Athena Pearl Riley is a former felony prosecutor, licensed Realtor, and real estate investor. Athena’s extensive trial experience, meticulous attention to case details, and real estate background has made her the go-to attorney for individuals, investors and businesses alike seeking the zealous representation they deserve. Selected to serve as the Chief Justice of her alma mater at the University of New Mexico (UNM), Athena went on to graduate from UNM School of Law, where she was a member of her law school’s nationally ranked mock trial team, winning Regionals and advancing to Nationals. Athena received a number of distinguished honors during law school, including the American Association for Justice Partnership in Advocacy award, the American Board of Trial Advocates mock trial student of the year award, first place honors in the Mediation Competition, advancing to Regionals in the Negotiation Competition, competing in the invitation only National Institute for Trial Advocacy Tournament of Champions, and serving as the President of the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Student Association. Athena was subsequently selected to be the National Trial Competition Coach for Golden Gate School of Law in San Francisco, California, where she taught for two years prior to relocating to Northwest Florida. Athena received the 2019 Florida Association for Women Lawyers "Leader in the Law" award and has dedicated her practice to protecting her clients financial and property interests. Community Involvement: Athena is very active in her community, having served on a number of local boards including United Way, Boys & Girls Club and the Healthy Start Coalition. Athena is the founding member of the Okaloosa Florida Association for Women Lawyers (OFAWL), and of Franklin’s Tree House Foundation, where her and her husband have created the “Confident Kids!” program which partners with Children in Crisis, Inc, a non-profit organization serving foster children from Okaloosa, Walton, Santa Rosa and Escambia counties. In her free time, Athena enjoys running, reading, cooking and exploring the white sand beaches and nature trails of the place she now calls home. Practice areas: Athena's practice covers a wide range of civil issues including simple to complex contract disputes, business entity incorporations, negligent and fraudulent misrepresentations, land disputes, condominium defects & HOA representation, mold litigation, unlawful detainers, evictions, and defending against federal and state civil asset forfeitures, among handling a number of other civil issues.

"I want you to feel comfortable with me as your advocate in the courtroom." More than twenty-one years of handling a myriad of legal issues in both transactional issues and Trial experience in Family Law, Criminal Law, and Civil Litigation. All facets of Litigation and Trial Experience in the Family Division, Criminal Division, Circuit Civil Division, Juvenile Division, Support Matters, and Probate Division, in Miami- Dade County in and for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida. Extensive Court Appearances and Hearings in Federal Court in the Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts of Florida. Trial and Evidentiary proceedings in the following Florida Counties for Circuit Court proceedings: Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, Martin County, Monroe County, Collier County, Polk County, Hendry County, Port St. Lucie County, Orange County, Pinellas County, Duval County, Pasco County, and Lee County. Certified by the Supreme Court of Florida as a Family Mediator. Extensive Alternative Dispute Resolution Training and experience In civil and family law disputes.

South Florida attorney Charles Mead has spent two decades defending men and women who found themselves in desperate situations with few foreseeable alternatives. At this Florida law firm, the client is always the number one priority. If you are facing what appears to be insurmountable odds and incredibly painful accusations, you shouldn’t have to feel helpless or hopeless. Boca Raton attorney Charles. Mead’s practice is known for one-on-one service and attention to strategic details when defending clients against state and federal charges. He tailors every defense strategy to carefully fit each client’s situation, using research, innovation, and a thorough knowledge of state and federal law to get the best possible results. He can petition to have charges dismissed or dropped altogether to avoid trial, or if necessary, defend clients in criminal proceedings in a discreet and effective manner. Attorney Mead will make sure you are fully informed about your legal standing and will be by your side throughout what may be the most important battle of your life. If you are struggling, he can help you explore the legal alternatives to incarceration, helping you address the root issues that lead to problematic behavior. If you are falsely accused, he can help clear your good name once and for all. If you’ve turned over a new leaf, he can get your criminal record expunged.

Trevena, Pontrello & Associates offers legal representation in the areas of criminal defense, criminal appeals, and some civil and family law matters. As a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer with over 30 years of litigation and practice experience, John Trevena offers sophisticated and ingenious strategies for what can often be complex and difficult circumstances. John H. Trevena is the owner and managing attorney of his firm. His keen sense of strategy, accomplished skills as a trial lawyer and straightforward approach bring due process for his clients in the criminal justice and civil court systems. Attorney Trevena is listed in Florida Super Lawyers magazine in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. Super Lawyers are peer selected and considered among the top 5% of attorneys in their areas of practice. Attorney Trevena is also a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA). The LCA is comprised of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Membership is limited by invitation only and selection is based upon evaluations of effectiveness and accomplishment in litigation, and superior ethical reputation. Attorney Trevena is ranked ranked Superb (10 out of 10) by Avvo™, an independent company that ranks attorneys based on their years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements, and industry recognition. Trevena's firm was also recently named the Criminal Law Firm of the Year - Florida, by the publication Corporate America - The Legal Elite 2015. Attorney Trevena is a member of The American Trial Lawyers Association (The Association) and was selected for inclusion in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers for the State of Florida (2007-2015). Membership into The American Trial Lawyers Association is by invitation and is extended only to those attorneys who exemplify superior qualifications, trial results, leadership, influence, reputation, stature, and profile in the trial attorney community, as viewed by The Association, other trial lawyers, members of the bench, and the public at large. Attorney Trevena was also elected as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation in 2010. The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation is an honorary organization representing one-third of one percent of licensed attorneys. Fellows are lawyers, judges, law faculty, and legal scholars who have been elected by their peers to become members of The Fellows because of their outstanding achievements in the legal profession. Attorney Trevena was admitted to the Florida Bar and US District Court, Middle District of Florida in 1986. He received his Juris Doctor from Stetson University in 1985, and his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1982 from the University of South Florida. His current memberships include: Clearwater, St. Petersburg and American (Member, Criminal Law Section) Bar Associations The Florida Bar; the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Life Member) Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association (President, 2005) Pinellas County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Life Member) American Judicature Society. John is a Lifetime Member of Phi Delta Phi, and was on the editorial board for the Florida Bar Journal and Florida Bar News from 1990-1993. He served as Assistant State Attorney from 1985-1987. Attorney Trevena has been a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer (Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education) since August 1, 1992.

Beau was born and raised in Crestview, Florida. In 2006 he graduated from Northwest Florida State College with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. In 2008, he graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. He attended Mississippi College School of Law and received his Juris Doctorate degree in 2011. He began his legal career with the State Attorney's Office, First Judicial Circuit, in Milton, Florida in 2011, where he practiced until founding Beau Powell, P.A., Attorney at Law in 2014. His areas of practice include: criminal defense, trial litigation, family law, and personal injury. Beau is a member of the Florida Bar, Florida Justice Association, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Young Lawyers Division.

Mr. Smith, a founding member of Smith, Hood, Perkins, Loucks, Stout, Bigman, Lane & Brock, P.A., has been practicing law for more than thirty-five years.  He focuses his practice in the areas of family law and criminal litigation.  Mr. Smith was Board Certified as a specialist in criminal trial law from 1987 to 1997 and is currently Board Certified as a specialist in Marital and Family law.

Mr. Casanova vigorously defends the accused in all cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. He practices in both State and Federal Courts. His experience with Federal drug trafficking cases, drug possession and sale cases, aggravated domestic battery cases and all misdemeanors and felonies gives him a perspective on criminal law that can provide you with a significant advantage in today's legal system.

James Michael Sawyer hails from South Florida but has been a resident of Gainesville off and on since the 1970’s when he moved here to attend the University of Florida for his Bachelor’s Degree. Mike began a martial arts career as a teenager in Miami, which continued while he attended UF and went on to become one of the world’s foremost promoters and authorities on sport martial arts. He is the co-founder of many prestigious martial art associations including the North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA) and the International Sport Karate Association (ISKA), as well as an on-air expert analyst for ESPN and other sports channels.

Daniel Hartpence was born and raised in Fayetteville, Georgia. As the son of a chiropractor and teacher, he was instilled with the drive and motivation necessary to succeed and excel. He went to Starr's Mill High School, then on to Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. At Eckerd, Daniel played baseball and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Classic History.