/2007 academic year. In 2007, Imran and his teammate achieved the second best overall brief and oral argument and third best oral advocacy team in the Southwest region of the competition.. Imran has had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the world including numerous countries in Africa, Asia and Europe allowing him to be able to connect and communicate with people from all walks of life effectively. He lives in Orlando with his wife and enjoy playing in his soccer league and watching the Orlando Magic.

Charity Tonelli focuses her practice exclusively in the area of Criminal Defense at her firm, Tonelli Law. Prior to entering private practice, Charity was a prosecutor in the Ninth Judicial Circuit working to ensure justice for felony, juvenile, domestic violence, and misdemeanor cases. Charity attended Barry School of Law where she received the highest grade in the class in multiple courses and graduated with Honors in Trial Advocacy and Honors in Children & Family Law. Charity has always been passionate about defending the rights of others, especially those of children and people with special needs. Charity now uses her experience as a trial attorney to fight for the individual’s personal rights and liberties.. In addition to her litigation practice, Charity enjoys giving back to her legal community as an active Board Member of the Orange County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, the Central Florida Association for Women, Treasurer of the National Association for Divorce Professionals, and Chairperson of the Orange County Bar Association’s Real Property Committee.. Charity met and married her law school sweetheart, William (Bill) Tonelli, and they now call Orlando home. In their free time they enjoy spending time together with their dogs and traveling whenever their schedules will allow it.. To learn more about Charity, please visit

Lindsey C. Gergely is the newest member of the Umansky Law Firm. Lindsey came to the firm after serving as an Assistant State Attorney in the Orange County State Attorney's Office.. During her time at the State Attorney's Office, Lindsey practiced extensively in both the County and Circuit Courts of Orange County. As a former prosecutor, Lindsey had many criminal jury trials involving crimes such as Possession of controlled substances, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Battery, Battery on a law enforcement officer, Resisting with violence, Resisting without violence, Disorderly conduct, Criminal mischief, Driving while license suspended, No valid driver's license, Driving under the influence, Prostitution, Refusal to obey a law enforcement officer, Animal cruelty, and Motor vehicle title fraud.. While at the State Attorney's Office, Lindsey earned the title, Champion of Justice, from her supervisors for her work as a prosecutor. At the time she left, she worked her way up to the Domestic Violence Specialty Unit. She handled only cases that involved Domestic relations including but not limited to Domestic violence battery, Violations of Domestic violence injunctions, Stalking, Assault, Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and Violations of domestic violence pre-trial release conditions.. While most of Lindsey's training comes from her time in the courtroom, she has extensive criminal law training.  She has attended and successfully completed the Driving under the Influence trial advocacy school, the Advance Driving under the Influence seminar, and a seminar on Domestic Violence prosecution.. Lindsey graduated with her undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor's degree in Marketing Management and a minor in Political Science. While at the University of Arkansas, Lindsey was on the Chancellor's List for her academic achievement and a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.. Lindsey obtained her law degree from the Florida State University College of Law.  While at Florida State University, Lindsey was an active member of the Women's Law Symposium and the Student Bar Association. Lindsey was also the winner of the Jessup International Moot Court Intramural competition.. Outside of the Umansky Law Firm, Lindsey is currently involved in her community. She is a member of the Florida Bar Association, the Arkansas Bar Association, the Orange County, and the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. In her spare time, Lindsey enjoys meeting with her running group and training for various races with them. She recently completed the Disney Full Marathon and has her sights set on many other races in the future.

Dean M. Bartzokis is a Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent, and Top 40 Under 40 Rated Attorney.. After attending the University of Michigan as an undergraduate, and Florida State University for law school, Mr. Bartzokis started his career as a prosecutor for the State Attorney's Office in Orange County, Florida. While a prosecutor, Mr. Bartzokis tried numerous cases in County and Circuit Court, spending critical time in County Court in a DUI specialty unit. Mr. Bartzokis had many criminal trials throughout his career, which include but are not limited to DUI, reckless driving, battery, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, resisting arrest without violence, criminal mischief, leaving the scene of an accident, grand theft third degree, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of alprazolam, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and assisted in trial for offenses ranging from home invasion robbery, domestic violence battery by strangulation, and burglary with an assault or battery therein with a firearm.. After nearly three years as a prosecutor, Mr. Bartzokis was recruited to join the prestigious law firm of Jaeger, Ali, & Blankner; now Ali & Blankner.  At the firm he has focused largely on criminal defense, family law, and personal injury work.  The major focus of his work is litigating in courtrooms all throughout Central Florida.  He also has written countless motions and appeals in furtherance of client representation.  Mr. Bartzokis has settled various personal injury cases to the satisfaction of his clients and also handled family law matters ranging from divorce, custody, paternity, and marital contract disputes.. Growing up in a traditional Greek Family in the Boston area, Mr. Bartzokis has lived his entire life with strong moral beliefs in integrity, family, religion, and the law. His father and uncle, who are both lawyers, instilled the value that every person remains innocent until proven otherwise. From the early years of his life up to his graduate years, he spent part of his time as a martial arts instructor and NCAA Division I wrestling recruit. These leadership roles along with strong family and community ties have molded an aggressive and fearless advocate for anyone he represents. Mr. Bartzokis' values, dedication, and hard work will ensure that your case will be in good hands and resolved in a way most agreeable to you.

For over 40 years, I have represented individuals and corporations in major federal and state white collar investigations, prosecutions, forfeitures and appeals. I have handled all types of criminal defense litigation in state and federal courts, from DUI cases to cases where clients have been charged with first degree capital murder, vehicular homicide, federal and state drug trafficking, bank fraud, securities fraud, tax fraud, telemarketing fraud, and money laundering. He has represented civil litigants in cases involving such diverse areas as civil RICO, civil fraud, quiet title matters and specific performance of real estate contracts.

My legal career began at the Orange County Public Defender's Office in February of 2005, where I worked for 9.5 years.  At the time I left in 2014, I was an attorney in the major crimes division, handling only first and second degree murder cases.  I left to start a firm with two partners, but a little over a year later, one partner needed to dissolve the firm, so I formed a solo practice to finish out my criminal cases.  I am proud to be back at the Public Defender's Office as of August 2016, helping those who cannot afford to hire an attorney.. Now that I am back at the Orange County Public Defender's office, I am not available for hire.  My clients are appointed to me based upon the charges and what judicial division the case is assigned to.  Appointed clients and their families still want to know about the attorney handling the case, so I hope this profile can provide that information and help everyone feel good about me when the client did not have the choice of picking me for representation.. I am a board certified criminal trial attorney, which means I am considered an expert in the field of criminal trials; there are approximately 431 attorneys in this state with that certification.  I have over 11.5 years of experience doing criminal defense, and have handled many first and second degree murder cases, attempted murders, robberies, carjackings, home invasions, burglaries, rapes, drug traffickings and possessions, etc.  I have had approximately 60 jury trials and approximately 10 non-jury trials, all of which were bench trials for violations of probation.  I have not counted cases where I announced a case as being ready for trial and the State dropped the case without picking a jury; I don't count those as a trial, though some private attorneys do, so be careful when looking at trial numbers, and ask questions as to what the attorney considers to be a trial.. I plan on keeping my website's blog online, but it's updated sporadically; essentially when I feel like writing.  One blog in particular is written to help families find ways to help their loved one who is charged with a crime.  If you'd like to check it out, please use the link in my profile to go to my website.

Lauren knows the importance of giving every citizen access to the court. She was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. After graduating from UF, she went to law school at FSU. She moved to Orlando after law school to work for the Ninth Judicial Circuit's Public Defender's Office. She fought zealously for six years. By the end of her tenure, she was handling drug trafficking, sexual assault, child pornography and burglary cases.. In December 2016, she tried a civil theft case with her father in Duval County. After prevailing, she was determined to join his practice and expand her skills as a trial attorney.. Before leaving the PD's Office, she applied for the Board Certification examination in the area of Criminal Trial Law. The application requires at least twenty-five trials, a written examination and peer review. In Fall 2017, she received her Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law, making her an expert in the field.