Top Best Criminal Defense Lawyers | 33482 Available

Born and raised in Florida, and licensed to practice law since 1998, I am a skilled attorney with significant trial experience and an excellent bedside manner.  I believe that everyone charged with a crime deserves a vigorous defense & I work to make sure each of my clients understands the legal process, and that they understand their choices before they make any decisions regarding their case.. Having achieved successful careers in both criminal defense and athleitcs administration, the competitor in me understands that sometimes it takes extra effort to get the results I want.  I am proud to say I have never shied away from that effort in defense of my clients.. Apart from being an accomplished attorney, I am also a father of four & grandfather of one.  When I'm not working, you may find me working local football games as an on-field official or serving as a volunteer coach for my youngest daughter's basketball team.  If you do, please say hello.  You never know when you may need a good attorney.

Family Law Attorney Ms. Hope is a strong advocate for Florida residents and their families in paternity, child support, divorce, adoption proceedings. She has substantial experience in all aspects of family law and domestic relations cases from intake through final disposition at trial.. Ms. Hope focuses on the protection and preservation of the marital assets by engaging services of the best forensic accountants, business and assets valuation experts and financial advisors in Florida. Dissolution of marriage is financially challenging to all parties involved. Ms. Hope aims for the prompt and efficient resolution of the case with the best possible financial outcome for her clients.. Ms. Hope represents clients in different types of the post-divorce and enforcement proceedings including but not limited to the contempt issues, enforcement of the equitable distribution, division of pension and retirement plans, drafting and preparation of the QDRO and the interlocutory and final appeals.Appellate advocacy include successful representation of clients in Florida 5th District Court of Appeals, marked by written opinions in Calloway v. State, 118 So. 3d 277 (Fla. 5th DCA 2013) and Simplice v. State, 134 So. 3d 555 (Fla. 5th DCA 2014).. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, Ms. Eliza Hope, Esq. is qualified to handle all aspects of your divorce zealously, knowledgably and skillfully, and provide alternative dispute resolution services such as mediation and collaborative family law.. She is Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator.. Ms. Hope practices Criminal Defense and Real Estate Law as well.

In addition to an active and agressive private practice, Mr. Holt teaches at the local college, competes as a triathlete, and helps raise money and supports the Volusia Surf Lifesaving Association.

Brooklyn, NY born, and Daytona Beach raised, Serena is a seasoned litigator who has practiced law in Florida since 2006. Serena began her legal career prosecuting criminal cases as an Assistant State Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit before going on to represent the best interest of Florida’s abused, neglected, and abandoned children as a Senior Guardian ad Litem Attorney in Volusia County. Serena then focused on practicing Family Law for several years, representing clients in dissolution of marriage, paternity, modification, and injunction for protection actions before joining the Family Law Practice Group at the Rice Law Firm.. Serena earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Stetson University and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where she was a teaching assistant in Legal Research and Writing and Appellate Advocacy.

Joseph DeFrancisco. I usually go by Joe. I was born in NY and moved to Port Orange when I was 12. I went to Spruce Creek High School and graduated in 2006. I went to UF where I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in December 2009. After taking a year off and working in my Father’s automotive shop I decided to go to law school. I went to Barry University in Orlando and received my JD in May 2014. I passed the Bar and received my law license in September 2014, and then began my first job at the Daytona Public Defender’s Office in November. I worked there for 19 months until I started at R&Z on June 1, 2016. While there I gained a lot of courtroom and trial experience and learned how defense attorneys evaluate and defend cases. I love being an active member in the community and helping the local people. When I am not working I enjoy exercising, riding dirt bikes and my Harley, and going to the beach. Go Gators!

Hobbies include: motorcycles (building and riding); hot rod fabrication; flying; enjoying being a grandfather.

Jeff Lotter is a highly skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney based in Orlando, Florida, specializing in DUI cases. With a background of 12 years as a State Trooper and Deputy Sheriff, Jeff has acquired invaluable insight into the law enforcement system, making him an invaluable asset to his clients. Additionally, Jeff is an instructor at the police academy and holds the distinction of being a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) DUI Instructor.. Jeff is also a proud military veteran who served in the army as a military police officer stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Fort Knox, Kentucky. With his extensive legal knowledge and expertise, Jeff is an active member of the National College of DUI Defense.. Jeff's clients appreciate his effective communication style and dedication to achieving results. He takes the time to understand their unique circumstances and goals and works tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for their case.. If you're looking for a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney with a proven track record of success, Jeff Lotter is your go-to lawyer. Don't hesitate to contact Jeff today to discuss your case and get started on a path towards a brighter future.

Message From Attorney Rahul Parikh:. "If you're here on AVVO, odds are you have begun your search for a trustworthy professional that will truly go the extra mile for your cause.  Or maybe you've heard about me and wanted to check me out.  Either way, you are in the right place.. I understand the process of hiring an attorney can be stressful.  It is hard to find good service providers these days in any industry, and unforunately, that is also true of the legal profession.  You can begin by checking out the various reviews that my former clients and other attorneys have left about me below and on other places on the internet, and then call my Firm at for a free consultation.. My career began in 2016 practicing real estate and contract law, but I was always a litigator at heart.  In 2017, I joined the State Attorney's Office in Orange and Osceola counties to get trial experience.  I tried fifteen (15) jury and bench trials in less than one (1) year.  As a prosecutor I spent countless hours in the courtroom appearing before various judges and conducting hundreds of evidentiary hearings. Spending time in the courthouse, I saw some great lawyers, and some not so great lawyers.  I saw how some people charged with crimes were processed through the criminal justice system and often forced to take bad deals. I saw how some clients in family cases were not provided with the right resources, information, or legal counsel. This did not sit right with me.. In 2019 I founded Parikh Law, P.A. with the mission of providing high powered representation, VIP service, and a caring team for criminal defense and family law clients.  Since then, we have proudly serviced well over 2,000 clients.  We have had countless charges dismissed, cases resolved, trials won, and defended the rights of our clients.  We have received awards from dozens of lawyer review companies, consumer agencies, magazines, and Florida lawyer's associations.  But most importantly, we have served our clients faithfully and done our best - which often resulted in outcomes better than they expected.. I live by my word and will always be straight with you.  When you hire me, I will give you my cell phone number and you can call/text/email me at any time.  Afterall, I work for you. My Firm believes that your reprsentation is about YOU, not us.. If you or someone you loved has been charged with a crime or needs legal representation for a family related issue, give me a call at the number on this profile.  We'll sit down in my office, get to know each other, discuss the unique aspects of your case, and come up with the best solution for you.". - Rahul Parikh, Esq.. Hablo Español. Free consultations for criminal defense cases such as: DUI, misdmeanor and felony charges.. Paid consultations ($350/hr) for all family law matters.. Call us today at and see if we can help you as we have helped thousands of other clients throughout the State of Florida!

Lyle B. Mazin has earned a resounding reputation in the legal community. Known for defending both high profile cases and often violent felony charges, his career has recently been distinguished by achieving an acquittal in a Lewd and Lascivious Battery case filed against an Orange County Sheriff's Deputy. Additionally, Mr. Mazin is steadfast and unyielding in his defense of his clients. He is noted as having been the attorney at the forefront of exposing corruption in the pre-trial monitoring of Orange County defendants. Mr. Mazin regularly provides legal analysis to the media and is a frequent lecturer on trial advocacy skills at the University of Central Florida.

David Bigney has more than 20 years of criminal defense experience. Viewed by his peers as one of central Florida's predominant trial lawyers, David has successfully defended all types of criminal defendants accross central Florida in cases ranging from resisting an officer to first degree murder. David Bigney works every case with the same level of importance from start to finish.  For the past 10 years, David has also been successfully defending wrongful temination and excessive discipline in the workplace.

I handle ALL criminal cases, no matter how large or small.. When I was a former prosecuting attorney I handled ALL felony and misdemeanor cases, from possession of drugs to murder.  As the Prosecutor/Assistant State Attorney for the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation in Orlando, I handled cases involving organized crime, drugs and drug trafficking, wiretapping, racketeering, (RICO both criminal and civil), commercial sex and law enforcement intelligence.  Therefore I learned to meticulously analyze legal issues from every angle.   In private practice for over thirty years, I use everything I learned while working for the State to personally provide my clients with the highest professional, thorough, competent and quality legal representation throughout Central Florida in the defense of their criminal case(s).   As a smaller firm I can invest my time and energy into each case.  I meticulously analyze your legal issue from every angle to determine how best to resolve it. I focus on attaining my clients’ objectives and I handle your legal matter depending on your needs and goals.   I HANDLE ALL CASES MYSELF.. I am also a former U.S. Army Captain with one year of combat experience as an airmobile /infantry officer (Lieutenant), which taught me discipline, competence and to be a perfectionist under pressure that I apply to every client’s case in defending their rights.   I use my vast, varied and unique experience to determine how best to resolve an issue and help a client achieve their objective while protecting their rights and interests.

Attorney Michael Panella has dedicated his professional career to criminal defense and family law matters, with a focus on giving a strong voice in the courtroom to those who need it the most. Even in his first year in law school he was hired at a prestigious criminal defense law firm and was granted an exception to the University of Florida's general "no outside work" rule due to his outstanding scholastic achievements. He was also President of the Law School's Phi Alpha Delta organization. In addition to receiving his Juris Doctor with honors, he was awarded the University of Florida Levin College of Law Criminal Justice Certificate, a Pro-Bono Certificate of Outstanding Achievement, and the Community Service Award Certificate for Outstanding Achievement.. From there, Mr. Panella went on to become a contributing member to the defense in the State v. George Zimmerman case, was instrumental in achieving favorable pretrial appellate decisions, and contributed to jury selection and general trial strategy including a heavy focus on self-defense matters.. Mr. Panella also spent time working at a respected capital appellate firm where he worked on state and federal death penalty appeals and postconviction motions for relief.. Prior to opening his practice, Mr. Panella proudly served as an Assistant Public Defender for the 18th Judicial Circuit in both Brevard and Seminole Counties.. Mr. Panella enjoys spending time with his wife and two young boys, and working to get great results for clients in the courtroom.

I have lived in Florida since I was 2 years old.  First in Miami, then West Palm Beach, and now I make Orlando my home with my family.. Verbal battling was always natural to me, so it would seem ftting that being a lawyer was in my future.  The trick, however, is to know when it's time to battle and when it's time to extend an olive branch.  This is something that I belive comes naturally, but must be defined through experience.  I now have about 15 years of experience as a lawyer and feel very comfortable in any setting against any other attorney in representing the best interests of my clients.  After all, there is no reason to be afraid of another attorney, judge, prosecutor, or court itself.  At least that's my position.. I began my legal career at the State Attorney's Office in Orange County Florida (Orlando).  While there I earned a Top Performer Award and Merit Raise for my prosecuting.  I handled traffic, misdemeanors, and felonies.  My last stint at the office was as a Domestic Violence Specialist Prosecutor.  While in that role I also had the responsibility of training and mentoring younger prosecutors.  One of whom, I am proud to say, has moved up quite high in the ranks of the office.. Upon leaving the State I worked for another attorney in town for about a year.  Then I partnered up with two other attorneys.  One attorney left and it was me and one partner.  Being a partner can be difficult.  Eventually, we went our separate ways and I have happily been on my own for about seven years now.  I handle my own cases.  I do not meet with clients only to let an associate or paralegal handle your case.  I am available to my clients by cell, text, or email at any time including the weekends and holidays.. I greatly enjoy meeting people and learning their stories.  It's always something different.  Not all cases are very serious, but I try to stick to a simple approach....honesty.  I will not tell a client something just to make them feel better.  It would be easy to do, but I'm more of an attorney or counselor than a salesman I suppose.  Many of the cases I get now are referrals from former clients who know that I will charge a fair rate, defend the case as well as possible, and be honest during a time when someone needs that the most.. In the end my goal is to get charges dropped first then try to keep my client out of jail.  What I can promise is my best effort at a reasonable rate during a difficult time.

LHJ LAW. * 100% Criminal Defense boutique law office that handles Florida Statewide and Federal cases.. * Has strategically defended hundreds of clients since 1997.. * Focuses on serious and complex felony cases from the investigative stage up through and including jury trial.. * Travels to all counties and cities.. * Headquarters/main office is located in Downtown Tampa; additional meeting locations for felony cases are offered in Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami, and other select cities.. CLIENT PROFILE. LHJ LAW has represented and/or consulted with an array of clients including:. * Attorneys. * Law enforcement family members and friends. * Media/profile individuals. * White-collar professionals. * Foreign nationals. LEON H. JONES, J.D.. * Criminal Defense Trial Attorney & Founder of LHJ LAW.. * Over 20 years of experience handling criminal cases.. * Member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers.. * Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.. * Former Felony Prosecutor in Florida.. * Graduate of Stetson University College of Law (routinely ranked #1 among U.S. law schools for trial advocacy) and University of Tampa.. * Grew up in England and Canada.. CASE TYPES. LHJ LAW defends clients with all types of criminal charges including:. * Murder/Homicide. * Racketeering (R.I.C.O.). * Conspiracy. * Armed Robbery/Burglary/Kidnapping. * Weapons Offenses. * Drug Trafficking/Delivery/Possession. * Sex Crimes. * Child Abuse. * Aggravated Battery & Assault/Domestic Violence. * White-collar Theft/Fraud. * Violation of Supervision (Community Control, Probation). * Bond Motions (including Nebbia). APPROACH TO REPRESENTATION. The law acts as both a sword and a shield for the protection of society.  At the same time, the Criminal Justice System creates a strain on not only the accused but on family, friends, and employers.  Skill and experience from having worked on both the prosecution and defense sides of the courtroom are brought to bear for every client that entrusts LHJ LAW with his or her case.  Beyond skill and experience, it is the degree of diligence and compassion in working a case that has the greatest impact on results.. Clients seeking legal representation are not only looking for an attorney with a high level of skill and experience in the legal realm, but also a lawyer with a powerful and personable demeanor who understands a client's thoughts and feelings as a unique individual and can effectively translate them to the courtroom.. Clients rightly expect a high level of personalized attention to their cases.  They also often prefer that the attorney they hire will be the attorney handling their case(s) in and out of the courtroom.  Many referred clients have stated that these were significant factors in their decision to retain LHJ LAW and the office has structured its practice to successfully deliver on these expectations.

Attorney Michelle Medina graduated Cum Laude from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida with a degree in Sociology and Communications. She has always aspired to helping the disadvantaged, and decided that law school would be the best avenue in accomplishing that. She graduated FAMU College of Law, and immediately worked for the Office of the Public Defender in the 9th Judicial Circuit. Ms. Medina has an aggressive approach to all her cases and prides herself in taking time out for her clients to help them through the most difficult time in their lives.She has been described by others as being "all heart" and "all fight."Ms. Medina was born in the United States, but her parents are from the Dominican Republic. She is completely fluent in Spanish and enjoys helping the Hispanic community in her spare time.. "My passion comes from my clients. They give me strength to fight for their cause. I go above and beyond to make sure that they know I care and I'm available. It's important that they feel they have someone in their corner that they can depend on and will listen."

Attorney Christopher J. Schisani was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, before he moved to Naples, Florida with his family. He graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Central Florida. Upon obtaining his master’s degree, Mr. Schisani decided to pursue his passion of the law. He subsequently moved out to San Diego, California, where he attended his first year of law school. During his first semester he earned the Academic Achievement Award for superior marks in his courses. Additionally, he was invited onto his law school’s Moot Court Honors Board after an extensive interview process and exceeding academic benchmarks. As a member, Mr. Schisani competed in many interscholastic mock trial competitions, which aided in honing his advocacy and trial skills. After realizing that his heart remained in Central Florida, he moved back to Florida and finished his last two years of law school at Barry University School of Law where he received his Juris Doctor degree.. During his law school tenure, Mr. Schisani excelled academically. He earned the highly coveted Book Award—for the highest grade in class—in two courses and was invited onto the prestigious Law Review journal. Membership is generally extended to a limited number of students who are in the top of their class. In addition to working as an editor on Law Review, Mr. Schisani was a Senator for his school’s Student Bar Association and a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Being an active member of SBA provided him the opportunity to get students involved in the Central Florida community, as well as allowed him to make a positive impact on those less fortunate. In addition to being extensively involved on campus and in the local community, Mr. Schisani also worked as a legal intern at the Office of the Public Defender in Orange County, Florida. It was this opportunity that fueled his passion for criminal law and advocating for justice.. Mr. Schisani took the Florida Bar Exam in July 2018 and passed on his first attempt. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in September 2018. Soon thereafter, Mr. Schisani commenced his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney at the Office of the State Attorney in Orange County, FL. As a prosecutor he successfully led numerous trials and court proceedings. Before being recruited by the Joshi Law Firm, P.A., Mr. Schisani served as a prosecutor from 2018-2019.. Mr. Schisani joined the high-profile criminal defense law firm Joshi Law Firm, P.A. in June of 2019. He quickly became partner at the law firm in November of 2020. At that time, the law firm transitioned over to Joshi & Schisani Law Firm, P.A.. Throughout his legal career, Mr. Schisani has accomplished many milestones and received a myriad of accolades. In 2022, Mr. Schisani was selected to join the National Institute of Trial Lawyers as one of the Best Trial Lawyer's in America, in the field of criminal law. Less than .03% of all lawyers will be selected to become a member of said organization. Additionally, Mr. Schisani was selected and accepted membership to the prestigious Lawyers of Distinction organization in 2022. The selection committee reviews and vets over 55,000 attorneys before extending membership. Members are featured in "The New York Times," as well as the highly regarded "The National Law Journal.". For 2021, The American Institute of Legal Advocates (AIOLA) selected Mr. Schisani as an "Elite Advocate" in the field of criminal law, and therefore, considers him one of the best legal advocates in the United States of America. Membership is only extended to those attorneys who demonstrate leadership, superior qualifications in their field, and trial results in their state. Less than 1% of all attorneys will be invited to be a member of AIOLA.. Further, Mr. Schisani earned the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. He is considered a "Top Attorney" on Avvo--with a 10 Avvo rating. This is the highest numerical rating an attorney can receive.. Additionally, Mr. Schisani was selected and received the Elite Lawyer award for 2020 and 2021, which recognizes exceptional attorneys that demonstrate a high degree of skill and success in their respective practice areas.. In 2020, Mr. Schisani was selected and joined the American Institute of Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. The American Institute of Trial Lawyers is an invitation only professional organization composed of premier trial attorneys from each state. Attorneys selected for membership exemplify the very best qualities and qualifications of an attorney--and must meet stringent qualifications as a criminal trial attorney. Less than .03% of all lawyers will be selected to become a member of the American Institute of Trial Lawyers. Additionally, the American Institute of Trial Lawyers selected Mr. Schisani as a Litigator of the Year for 2021. Membership is extended to only a select few in each state and/or region.. Additionally, in 2020, Mr. Schisani was selected and joined The National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the state of Florida. Only a select few of the most qualified attorneys from each state or region receive invitations to join this exclusive organization regulated by objective and uniformly applied standards. Due to his continued legal efforts, he was extended membership again in 2021.. In 2020, The National Alliance of Attorneys (NAOA) nominated and selected Mr. Schisani as an "Attorney of the Year" in the field of Criminal Law. Said organization is committed to advocating for attorneys with the highest legal standards in each state. Membership is only extended to attorneys who demonstrate leadership, superior qualifications in their field, and trial results in their state. Less than 1% of all attorneys will be invited to be a member of NAOA. Thus, Mr. Schisani is considered a top legal advocate in the field of Criminal Law.. Orlando Style Magazine voted Mr. Schisani as one of Orlando's "Attorneys of the Year" in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively.. After roughly two and half years at Joshi & Schisani Law, Mr. Schisani decided to take on the exciting challenge of starting his own law firm. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs and having a business degree from Florida State University, this was a personal objective and passion Mr. Schisani aspired to accomplish one day—having his own business. Thus, in October of 2021, the Schisani Law Firm, P.A. was established.. Mr. Schisani has handled thousands of felony and misdemeanor cases in the great state of Florida. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Schisani brings his knowledge from the other side of the law to methodically dissect and analyze the unique facts of each case to find the best possible defense and ultimately get the best result for his clients. He prides himself in putting the client first and providing personalized representation. Therefore, he strives to keep each client fully informed with their case and makes himself available as much as possible, including after hours and weekends. Mr. Schisani believes a successful defense team is one that is aggressive, strategic, hardworking, and with the client in mind. He strongly believes he demonstrates all those characteristics, and attributes that to his firm’s successes.. Mr. Schisani is a proud member of The Florida Bar, Orange County Bar Association, and the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.. If you have any questions or want to set up a free consultation, please e-mail Mr. Schisani at or call the Schisani Law Firm, P.A. at.

Patrick Grozinger is an AV Preeminent rated Criminal and Civil attorney in Central Florida. He was raised in Shreveport, Louisiana and attended Southern Methodist University, during which time he studied in Paris, France and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in History. After college, Mr. Grozinger joined the United States Peace Corps and spent two years serving as a Small Business Development volunteer in the West African nation of Mali. Mr. Grozinger then attended business school in Paris, France, graduating with a M.B.A. from the International School of Management. Mr. Grozinger then attended law school at Louisiana State University, where he graduated with a Juris Doctorate and a Graduate Diploma in Civil Law. During his time in law school, Mr. Grozinger clerked for two years with the Long Law Firm in Baton Rouge, Lousiana, served as an Executive Member of the LSU Moot Court Board, and was a National Moot Court Award winner. After law school, Mr. Grozinger took a position as a criminal Prosecutor for the State Attorney's Office in the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orlando. While an Assistant State Attorney, Mr. Grozinger prosecuted thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases in both Orange and Osceola counties and worked as a DUI specialist. He is dedicated to protecting the Constitutional rights of his clients, and to providing his clients 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 of the Orange County Bar Association and the Seminole County Bar Association.

Benjamin D. Wurtzel is a Florida Bar Board-Certified Criminal Trial Attorney defending the rights of individuals throughout Central Florida.  In awarding him the distinction of Board Certification, the Florida Bar has recognized Mr. Wurtzel as an expert in the area of criminal trial law.   Mr. Wurtzel handles all aspects of criminal defense litigation and his practice is 100% devoted to criminal defense.. Prior to Opening Wurtzel Law, Mr. Wurtzel served as an Assistant Public Defender for seven years at the Office of the Public Defender for the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orange County, FL. During his time as an Assistant Public Defender, Mr. Wurtzel handled thousands of criminal cases, representing individuals in pre-trial, trial, appellate and post-conviction matters.  Mr. Wurtzel has extensive courtroom experience and has served as lead counsel in jury trials ranging from criminal traffic and misdemeanor offenses to first-degree and life felonies.  Mr. Wurtzel also has substantial experience handling violations of probation, including motions for early termination and/or modification of probation.. In addition to his law practice, Mr. Wurtzel is an active member of both the state and local criminal defense communities.  Mr. Wurtzel has been a member of the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers since 2011, and a Board Member and Executive Officer for the past three years. Currently, Mr. Wurtzel serves as the Board’s President-Elect.  Mr. Wurtzel is also a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Orange County Bar Association.. A Central Florida native, Mr. Wurtzel grew up in Maitland, FL and graduated from Winter Park High School.  Mr. Wurtzel obtained his undergraduate degree, cum laude, from the University of Florida, and obtained his J.D., cum laude, from Stetson University College of Law.  Mr. Wurtzel resides in Maitland with his wife and two daughters.