38th Annual Meeting 2025: Full Schedule

WE PROTECT AND DEFEND THE RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED.A TRIAL LAWYER WHO WORKS EXCLUSIVELY IN ALL AREAS OF CRIMINAL LAW.SERVING PALM BEACH COUNTY, THE TREASURE COAST & FLORIDA'S HEARTLAND.Criminal Defense Attorney in West Palm Beach FLPalm Beach County, Treasure Coast & Martin County Criminal... Read More →

Thursday June 5, 2025 6:00pm - 7:30pm PDT
Banyan Courtyard & Terrace

Social

7:30am PDT

Breakfast Buffet

Friday June 6, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am PDT

Estero Ballroom

CLE Registration REQUIRED

Sponsors

Brunvand & Wise Law Group

Board-Certified Criminal Trial Lawyers Providing The Strong Defense You NeedAt Brunvand & Wise Law Group, we are experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorneys who represent clients in both state and federal court. We pride ourselves on our detail-oriented approach and are always... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am PDT
Estero Ballroom

Breakfast

7:30am PDT

Registration Open

Friday June 6, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am PDT

Estero Ballroom

Please stop by our registration desk to check in & get your welcome packet!

Friday June 6, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am PDT
Estero Ballroom

Registration

7:30am PDT

Exhibitors

Friday June 6, 2025 7:30am - 12:30pm PDT

Estero Ballroom

Please visit our…

Friday June 6, 2025 7:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Estero Ballroom

Exhibitors

8:05am PDT

Welcome Address

Friday June 6, 2025 8:05am - 8:15am PDT

Estero Ballroom A & B

Speakers

Tania Alavi

FACDL President-Elect, Alavi & Pozzuto, P.A.

Criminal Lawyer Tania Alavi is a Partner with the AP Law Group, with offices in Gainesville and Ocala, Florida. With a focus on Florida Criminal Defense, Federal criminal defense, Tania has a deep understanding of legal issues and major court cases that affect her clients. She maintains... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 8:05am - 8:15am PDT
Estero Ballroom A & B

Seminar

8:15am PDT

Legislative Update

Friday June 6, 2025 8:15am - 9:05am PDT

Estero Ballroom A & B

CLE Registration REQUIRED

Speakers

Aaron Wayt

FACDL Legislative Chair, Pumphrey Law

Aaron Wayt is an attorney at Pumphrey Law in Tallahassee, FL. He was elected without opposition as Secretary in 2023 and will serve as FACDL President for the ’26-’27 term. He has been the Chair of FACDL’s Legislative Committee since 2021. He was awarded the President’s Award... Read More →

Corinne Mixon

Rutledge | Ecenia

Corinne Mixon is a registered professional lobbyist with fourteen years of experience representing clients’ state governmental interests. At Rutledge Ecenia, Corinne represents a broad client base with a particular emphasis on health care practitioners, education and regulated industries... Read More →

Andrew Rutledge

Rutledge | Ecenia

Andrew Rutledge has more than 10 years of Government Affairs experience, representing State agencies, and Florida’s largest Trade Association before the Legislature and Executive Branch. Andrew previously spent 4 years as the Florida Realtors Senior Government Affairs Director for... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 8:15am - 9:05am PDT
Estero Ballroom A & B

Seminar

9:00am PDT

Crystal Cabanas

Friday June 6, 2025 9:00am - 6:00pm PDT

Sunshine Socials

9:05am PDT

Chapter 119: Investigating Where the Sun Don’t Shine

Friday June 6, 2025 9:05am - 9:50am PDT

Estero Ballroom A & B

CLE Registration REQUIRED

Speakers

Ashley Minton

Minton Law, P.A.

Ashley N. Minton attended the University of Florida and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Upon graduation from UF (GO GATORS!) Ashley moved to San Diego, California to attend the University of San Diego School of Law.While at the University of San Diego, Ashley... Read More →

Michele Borchew

Borchew Law, PLLC

Michele Borchew is a Chicago native. While attending University of Illinois at Chicago (formerly John Marshall), she clerked for the Cook County Public Defender's Homicide Task Force and later the Mississippi Office of Collateral Post-Conviction Counsel working on relief petitions... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 9:05am - 9:50am PDT
Estero Ballroom A & B

Seminar

9:50am PDT

Networking Break

Friday June 6, 2025 9:50am - 10:00am PDT

Estero Ballroom A & B

Friday June 6, 2025 9:50am - 10:00am PDT
Estero Ballroom A & B

Seminar

10:00am PDT

Introduction of Premier Sponsor Anonymous Marketing

Friday June 6, 2025 10:00am - 10:05am PDT

Estero Ballroom A & B

Sponsors

Anonymous Marketing

At Anonymous Marketing, we understand that the world of digital marketing can be overwhelming and confusing. That’s why we strive to simplify the process and offer personalized services tailored to each of our clients’ unique needs. Our team of experts has years of experience... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 10:00am - 10:05am PDT
Estero Ballroom A & B

Seminar

10:05am PDT

Q&A – Implicit Bias of Jurors & Lawyers: How it Affects Jury Selection and Interactions with the Client

Friday June 6, 2025 10:05am - 10:55am PDT

Estero Ballroom A & B

CLE Registration REQUIRED

Moderators

Jason B. Blank

FACDL President, Haber | Blank

Jason grew up on the New Jersey shore just outside of Asbury Park. Jason’s practice focuses on criminal defense trial and appeals, as well as Florida election law. Prior to establishing Haber Blank, LLP, Jason served as a Broward County Assistant Public Defender, handling all levels... Read More →

Speakers

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi

Author

Ibram X. Kendi is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University, and the founding director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research. He is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and a CBS News racial justice contributor.Dr. Kendi is the author... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 10:05am - 10:55am PDT
Estero Ballroom A & B

Seminar

10:55am PDT

Marsy’s Law: Everything Your Need to Know

Friday June 6, 2025 10:55am - 11:45am PDT

Estero Ballroom A & B

CLE Registration REQUIRED

Speakers

Denis deVlaming

FACDL Past President, deVlaming & Rivellini, PA

Denis deVlaming received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Ohio State University in 1969. He graduated from Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1972 and is now an adjunct professor there teaching “Advanced Criminal Trial Advocacy.” He began... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 10:55am - 11:45am PDT
Estero Ballroom A & B

Seminar

11:45am PDT

Despite Your Best Efforts at trial, You Come in Second Place: What’s Next? A Panel Discussion on What Steps Must Be Taken to Preserve Issues for Appeal

Friday June 6, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm PDT

Estero Ballroom A & B

CLE Registration REQUIRED

Moderators

Honorable Stephanie Ray

First District Court of Appeals

Judge Stephanie Ray has served on the First District Court of Appeal since 2011 and was Chief Judge from 2019-2021. She is an active member of the bench and bar, currently serving on the Executive Councils for the Florida Bar Labor and Employment Law Section and the Florida Bar Appellate... Read More →

Speakers

Luke Newman

Luke Newman, P.A.

Luke Newman is a criminal defense lawyer who practices in Tallahassee, Florida. In 2010 he obtained Florida Bar board certification as a specialist in criminal appeals. In 2012 he was appointed to the Florida Bar’s Criminal Law Board Certification Committee, where he served two... Read More →

Michael Ufferman

Attorney, Michael Ufferman Law Firm, P.A.

Michael Ufferman received his Bachelor of Arts from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and received his Juris Doctorate from the Florida State University College of Law (serving on the law review and graduating magna cum laude). After he graduated from law school, Michael clerked for... Read More →

Richard Sichta

The Sichta Firm

Rick Sichta is a board-certified criminal appellate attorney repeatedly ranked by Super lawyers as one of the best appellate attorneys in Florida. His work has removed ten people from Florida's death row. He was chosen to run then Florida Coastal's School of Law inaugural Wrongful... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm PDT
Estero Ballroom A & B

Seminar

12:30pm PDT

FREE TIME

Friday June 6, 2025 12:30pm - 6:30pm PDT

TBA

Friday June 6, 2025 12:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
TBA

Sunshine Socials

1:30pm PDT

Defenders on the Rise: Leadership & Growth for APDS and Young Defenders

Friday June 6, 2025 1:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

Estero Ballroom C

Defender's on the Rise Registration REQUIRED

Speakers

Jason B. Blank

FACDL President, Haber | Blank

Friday June 6, 2025 1:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Estero Ballroom C

Seminar

1:30pm PDT

Golf Tournament - Coordinated by Robert Fisher

Friday June 6, 2025 1:30pm - 5:30pm PDT

TBA

Friday June 6, 2025 1:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
TBA

Sunshine Socials

1:30pm PDT

Tennis Tournament - Coordinated by Michael Ufferman

Friday June 6, 2025 1:30pm - 5:30pm PDT

TBA

Friday June 6, 2025 1:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
TBA

Sunshine Socials

7:00pm PDT

Hidden Gems at Sunset: Dinner Reception & 2025 FACDL Legislators of the Year Award Presentation

Friday June 6, 2025 7:00pm - 9:30pm PDT

Cypress Courtyard & Waterfall Pool Deck

CLE, Social or Banquet Registration REQUIRED
Attire: Cocktail casual in your favorite gemstone colors

Sponsors

Anonymous Marketing

Karatinos Law

A Trusted Source for Criminal Defense and Injury CasesAt Karatinos Law, PLLC, our team is led by proven Florida litigator Keeley Karatinos. Whether you are confronting a misdemeanor or felony offense, a driver’s license defense issue or the aftermath of a severe accident, attorney... Read More →

Ruhl Law

As trial attorneys, we see many individuals discriminated against and railroaded by the justice system. We’re here to fight against that injustice and protect your individual rights. Even with minor charges, law enforcement’s only goal is to get a conviction and move on to the... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 7:00pm - 9:30pm PDT
Cypress Courtyard & Waterfall Pool Deck

Social

7:30am PDT

Breakfast Buffet

Saturday June 7, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am PDT

Estero Ballroom

CLE Registration REQUIRED

Sponsors

Brunvand & Wise Law Group

Saturday June 7, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am PDT
Estero Ballroom

Breakfast

7:30am PDT

Registration Open

Saturday June 7, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am PDT

Estero Ballroom

Please stop by our registration desk to check in & get your welcome packet!

Saturday June 7, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am PDT
Estero Ballroom

Registration

7:30am PDT

Exhibitors

Saturday June 7, 2025 7:30am - 12:30pm PDT

Estero Ballroom

Please visit our…

Saturday June 7, 2025 7:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Estero Ballroom

Exhibitors

8:20am PDT

Introduction of Premier Sponsor Nationwide Interlock

Saturday June 7, 2025 8:20am - 8:25am PDT

Estero Ballroom A & B

Sponsors

Nationwide Services

Nationwide Services provides ignition interlock devices and electronic monitoring equipment including portable alcohol monitors, GPS tethers, and SCRAM CAM continues alcohol tethers throughout the state of Florida.

Saturday June 7, 2025 8:20am - 8:25am PDT
Estero Ballroom A & B

Seminar

8:25am PDT

SCOTUS & SCOF: Year in Review

Saturday June 7, 2025 8:25am - 9:15am PDT

Estero Ballroom A & B

CLE Registration REQUIRED

Speakers

Honorable Milton Hirsch

11th Judicial Circuit

Hon. Milton Hirsch has been a judge of the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida since January of 2011. He has also served as an adjunct professor of law at the University of Miami School of Law and St. Thomas School of Law.In 2013, Judge Hirsch was the recipient of the Gerald Kogan Judicial... Read More →

Saturday June 7, 2025 8:25am - 9:15am PDT
Estero Ballroom A & B

Seminar

9:00am PDT

Crystal Cabanas

Saturday June 7, 2025 9:00am - 6:00pm PDT

Sunshine Socials

9:15am PDT

Cyber Check, Artificial Intelligence, and Combating Junk Science

Saturday June 7, 2025 9:15am - 10:05am PDT

Estero Ballroom A & B

CLE Registration REQUIRED

Speakers

Donald Malarcik

Malarcik, Pierce, Munyer and Will

Don Malarcik has represented people accused of awful things since 1993. He is the founding partner of Malarcik, Pierce, Munyer, and Will, in Akron, Ohio, where he appears in Federal and State Court. He has represented over 20 individuals facing the death penalty at trial and has never... Read More →

Greg Kelley

ArcherHall

Greg Kelley is the Senior Director of Digital Forensics & E-Discovery at ArcherHall, a leading technology company specializing in Digital Forensics, E-Discvoery, and Cybersecurity.Greg serves as an engagement manager, senior expert, leader, and mentor. He is a key representative of... Read More →

Saturday June 7, 2025 9:15am - 10:05am PDT
Estero Ballroom A & B

Seminar

10:05am PDT

Networking Break

Saturday June 7, 2025 10:05am - 10:20am PDT

Estero Ballroom A & B

CLE Registration REQUIRED

Saturday June 7, 2025 10:05am - 10:20am PDT
Estero Ballroom A & B

Seminar

10:05am PDT

Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar

Saturday June 7, 2025 10:05am - 11:00am PDT

Estero Ballroom Foyer

Saturday June 7, 2025 10:05am - 11:00am PDT
Estero Ballroom Foyer

Social

10:20am PDT

Election of Officers

Saturday June 7, 2025 10:20am - 11:45am PDT

Estero Ballroom A & B

FACDL membership required to participate

Speakers

Luke Newman

Luke Newman, P.A.

Elections

Caleb Kenyon

Turner O'Connor Kozlowski, P.L.

Caleb has been involved in FACDL longer than he has been a lawyer. He attended his first annual conference just before sitting for the bar exam and never looked back. Skipping government service, Caleb went straight into private practice with Larry Turner, Ron Kozlowski and Peg O’Connor... Read More →

Jason Cromey

Cromey Law, P.A.

Since becoming a lawyer in 2005, Jason’s career has focused almost exclusively on criminal defense. He practiced as a public defender in Palm Beach and Escambia counties for 7 years before going into private practice. His firm specializes in all areas of criminal defense at the... Read More →

Jim Skuthan

Federal Defender's Office, Middle Districk of Florida

Jim Skuthan has been an attorney with the Federal Defender’s Office in the Middle District of Florida since 1990. He is currently serving as the First Assistant in that office. He has served on the FACDL Board of Directors since 2016 and currently serves as co-chair, with Jason... Read More →

Keeley Karatinos

Karatinos Law, PLLC

Keeley Karatinos is the owner and managing member of Karatinos Law, PLLC, a criminal defense firm in Dade City, Pasco County, Florida. She was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida before moving to Gainesville where she attended the University of Florida, receiving Bachelors in Russian... Read More →

Rick Ruhl

Ruhl Law

I have been a criminal defense attorney for 23 years and have been a member of FACDL for 18 years. I served as a public defender in the 20th Judicial Circuit before entering Private Practice, I am a life member of FACDL, and I have been on the Board of Directors since 2010 serving... Read More →

Ron Ecker

Ronald L. Ecker, II, Attorney at Law

I have exclusively practiced criminal defense as a sole practitioner since founding my firm in 2000. Before that, I spent three misguided years as an Assistant State Attorney before seeing the light and switching sides.I have been a board-certified criminal trial attorney since 2004... Read More →

Spencer Cordell

Law Office of Spencer Cordell, P.A.

Spencer Cordell is a board-certified criminal trial lawyer in Lee County, Florida. He has run his own defense practice since 2011. He graduated from BU School of Law in 2004 and has been practicing in SW Florida ever since. Before that, he went to Miami University- the one up north... Read More →

Vanessa King

The Law Firm of Vanessa L. King

Vanessa King is a seasoned trial attorney with a strong track record in criminal defense. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida in 2005 and her Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2011. Vanessa began her legal career as an Assistant... Read More →

Wayne Richter

R. Wayne Richter, P.A.

Currently serving as a Director-at-Large on the FACDL Board of Directors, Wayne has been actively involved with the organization since 2016. Prior to his election to the Director-at-Large position in 2023, he represented the Palm Beach County Chapter as a Chapter Representative. He... Read More →

Saturday June 7, 2025 10:20am - 11:45am PDT
Estero Ballroom A & B

Elections

11:45am PDT

The Impact of Media/Social Media: How the True Crime Obsession Affects Your Case

Saturday June 7, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm PDT

Estero Ballroom A & B

CLE Registration REQUIRED

Speakers

Peter L. Tragos

Law Offices of Tragos, Sartes & Tragos

Peter L. Tragos is the managing partner at the Law Offices of Tragos, Sartes & Tragos in Clearwater, Florida. He focuses his entire practice on fighting for injured victims of wrongful death, car accident, and premises liability cases. As far back as law school, Mr. Tragos has been... Read More →

Saturday June 7, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm PDT
Estero Ballroom A & B

Seminar