Stephen Bernhardt has been an attorney since he was 25 years old. Now, nearly a decade later, Bernhardt has extensive trial experience in both criminal and civil law. He began his legal career as a prosecutor, first handling misdemeanor offenses such as DUI, Battery, Possession of Controlled Substance, Violation of Injunction and many others. Bernhardt was quickly moved to a felony division and become the State Attorney’s Office’s representative for the county’s Drug Court Program. In this role, Bernhardt learned many techniques to help individuals overcome addictions as well as the differences between the many rehabilitation establishments throughout Florida. Prior to leaving the State Attorney’s Office, Bernhardt was the lead prosecutor in his division. Bernhardt conducted several jury trials that ended in convictions and sentences of more than thirty years, including a mandatory life in prison sentence. After leaving the State Attorney’s Office, Bernhardt began practicing civil law for one of the largest creditors’ rights firms in the United States. Bernhardt quickly became the lead litigating attorney for the firm’s Florida office and handled countless civil hearings and trials before leaving to start Bernhardt Law, PLLC. Bernhardt Law focuses on the practice areas of Criminal Defense, Personal Injury and Debt Defense. Using the knowledge gained throughout the years, Bernhardt Law is dedicated to making sure each client’s specific situation is handled with the utmost professionalism, attention to detail, and integrity.

Charles Lambert is a practicing attorney in the state of Florida who handles criminal defense matters.

Attorney Ryan T. Fasso was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2002 after having attended New England School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts where he graduated with his Juris Doctorate. Mr. Fasso now concentrates his practice in the areas of criminal law, family law, and civil litigation. He also handles quiet title actions. Prior to, he began his legal career as Dependency Attorney with the Circuit 10 | Florida Department of Children and Families. He gained immediate courtroom experience after having conducted numerous adjudicatory bench trials amidst the most controversial of cases. Thereafter, Mr. Fasso continued his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney with the Polk County State Attorney’s Office. During his tenure there, he quickly excelled from County Prosecutor to Senior Felony Prosecutor. He furthered his courtroom experience by routinely prosecuting felony cases and arguing many jury trials. He often prosecuted DUI’s, Drug Crimes, White Collar Crimes, Violent Crimes, and Fraud Cases. In late 2004, Mr. Fasso entered the private sector and joined forces with a major Tampa-based law firm. There, he focused his practice on criminal law, personal injury, and worker’s compensation. In short order, he was named partner and managed a steady caseload of diverse areas of law. He also handled both civil and criminal appeals. In 2006, he received his first written decision from the 2nd District Court of Appeals. Mr. Fasso now manages his own law practice and maintains a diversified caseload. He provides legal services in the greater Tampa Bay Area and in all surrounding counties. His mission is simple – “To find the truth and use it in the courtroom to get justice for his clients.”

Since 2014, Mr. Mervine has represented clients in hundreds of cases across 12 Florida counties. While his primary focus is family law, his diverse legal experience also includes representing small businesses, insurance companies, lenders, investors in secondary debt markets, and individuals in immigration court proceedings. Backed by an extensive academic background—including a Juris Doctor and multiple advanced degrees—he brings a well-rounded, strategic approach to every case David Mervine is a dedicated and zealous advocate, committed to guiding clients through the complexities of family law with strategic insight and unwavering support. With a client-centered and collaborative approach, he empowers individuals to navigate challenging legal matters while safeguarding their rights and securing their future.​ Licensed to practice in Florida and before the EOIR Immigration Courts, Mr. Mervine has represented clients in hundreds of cases across 12 Florida counties. While his primary focus is family law—including high-conflict divorces, child custody disputes, and marital agreements—his experience also extends to representing small businesses, insurance companies, lenders, investors in secondary debt markets, and individuals in the immigration Courts. Mr. Mervine’s commitment to community service has been recognized with the prestigious William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award, underscoring his dedication to providing legal assistance to those in need. Understanding the profound legal and emotional challenges that families encounter, he crafts thoughtful, results-driven solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Mr. Mervine began his higher education at the State University of New York at Albany, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. His academic journey reflects his commitment to excellence, holding multiple advanced degrees, including a Master of Business Administration from American University, a Master of Science in Communications from Clarion University, and two Master’s Degrees from Colorado State University—one in Finance and another in Organizational Leadership. His legal education culminated at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida, where he earned his Juris Doctor and developed a strong foundation in legal advocacy. With extensive legal knowledge, a client-first philosophy, and a steadfast commitment to justice, Mr. Mervine remains a trusted advocate, helping clients navigate life’s most pivotal legal challenges with clarity and confidence.

Attorney Matthew K McDowell is committed to helping those in need of legal help with the criminal justice system in Tampa, Florida. Obtaining the best results often requires aggressive and experienced legal representation. Twenty-four years of legal experience has given Matthew McDowell the skills to help those charged with a misdemeanor or felony in the Tampa Bay area. Matthew McDowell has handled hundreds of criminal cases and he believes that everyone deserves a second chance. Matthew McDowell has practiced law in Florida since becoming a member of the Florida Bar in 1996. He is licensed to practice in all Florida state courts, including the Florida Supreme Court. Having handled hundreds of cases, he brings his skills to help those charged with a violation, misdemeanor, or felony. We want to help our clients through the stress of arrest and we want to preserve their record - we don't take a case unless we believe we can help. We will see our clients through these difficult times.

Prior to forming the law office of Westchase Law, P.A. and Westchase Title, LLC in Tampa, Florida, C. Todd Marks attended the George Mason School of Law. While in law school, Mr. Marks graded on to the Law Review and served as the Symposium Editor. Mr. Marks practiced law in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Mr. Marks began his legal career in Washington, DC and McLean, Virginia with the law firm of Shaw Pittman, LLP where he practiced in the emerging companies and commercial real estate practice groups. In the meantime, Todd remained active in local and national political campaigns. Todd eventually worked for law firms Connolly, Bove, Lodge & Hutz in the commercial litigation and bankruptcy practice groups where he developed a general practice which included estate planning and other business law matters. His experience includes real estate closings and disputes, commercial leases, commercial litigation, creditors' rights in bankruptcy, corporate formation and transactions, estate planning, employment law, and family law. Mr. Marks is the proud father of two boys and a girl. Mr. Marks serves on the Board of the Westchase Charitable Foundation and has served on the Board of Church at the Bay.

The Law Office of Jessenia Rosales serves clients throughout Florida in the practice of criminal defense and family law. Jessenia's specific areas of experience include divorce, child custody and support, injunctions, domestic violence, DUI, theft crimes, drug crimes, assault, and other violent crimes. She is also fluent in English and Spanish. Jessenia earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology with a Minor in Psychology from the University of South Florida. She then earned her law degree at Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Tampa, Florida, graduating with honors. Jessenia later re-enrolled at Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School to earn a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property. While earning her degrees, Jessenia interned at the Public Defender's office in Hillsborough County after working as a paralegal at a private law practice in St. Petersburg, Florida. Jessenia has been practicing law in Florida since 2017. She started her own firm, the Law Office of Jessenia Rosales, in 2018 to handle criminal and family law cases. Shortly after, Jessenia received the Rising Professional Award from the Federal Bar Association Younger Lawyers Division. Jessenia is also on the Florida Justice Center's Legal All-Star Team. Jessenia is an active member of the Federal Bar Association, American Bar Association, Florida State Bar Association and Clearwater Bar Association. Her volunteer service includes having served as chairperson of the Florida Justice Center, where she helped FLJC become Florida’s first criminal legal aid organization and volunteered at the expungement clinic. Jessenia has also been a board member of the Pinellas Latin Bar Association and served as a chairperson of the Clearwater Bar Association's Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Jessenia currently lives in the Tampa Bay area with her two daughters. They enjoy spending time outdoors with family and friends.

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.

Stephen Bernhardt has been an attorney since he was 25 years old. Now, nearly a decade later, Bernhardt has extensive trial experience in both criminal and civil law. He began his legal career as a prosecutor, first handling misdemeanor offenses such as DUI, Battery, Possession of Controlled Substance, Violation of Injunction and many others. Bernhardt was quickly moved to a felony division and become the State Attorney’s Office’s representative for the county’s Drug Court Program. In this role, Bernhardt learned many techniques to help individuals overcome addictions as well as the differences between the many rehabilitation establishments throughout Florida. Prior to leaving the State Attorney’s Office, Bernhardt was the lead prosecutor in his division. Bernhardt conducted several jury trials that ended in convictions and sentences of more than thirty years, including a mandatory life in prison sentence. After leaving the State Attorney’s Office, Bernhardt began practicing civil law for one of the largest creditors’ rights firms in the United States. Bernhardt quickly became the lead litigating attorney for the firm’s Florida office and handled countless civil hearings and trials before leaving to start Bernhardt Law, PLLC. Bernhardt Law focuses on the practice areas of Criminal Defense, Personal Injury and Debt Defense. Using the knowledge gained throughout the years, Bernhardt Law is dedicated to making sure each client’s specific situation is handled with the utmost professionalism, attention to detail, and integrity.

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.