Biography

Clearwater, Florida DUI, Criminal, and Personal Injury Attorney

I have been a resident of the Tampa Bay Area since 1975.

After earning my law degree from Stetson University College of Law in 1995, I began my legal career as a prosecutor with the State Attorney's Office in Pinellas County, where I served for six years. During my tenure, I gained extensive trial experience, handling cases ranging from Murder and Capital Sexual Battery to Armed Sexual Battery, Cocaine Trafficking, and DUI. As a Lead Trial Attorney in Misdemeanor County Court, I supervised a team of five prosecutors. I also served in the North County Traffic Division, where I prosecuted numerous DUI and criminal traffic offenses. As a Felony Prosecutor, I specialized in Domestic Violence and Child Abuse cases, receiving significant training through seminars, continuing education, and hands-on experience. I was also a member of the DUI Manslaughter Squad, responsible for investigating and prosecuting DUI-related fatalities, often responding to crime scenes in the early hours to assist law enforcement.

In 2002, I transitioned to private practice as an associate attorney with Beltz & Ruth, P.A., where I represented clients injured due to motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, and nursing home negligence.

In 2006, after a decade of legal practice, I founded my own law firm, focusing on criminal defense and personal injury. Since then, I have represented clients facing serious charges such as Murder, Armed Robbery, Capital Sexual Battery, Cocaine Trafficking, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, DUI, and other criminal traffic offenses. My civil practice includes representing clients in automobile accidents, premises liability claims, domestic violence injunction hearings, sealing and expunging arrest records, civil traffic infractions, and driver's license suspension issues. Throughout my 28-year career, I have tried over 80 jury trials and conducted numerous bench trials and evidentiary hearings.

Honors and Awards:

- Victor O. Wehle Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy, 1995
- Best Oral Advocate, Freshman Moot Court, 1993

Professional Associations and Memberships:

- American Association for Justice, Member (2008 - Present)
- St. Petersburg Bar Association (2006 - Present)
- Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association (2006 - Present)
- Pinellas County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (2007 - Present)

Past Employment:

- Associate Attorney, Beltz & Ruth, P.A. (2002 - 2006)
- Assistant State Attorney, Pinellas County State Attorney's Office (1996 - 2002)