Criminal Defense Professionals to Know 2025

Rocky Brancato is an AV Preeminent®-rated criminal defense attorney with over 25 years of experience litigating serious criminal cases across the Tampa Bay, Florida region. His practice covers the full spectrum of criminal law—from homicide, sex crimes, and aggravated child abuse to white-collar offenses, DUI, internet crimes, and complex mental health defenses. Known for his deep understanding of forensic evidence, prosecutorial discretion, and trial strategy, Brancato is frequently consulted by clients and legal professionals alike in high-stakes and high-profile cases. Before founding The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., he rose through the ranks of one of Florida’s largest public defense office to become Chief Operations Officer of the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office. In that role, he led over 100 attorneys and more than 200 staff, overseeing tens of thousands of felony, misdemeanor, juvenile, and postconviction matters each year. His unique background in both executive leadership and frontline trial advocacy gives him uncommon insight into how the justice system functions—and where it fails. Brancato is the author of How to Choose a Major Crimes Attorney – or Any Criminal Defense Attorney for That Matter, a candid guide that helps individuals and families make informed decisions when facing criminal charges. He is also an active member of the National, Florida and Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and is regularly invited to speak on issues involving sex offense litigation, expert witness strategy, and criminal justice reform in Florida. With a reputation for meticulous case preparation, strategic litigation, and strategic advocacy, Rocky Brancato is a trusted resource for authoritative commentary on criminal law, trial practice, and systemic issues in the legal system.

I am a former homicide prosecutor, and Chief Assistant District Attorney, that has extensive jury trial experience. I have been an attorney for 20 years, and have a broad range of specialized experience in the field of criminal law. As a prosecutor I was assigned the most serious cases in the offices where I worked. I have tried numerous sexual assaults, gang, DUI, and homicide cases. I have been recognized for my work as a trial lawyer, and prosecutor, including twice being selected as Prosecutor of the Year.Our excellent team at Walsh Law provides the highest quality legal representation in criminal defense matters. We specialize in representing good people who find themselves, on occasion, on the wrong side of the law. We intentionally take on a limited number of cases in order to give each client the attention their case deserves.

I have practiced as an attorney since 1978. I was certified (and recertified 3 times) by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Criminal Trial Attorney, a distinction achieved by only a small number of attorneys.I have worked as an Assistant Prosecutor in Camden and Cumberland Counties, both as a trial prosecutor and in a management capacity. During that time, I instructed the State Police and local police agencies on legal matters. I founded my present firm, where I work with several other experienced former prosecutors.Specialties: My firm concentrates on Criminal, Immigration, Traffic, Family, Domestic Violence, Administrative, and Workers' Compensation Law.

Hassan Kohen is a criminal defense attorney admitted to the Paris Bar and the founder of KOHEN AVOCATS, a boutique law firm specializing in criminal law. He represents clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, from police custody (garde à vue) and immediate court appearances to complex white-collar crime investigations. His practice covers a wide range of criminal matters including financial crimes, corporate criminal liability, traffic offenses, and victims' rights. Known for his responsiveness in emergency situations, he provides 24/7 assistance to individuals facing detention or criminal charges. Based in Paris, he regularly comments on French criminal law developments and justice system reforms.

Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA, is a nationally recognized federal prison expert. He serves as Managing Director at Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C. and Zoukis Consulting Group, where his federal criminal defense practice focuses on federal appeals, post-conviction relief, compassionate release, clemency, and Bureau of Prisons policy matters. Mr. Zoukis is the author of six books on federal criminal defense and prison policy, including The Habeas Citebook: Ineffective Assistance of Counsel (Prison Legal News Publishing, 3rd ed. forthcoming 2025), Federal Criminal Defendant’s Handbook (Middle Street Publishing, forthcoming 2025), Directory of Federal Prisons (2020), Federal Prison Handbook (2017), Prison Education Guide (2017), and College for Convicts (2014). His Federal Prison Handbook received numerous awards, including the Reader’s Favorite Book Awards Gold Medal, the Next Generation Indie Book Award, and the Chanticleer Book Awards Instructional & Insightful Nonfiction Award. College for Convicts received the Eric Hoffer Book Award’s Montaigne Medal for the most thought-provoking book of the year. Mr. Zoukis earned his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Davis School of Law, where he served as Articles Editor of the UC Davis Law Review and received both the Witkin Award and Reynoso Award for Academic Excellence. He also holds an MBA and a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Adams State University. Major media outlets regularly seek his expertise. He has been quoted in CNN, Fox News, ABC News, Associated Press, USA Today, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Bloomberg Law, and Vice News, among others. He has contributed articles to the Huffington Post, New York Daily News, Prison Legal News, and Criminal Legal News. Mr. Zoukis’s Prison Law Blog was named a Top Law Blawg by the American Bar Association, and he was a finalist for the Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Award. He has assisted hundreds of clients with federal prison preparation, in-prison advocacy, and reentry matters, and is considered a leading voice on federal prison policy nationwide. Learn more about Chris at https://federalcriminaldefenseattorney.com/about/christopher-zoukis-federal-prison-consultant/

I bring a rare dual perspective to criminal law: 23 years as an FBI Special Agent followed by nearly a decade as a criminal defense attorney. This unique combination of federal law enforcement experience and defense advocacy gives me comprehensive insight into both sides of the criminal justice system. As owner of the Law Office of Jerry L. Garner, I represent clients facing serious criminal charges throughout Southern Indiana, including weapon offenses, white collar crimes, violent crimes, OWI/DUI, drug charges, and sex-related offenses. My FBI career spanned investigations in Alabama and Kentucky, giving me firsthand knowledge of federal investigative procedures, constitutional protections, and the inner workings of law enforcement agencies. Beyond my legal practice, I served as a professor at Kentucky Wesleyan College from 2013 to 2020, teaching courses in Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Criminal Investigation, White Collar Crime, and Critical Issues in Policing. My academic background also includes teaching Astronomy at the collegiate level. Areas of Expertise: - Criminal Defense & Constitutional Rights – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment protections; search and seizure law; Miranda rights - Federal Law Enforcement & FBI Procedures – Investigation techniques, evidence collection, federal prosecution processes - White Collar Crime – Fraud, corruption, financial crimes, and federal enforcement trends - Criminal Procedure – Arrest protocols, interrogation practices, courtroom procedures - Violent Crime & Drug Offenses – Defense strategies, sentencing considerations, plea negotiations - Criminal Justice Policy – Policing practices, judicial processes, reform issues Education: - JD – Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville (1988) - MS – Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia (2010) - BA – Hanover College, Indiana (1985) Professional Experience: - Owner/Attorney, Law Office of Jerry L. Garner (2017–Present) - Professor/Adjunct Professor, Kentucky Wesleyan College (2013–2020) - Special Agent (Retired), FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation (1990–2013) - Associate Attorney, Law Office of Jenner & Kemper (1989–1990)

Lamano Law Office (LLO) is a boutique law firm located in Oakland California. We keeppeople out of jail and defend people accused of crimes. We have 100% five-star reviews on Google, rated #1 for Criminal Law Attorneys in Oakland on Yelp, and have over 30 years combined experience.https://linktr.ee/LamanoLaw

Currently providing criminal defense services in the Greater Sacramento Area. Previously employed as a District Attorney for sixteen years; retired as an Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney supervising Major Crimes, Trial Teams and the Charging Division; recognized twice as Attorney of the Year and Manager of the Year. Former Board Member of the California District Attorneys Association. Drafted Penal Code 13370 (AB 2418 2022) to increase data transparency with criminal justice. Drafted Penal Code 741 (AB 2778 2022) requiring prosecutors to use race blind charging practices.

Managing partner of the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, a New Jersey criminal and DWI defense law firm with offices in Monmouth County, Middlesex County, Union County, Ocean County, Mercer County, Hudson County, Bergen County and Morris County. I have been defending individuals charged with drug offenses, assault crimes, theft offenses, DWI, domestic violence, and other charges throughout NJ for almost twenty years. This experience has included years of prosecution experience which ended when the state adopted a law precluding prosecutors from also providing defense representation in those Counties where they prosecute. I thereafter limited my criminal practice to defending those accused of criminal, DWI and traffic offenses. I appear in County Superior Court and Municipal Court on virtually a daily basis, and pride myself with providing clients with representation that is thorough, honest and uncompromising. I have consulted in both newspaper and television, most recently consulting on Law and Order and House, appearing on CNBC, and in the Starledger. I always welcome the opportunity to speak to prospective clients.

Helping Good People Get Out Of Tough Situations: A Responsive New Jersey Criminal Defense Law Firm for DWI / DUI, Domestic Violence and Juvenile OffensesCriminal Defense/Municipal Attorney with a life-long passion and knack for standing up against "the powers that be" and fighting for the little guy.Specialties: DWI, Criminal Law, including but not limited to, Theft, Violent Crimes, Juvenile Matters, Domestic Violence Matters, Probation Violations, Federal Crimes, Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes, White Collar Crimes, and Homicides

I am a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney with over 27 years of experience practicing exclusively in Broward County's 17th Judicial Circuit. What sets me apart is my background on both sides of the courtroom — I served as both a Broward County Assistant State Attorney and Assistant Public Defender before founding my firm. I don't just understand criminal defense theory; I know precisely how Broward prosecutors build their cases because I built them myself. My practice covers the full spectrum of criminal defense: DUI, domestic violence, theft offenses, drug charges, felonies, misdemeanors, and violations of probation. As a solo practitioner, every client works directly with me — not an associate or paralegal — from the first call through resolution. My credentials reflect decades of consistent results. I hold Avvo and Justia 10.0 ratings — the highest possible — along with a Martindale-Hubbell 4.9 rating and more than 200 five-star Google reviews from Broward County clients. I am available to comment on Florida criminal law, Broward County court procedure, DUI defense, domestic violence charges, theft prosecutions, and the realities of how the state attorney's office approaches criminal cases — from someone who has lived it on both sides for nearly three decades.

Lain Lawrence is a Colorado attorney and founder of Lawrence Law Firm in Aurora. His practice focuses on criminal defense, DUI defense, and personal injury cases involving serious motor vehicle accidents. He represents clients throughout the Denver metropolitan area, including Arapahoe, Adams, Douglas, and Denver counties. Lawrence regularly analyzes legal issues involving DUI investigations, police procedures, accident liability, and Colorado criminal law. His work often involves explaining how courts evaluate evidence, determine fault in car accident cases, and apply sentencing laws in criminal matters. He provides legal insight on topics related to impaired driving enforcement, criminal procedure, and insurance disputes following serious collisions.

One of Colorado Springs most respected criminal defense attorneys, DUI attorneys, personal injury attorneys, and family law attorneys, Jeremy Loew, has earned a reputation for providing high quality, aggressive legal representation in Colorado Springs and around the Pikes Peak region. Attorney Jeremy Loew, earned this reputation by providing his clients with the highest standards of diligence, knowledge and professional advice, and by steadfastly protecting his clients' constitutional rights. Jeremy Loew has successfully represented clients charged with felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses in Colorado Springs. Mr. Loew represented clients in some of the highest-profile cases in the state. Jeremy Loew has represented individuals charged with the following offenses: Domestic Violence, DUI, DWI, Sex Assault, Juvenile Offenses, Drugs, Murder, Robbery, Assault and Battery, Gun Possession, Theft, and Forgery. Jeremy Loew treats each client's situation with attention and importance.

Ross C. Goodman, Esq. is a Las Vegas attorney who has successfully represented individuals and companies in every type of state and federal criminal issue imaginable from the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), Department of Justice investigations, other white collar issues and professional licensing boards for Doctors, Lawyers etc.

I concentrate in the areas of Criminal Defense, DUI Defense and Orders of Protection. I was also an Adjunct Professor at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law for 13 years. I was appointed by the Governor of Illinois to serve on the Task Force on Forensic Science in January 2020. In 2021, I was named by the Women's Bar Association a Top Woman Lawyer in Leadership and In 2019, I was invited to be on Staff of Trial Lawyers College where I teach several seminars a year. In 2014, I was named Young Lawyer of the Year by the Illinois State Bar Association and since 2019 I have been named a Top 100 Lawyer by Illinois Super Lawyers, and to the Top 50 Women in Law by Illinois Super Lawyers. I was elected to the Board of Governors of the IL State Bar Association in 2019 and was appointed by the President to be on the Board of the Illinois Bar Foundation. I am past Chair of Traffic Laws and Court committee, the Law Office Management Committee, and LAWPAC of the IL State Bar Association.

Attorney Michelle Villanueva-Skura is a criminal defense attorney who represents individuals facing sex crimes and serious felony charges. She is deeply committed to protecting individual rights, personal freedom, and ensuring fairness within the criminal justice system. Michelle approaches every case with focus, determination, and a clear understanding of what is at stake for her clients. Before becoming an attorney, Michelle worked as a licensed litigation examiner, where she handled thousands of complex personal injury and wrongful death claims. This experience gave her a practical understanding of how cases are evaluated and challenged, skills she now applies to defending her clients. She later earned her Juris Doctor, graduating at the top of her class and receiving multiple academic awards. Licensed to practice in Arizona, Michelle is an active member of several criminal defense and trial advocacy organizations. She is bilingual and values clear, honest communication, helping clients feel informed and supported throughout the legal process. Known for her assertive yet thoughtful advocacy, Michelle is dedicated to standing by her clients and protecting their rights at every stage of their case. VS Criminal Defense Attorneys 1845 S Dobson Rd Suite 202 Mesa, AZ 85202 Office: (480) 923-9001 Email: info@vsattorney.com Website: https://www.vsattorney.com AZ Sex Crimes Attorney 1425 S Higley Rd #101 Unit 2 Gilbert, AZ 85296 Phone: (480) 676-1919 Website: https://www.vsattorney.com/ Arizona Felony Defense Lawyer 3919 E Potter Dr Phoenix, AZ 85050 Office: (480) 933-2326 Website: https://www.vsattorney.com/areas-we-serve/phoenix/ Phoenix Sex Crime Lawyer 1100 E Washington St Suite 154 Phoenix, AZ 85034 Office: (602) 805-1212 Website: https://www.vsattorney.com/criminal-defense/phoenix-sex-crime-attorney/ Read Our Blog: https://www.vsattorney.com/blog/ Find Un on Google: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=5681824913806737984 Follow Us on X/Twitter: https://x.com/VS_Attorneys Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vsattorney Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vs_attorney Follow Us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vsattorney Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VSCriminalDefenseAttorneys Listen Us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2oQeJEHCsxNfIG6vVCwUOb Meet the Owner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-skura-3244133a Connect With Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vs-criminal-defense-attorneys Follow Us on Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vs-criminal-defense-attorneys-mesa Find Us on BBB: https://www.bbb.org/us/az/mesa/profile/criminal-lawyer/vs-criminal-defense-attorneys-1126-1000064899 Follow Us on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vsattorney

Max Frizalone is a dedicated Maryland criminal defense attorney and co-founder of FrizWoods LLC. Max focuses on defending individuals charged with serious criminal and traffic offenses, including DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, and complex felony matters. Max has been recognized by peers and professional organizations for his work, including Super Lawyers Rising Star and Rising Legal Stars from Whats Up Annapolis. His practice emphasizes constitutional rights, due process, and strategic defense from the first consultation through resolution or trial. Max was a public defender and prosecutor before leaving the public sector.