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.

W. Scott Hanken is a Springfield, Illinois criminal defense and DUI attorney with 37 years of legal experience, including service as a former Sangamon County Assistant State’s Attorney. I was born in and have remained a lifelong resident of Springfield, Illinois. I attended Griffin High School and completed my undergraduate degree at Marquette University. While growing up, I had frequent interaction with local attorneys and judges, which played a large role in my decision to pursue a career as an attorney. I attended Creighton University School of Law and earned my Juris Doctor in 1989. After law school, I served as a legal clerk and intern at several firms in Omaha and completed a 711 internship in the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office, which led to my appointment as an Assistant State’s Attorney. As a former prosecutor, I tried a wide range of criminal, traffic, and DUI cases and developed the skills needed to navigate the criminal justice system from both sides. I entered private practice in 1990, and my work has centered on criminal, traffic, and DUI defense ever since. Over 37 years of practice, I have defended cases ranging from routine traffic matters to capital murder charges. My goal in every case is the same: to listen, communicate, and provide the strongest possible defense for clients facing criminal charges. Education Creighton University School of Law, Omaha, Nebraska - J.D. - 1989 Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin - B.A. - 1985 Honors: Political Science Bar Associations Capital Litigation Trial Bar Association, Member Member Since: 2004 - current Illinois State Bar Association, Member Member Since: 1989 - current Sangamon County Bar Association, Member Member Since: 1989 - current Sangamon Country Bar Association, President Member Since: 2004 - 2005 Sangamon Country Defense Bar Association, President Member Since: 1993 - 2005 Sangamon Country Bar Association, Director Member Since: 1992 - 1993 Sangamon Country Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, President Member Since: 1990 - 1991 American Association for Justice, Member Member Since: 1991 The Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Member Member Since: 1990 Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Member Member Since: 1990 Past Positions Attorney/Partner at Rabin, Myers & Hanken, P.C., 1996 to 2011 Public Defender at Sangamon County Public Defender, 1997 to 1999 Associate at Long, Morris, Myers and Rabin, P.C., 1994 to 1996 Associate at Pfeifer & Kelty, P.C., 1990 to 1994 Assistant State's Attorney at Sangamon County State's Attorney Office, 1989 to 1990 Certified Legal Specialties Capital Litigation Trial Bar Association, Capital Litigation Bar, 2004 Classes & Seminars Gaining The Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases, NBI, 2009 Aggravated DUI - Resent Developments, ICLE, 2008 Published Works Gaining the Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases, Attorney Continuing Legal Education, 2009 Current Employment Position Solo Practitioner Honors Super Lawyer - DUI/Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers, 2007 Top Criminal Defense Lawyer Superb 10.0 Rating, Avvo, 2010-2014 Avvo Lawyers Rating 10, Avvo, 2011 Client's Choice Award - Criminal Defense, Avvo, 2012 Top Contributor - Criminal Defense, Avvo, 2013 Top 200 DUI Attorneys - Illinois (National Advocacy for DUI Defense), 2013 Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers - Illinois (American Society of Legal Advocates), 2014 Avvo Rated 10 Superb, Avvo, 2014 Superior DUI Attorney (National Advocacy for DUI Defense), 2016 Ten Best Attorneys - Criminal Defense (American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys), 2016 Best DUI Attorney - Top Rated, Expert Network Distinguished Lawyer, 2017 Ten Best Attorneys - Criminal Defense (American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys), 2017 Avvo Rated Top Lawyer, Avvo, 2017 Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine, 2018 America's Most Honored Professionals, The American Registry, 2018 Three Best Rated - Best Business, DUI & Criminal Defense, ThreeBestRated.com, 2018 Client's Choice Award - Criminal Defense, Avvo, 2018 Avvo Rated Top Lawyer, Avvo, 2018 Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine, 2019 America's Most Honored Professionals - Top 10%, The American Registry, 2019 Nations Premier - Top 10 Ranking (National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys), 2019 Best of Springfield - Lawyer, Illinois Times, 2019 Avvo Rated Top Lawyer, Avvo, 2019 Best of Springfield - Law Firm, Illinois Times, 2020 America's Most Honored Lawyers - Top 5%, The American Registry, 2020 Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine, 2020 Top Ranking Attorney - Criminal Defense (American Association of Attorney Advocates), 2020 Three Best Rated - Best Business, ThreeBestRated.com, 2020 Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney - Best of the Best, 2020 Nations Premier - Top 10 Ranking (National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys), 2020 Lawyers of Distinction, 2020 Top Attorney - Annual List of Top Attorneys, Premier Lawyers of America, 2020 Avvo Rated Top Lawyer & Client's Choice Award, Avvo, 2020 America's Most Honored Lawyers - Top 1%, The American Registry, 2020 Best of Springfield - Best Lawyer, Illinois Times, 2021 America's Most Honored Lawyers, The American Registry, 2021 Lawyers of Distinction, 2021 Distinguished - Very High Rating in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, Martindale-Hubbell, 2021 Avvo Rated Top Lawyer & Superb Rated Lawyer, Avvo, 2021 Best of Springfield - Best Lawyer, Illinois Times, 2022 America's Most Honored Lawyers - Top 10%, The American Registry, 2022 Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine, 2022 Top Ranking Attorney - Criminal Defense (American Association of Attorney Advocates), 2022 Top 10 Law Firm, National Recognition, 2022 Three Best Rated - Best Business, ThreeBestRated.com, 2022 Lawyers of Distinction, 2022 City's Best Award, Springfield, 2022 Elite Lawyer - Top Attorneys, Criminal Defense, Elite Lawyer, 2022 Distinguished - Very High Rating in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, Martindale-Hubbell, 2022 Avvo Rated Top Lawyer & Superb Rated Lawyer, Avvo, 2022 Best of Springfield - Best Lawyer, Illinois Times, 2023 America's Most Honored Lawyers - Top 3%, The American Registry, 2023 Most Awarded Lawyers, American Registry, 2023 Top Law Firm - Criminal Defense, America's Best Advocates, 2023 Top 10 Attorneys - Criminal Defense, America's Best Advocates, 2023 Best of the Best Attorneys - Top 10, 2023 Best DUI Lawyer - Springfield IL, Expertise.com, 2023 Three Best Rated - Best Business, ThreeBestRated.com, 2023 City's Best Award, Springfield, 2023 Ten Best Attorneys - Criminal Defense (American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys), 2023 Lawyers of Distinction, 2023 Distinguished - Very High Rating in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, Martindale-Hubbell, 2023 Avvo Rated Top Lawyer & Client's Choice Award, Avvo, 2023 Best of Springfield - Best Lawyer, Illinois Times, 2024 America's Most Honored Lawyers - Top 3%, The American Registry, 2024 Distinguished - Very High Rating in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, 35th Anniversary Recognition, Martindale-Hubbell, 2024 Avvo Client's Choice Award & Top Contributor, Avvo, 2024 Best of Springfield - Best Lawyer, Illinois Times, 2025 Community's Choice Award - Springfield (SJR / Official Community's Choice Awards), 2025 Top 3 Best Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers, ThreeBestRated.com, 2025 America's Most Honored Lawyers - Top 3%, The American Registry, 2025 Distinguished - Very High Rating in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, Martindale-Hubbell, 2025 Avvo Rated Top Lawyer & Superb Rated Lawyer, Avvo, 2025 America's Most Honored Lawyers, The American Registry, 2026 Top 10 Criminal Law Firm Dedicated to Justice - Illinois, 2026 Avvo Top Contributor & Rated Top Lawyer, Avvo, 2026 Lawyers of Distinction, 2026 Law Eagle of America, 2026 Super Lawyers - DUI/Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers, 2007-2026 (20 consecutive years) Avvo Superb Rated Lawyer (10.0) & Top Rated Lawyer, Avvo, 2011-2026 Avvo Top Contributor - Criminal Defense, Avvo, 2012-2026 30th & 35th Anniversary Recognition - Distinguished Rating, Martindale-Hubbell, Ongoing Nation's Top One Percent (National Association of Distinguished Counsel), Ongoing Top 100 - The National Trial Lawyers, Ongoing Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers - Illinois (American Society of Legal Advocates), Ongoing Top 200 DUI Attorneys - Illinois (National Advocacy for DUI Defense), Ongoing Premier Lawyers of America - Top Tier Lawyers, Ongoing

Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA, is Managing Director of Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C. and one of the country’s most-cited authorities on how federal prison sentences are actually served — where a defendant is designated, what the Bureau of Prisons controls, and how much time a person really does. He’s the go-to source when a high-profile defendant is sentenced and the question becomes where they go and what happens there. TIME turned to him on Elizabeth Holmes, CNN on Sean “Diddy” Combs and FCI Fort Dix, and Inc. on Sam Bankman-Fried. Zoukis knows the system from the inside. He served a federal sentence, writing College for Convicts (McFarland, 2014), Prison Education Guide, and the Federal Prison Handbook (2017) while incarcerated, and earned a 2012 PEN America Prison Writing Award. He later authored the Directory of Federal Prisons (2020) and earned his J.D. from UC Davis School of Law, where he was Articles Editor of the UC Davis Law Review. He holds an M.B.A. from Adams State University. His focus: BOP designation under 18 U.S.C. § 3621(b), sentence computation, First Step Act earned time credits and PATTERN scoring, RDAP, prison discipline and conditions of confinement, compassionate release, halfway house and home confinement placement, and reentry. He has advised hundreds of clients and families through federal incarceration. He is Chairman of the Board of the Human Rights Defense Center, publisher of Prison Legal News and Criminal Legal News, and author of the forthcoming Federal Criminal Defendant’s Handbook and the third edition of The Habeas Citebook: Ineffective Assistance of Counsel. Zoukis is not an attorney; all legal work is handled by lead counsel Elizabeth Franklin-Best, ranked in Chambers USA 2026 for Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, named a 2026 Best Lawyer in America for Appellate Practice, and admitted before the U.S. Supreme Court and all U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals. The firm assists with federal sentencing, direct appeals, habeas corpus petitions, and compassionate release. Quoted by TIME, CNN, Inc., Fox News, ABC News, the Associated Press, USA Today, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Bloomberg Law, The Hill, UPI, and Vice News. Contributor to the Huffington Post, New York Daily News, Prison Legal News, and Criminal Legal News. Contact: Chris@ZoukisDefense.com · (843) 620-1100 · https://federalcriminaldefenseattorney.com/about-us/our-team/christopher-zoukis/

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.

I am a Southern California criminal defense attorney, founder of Moments Law, and commentator on California criminal justice issues. My work focuses on the intersection of criminal law, substance use disorders, mental health, homelessness, and public safety. Drawing on daily courtroom experience in Southern California Counties, I help audiences understand how California’s criminal justice system operates in practice, explain the impact of new legislation and court decisions, and provide clear, balanced legal analysis for television, radio, podcasts, and print media.

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.

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.