Family Law

• Divorce
• Child Support
  Obtaining a license is a different situation for different people. Some may have a suspended license because of unpaid court costs. Some may have a suspended license because of a criminal conviction that has a suspension as part of the sentence. And some may be suspended because of child support issues.
• Child Custody and Visitation
• Adoption

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  "During my internship at the Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office, I was able to work on actual legal matters and vastly improve my research and writing skills. I learned a lot about the justice system, criminal defense, and how to put the theoretical skills I have learned during law school into actual practice. I experienced various stages of the criminal defense process including depositions, client meetings, and motion hearings with a mentor. I also worked with an appellate mentor who reviewed the motions I wrote and provided writing advice. Overall, I think the internship program provided an in-depth look at public defense work and how important it is to the community, as well as the impact it can have on people's lives."
• Sex Crimes
  Was born and raised in Westchester New York where he earned his undergraduate degree, from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, which is located in a beautiful spot along the Hudson River. He graduated with his J.D. from St. Thomas School of Law. At PD-15, Ian is an attorney in the Serious Crimes Division handling life felonies and capital sex offenses. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and watching sports.
• Theft
• Misdemeanors
  Most lawyers join our office in August and participate in a two-month-long orientation. During this period, they learn the ropes of local practice through a series of presentations and trainings, eventually shadowing practicing attorneys in the misdemeanor division. At the same time, they learn substantive law by working with an Appellate Division mentor drafting appellate briefs.
• Drug Crimes
  Once admitted to the Bar, attorneys are assigned a case load in one of the misdemeanor divisions. They represent defendants accused of crimes punishable by up to one year in jail. The breadth of charges is astounding, including crimes such as driving under the influence, battery, marijuana possession, theft, stalking, prostitution, and criminal mischief. Our attorneys handle each of their cases from start to finish, gaining experience at every step of the legal process. They quickly learn to draft and argue motions, litigate strategically, and negotiate favorable pleas. Most important, they learn to try cases to juries. Typically, our lawyers spend one to two years in misdemeanor court. During this time they face more juries than some lawyers do over the course of a career.
• Murder
  The voters approved in 2018 Amendment 4 to the Florida Constitution, which was designed to enable felons, who did not commit murder or a sexual offense and who completed their sentence in full, to become eligible to vote. On June 28, 2019, § 98.0751 Florida Statue was enacted and prohibited these ex-felons (also known as "returning citizens") from voting unless they pay off all legal financial obligations imposed by a court pursuant to a felony conviction even if they cannot afford to pay. We have committed along with local, state, and national partners to help these "returning citizens" attain voter status and to support ongoing litigation surrounding the law's provision. The Public Defender's Office routinely participates in collaborative efforts in our community to assist in sealing and expunging of eligible criminal records and the restoration of Civil Rights lost with a felony conviction. For more information on these processes and to find out if you are eligible, please call 561-355-7655.
• Juvenile Crimes
  Earned her Bachelor of Arts in history from Georgetown University, a Master of Arts in theology from Loyola University in Chicago, and a J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Prior to joining the office, she litigated criminal appeals on behalf defendants represented by the Office of the State Appellate Defender in Chicago. She now specializes in juvenile law and is a recipient of the Palm Beach County Bar Association's juvenile delinquency advocate of the year award.
• Homicide
  Attended Johns Hopkins University for two Bachelor of Arts' degrees—one in Psychological and Brain Science and the second in Anthropology. She earned her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. Prior to joining PD-15, Crystal worked as a Legal Assistant at Partnership for Civil Justice, helped found a grassroots organization called Justice First, and campaigned for a moratorium on utility shutoffs due to customers' inability to pay—all in the District of Columbia. Crystal works on capital mitigation in the Major Crimes Division where she represents adults facing the death penalty and children prosecuted as adults for homicide. A daughter of Korean immigrants, Crystal enjoys spending time in West Palm Beach with her husband and cat.
• Prostitution
  Once admitted to the Bar, attorneys are assigned a caseload in one of the misdemeanor divisions. They represent defendants accused of crimes punishable by up to one year in jail. The breadth of charges is astounding, including crimes such as driving under the influence, battery, marijuana possession, theft, stalking, prostitution, and criminal mischief. Our attorneys handle each of their cases from start to finish, gaining experience at every step of the legal process. They quickly learn to draft and argue motions, litigate strategically, and negotiate favorable pleas. Most important, they learn to try cases to juries. Typically, our lawyers spend one to two years in misdemeanor court. During this time they face more juries than some lawyers do over the course of a career.

Business and Corporate Law

• Intellectual Property

Employment Law

• Workers Compensation
  Completed his undergraduate work at the University of Florida and earned his J.D. from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law. While an undergraduate, Daniel was a volunteer in the Public Defender's Office assisting attorneys and investigators at arraignments and first appearances. He also served as a Certified Legal Intern and began trying jury trials during his last semester of law school. Since law school, Daniel has worked at PD-15 except during a 15-month period during which he practiced workers compensation insurance defense. Currently assigned to the South County Courthouse, Daniel has spent time in the Misdemeanor, Felony, and Juvenile divisions. He enjoys spending time with his family cheering on the Florida Gators Football team and loves his parrot who is celebrating her 42nd birthday.