Team

John Godbout

Managing Partner

John Godbout grew up in Hartford, Connecticut. Although he gamely participated in organized sports every season of the year from 4th through 12th grades, John was arguably more of a mathlete, with a particular flair for joining and leading student organizations in high school.

John graduated cum laude from Georgetown University with a degree in American Government. In college, John interned in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as for the then-powerhouse lobbying firm of Black, Manafort Stone & Kelly.

John was offered a Dean’s Merit Scholarship to study law at the University of Miami School of Law in Coral Gables, FL. During law school, John studied abroad in Spain and was a certified legal intern at the Florida Department of Transportation, District 6, where he learned to litigate from a team of tremendously gifted and experienced attorneys in the very specialized practice of eminent domain law. After his internship ended, John stayed on at FDOT as a paralegal until he graduated and passed the Florida and then Connecticut Bar exams.

Ken Eulo

Founding Partner

Ken Eulo grew up in Los Angeles, California. As a student, he was consistently in the top ten percent of his advanced program of classes. He was also a top athlete and served as a mentor and assistant coach on baseball teams for Mentally and Physically Challenged Children. He moved to Central Florida in 1996 and attended the University of Central Florida on a Bright Future’s Scholarship in 2000, where he studied Criminal Justice and Pre-Law. During this time, he participated in “ride-alongs” with police, where he got a close look at criminal procedures and gained an understanding of criminal law. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science from UCF in 2005 with cum laude honors, Ken Eulo helped plan and run the first branch of the International Coffee Chain Testa Rosa, where he was offered advanced management training in Europe. However, he decided to return to his first love: The Law.

Robert Zlatkin

Managing Partner

Robert Zlatkin is an experienced, and dedicated Criminal Defense and Civil Litigation Attorney.  A graduate of the prestigious University of Florida’s Levin College of Law, Robert is a native Floridian with a strong connection to the Central Florida community. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in History and made a decision early on to return  to Orlando after law school to give back to the community he calls home.

As an Assistant State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orlando, Robert most recently prosecuted a broad range of cases including D.U.I., battery, robbery, domestic violence, battery, and a myriad of felonies including violations of probation (VOPs). With hundreds of hours of court appearances and  successful trials, it was here that Robert honed his litigation skills and developed a keen understanding of the nuances of the law.  With his unique perspective of both sides of the criminal justice system, Robert’s clients derive significant benefit from this advantage.

Matthew Futch

Senior Attorney

Matthew Futch was born in Hollywood, Florida.  Matthew attended Nova High School in Davie, Florida where he won the National Forensics League National Debate Championship in Student Congress.  After graduation, he attended the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.  He subsequently moved to St. Petersburg, Florida to attend Stetson University College of Law.  At Stetson, Matthew was on both the Trial Team and Moot Court Team.

Javier Chavez

Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney

Javier Chavez was born in Denver, Colorado. Javier attended Denver North High School and went to the University of Colorado to receive a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He then moved to New Hampshire and graduated from the University of New Hampshire Law School.

Mr. Chavez moved to Miami Florida and intern as an Assistant State Attorney for the Dade County State Attorney’s office. He has also worked as an investigative assistant for the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office in Colorado. Mr. Chavez has worked for the 9^th Circuit Public Defender’s Office as an assistant Public Defender. Mr. Chavez has also worked for the 13^th and 5^th Circuit Judicial Circuits Public Defender Offices, covering Hillsborough, Sumter, and Lake Counties.

Mr. Chavez became Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law in 2013. Mr. Chavez has tried over 180 trials, including First Degree Murder, Capital Sexual Battery, and DUI Manslaughter cases.

Kenneth Lewis

Senior Attorney

Ken Lewis is a native New Yorker; he attended the State University of New York at Albany before relocating to South Florida and enrolling at FAU where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in History in 1989. He then attended the prestigious Nova Southeastern University where he obtained his law degree in 1991. Ken Lewis is a former prosecutor, his impressive work ethic and dedication resulted in him being named chief homicide prosecutor in Orange and Osceola Counties. Mr. Lewis tried exclusively murder cases for 7 years and sex crimes for another 4 years. In total Ken Lewis has well over 200 jury trials in all areas of criminal law and has tried over 50 murder cases. Additionally, Ken Lewis has been a mock trial judge at numerous competitions and was recognized for his exceptional trial skills by being selected on the faculty of the weeklong Gerald T. Bennett Prosecutor/Public Defender Trial Training Program at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Mr. Lewis has trained hundreds of attorneys through the Florida Prosecutors Attorneys Association.  Ken Lewis has successfully represented individuals facing felony charges across the entire State of Florida, including Orange, Osceola, Polk, Sumter, Seminole, Volusia, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Marion to name a few.

Bryanna Bynum

Senior Criminal Defense Attorney

Bryanna Bynum was born in Orlando, Florida.  She is a seventh generation native Floridian.  Bryanna Bynum earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Boston College in 2002.  In addition to her law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law, Ms. Bynum has also obtained a Master’s Degree from the University of Georgia.

Bryanna previously spent nearly a decade and a half serving as an Assistant State Attorney in the 18^th Circuit.  While serving as a prosecutor, she received numerous awards including Trial Attorney of the Year and the Pride in Excellence Award.  Her work ethic and professionalism moved her quickly through the ranks at the State Attorney’s Office resulting in her being named a Felony Trial Division Chief ahead of those with more seniority.

Scott Messinger

Senior Criminal Defense Attorney

As a US Army Ranger, Scott Messinger pledged to “Lead the Way!” Scott now brings that same determination and hard work to defending his clients.

Following his service as an Infantryman in the 75th Ranger Regiment, Scott pursued a career in the humanities, studying history and English. While in graduate school, Scott lectured in English composition at colleges in South Florida. He capped this formal education by earning a Ph.D., in American Literature, from the University of Miami. By the time he graduated, however, Scott had become aware that although teaching was rewarding, something was missing: the knowledge conveyed to students seemed to evaporate at the end of each semester. Lessons imparted couldn’t be accurately gauged in terms of lessons learned. Scott then realized that his true calling lay not in academia but in applying his learning to the area in which he could affect material change: the arena of justice.

This new and improved career would begin at UF College of Law, where Scott earned a J.D. He then passed the bar in Washington State and began to fulfill his goal of putting words into action, this as an Assistant Public Defender and then a private defense attorney. Scott represented clients who, largely because of the injustice wrought by indigency, struggled to attain equal justice under the law. After spending three productive years in the northwest, Scott brought his growing family back to the sunshine state, where he practiced compassionate prosecution at the Office of the State Attorney for Orange and Osceola Counties. Scott learned that justice begins before a person is charged with a crime and that the authority to prosecute is conjoined with the mandate of integrity: no person should be charged with a crime unless the evidence against a person is overwhelming. Then, and only then, should prosecution commence. Scott’s years of experience as an Assistant State Attorney give him a unique insight into how a prosecutor builds a case – and knowledge of the best way to win justice for his clients.

Scott now offers you legal representation suffused with the warrior spirit gleaned from serving in the U.S. Army, the intellectual prowess cultivated in the crucible of academia, and the legal battle-tested experience of hundreds and hundreds of courtroom contests. His determination to give each client his undivided attention and utmost effort derives from the obligation attendant upon the legal counselor who agrees to advocate for the client, whose life, liberty, or property could depend on the judicious decision-making of his/her attorney.

Richard Zaleski

Senior Criminal Defense Attorney

Richard Zaleski was born on Long Island, New York and moved to Pinellas County, Florida in 1986. He received a Bachelor’s Degree from Florida State University and then graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 1999.

While at Stetson, Mr. Zaleski was involved in the criminal trial advocacy program and participated in the Public Defender Clinic where he tried his first jury trial during his third year of law school as an intern in the 6th Circuit in Clearwater, Florida.

Mr. Zaleski worked as an Assistant Public Defender across central Florida, including the 6th, 18th and 9th Judicial Circuits. After some time as a felony trial attorney at the 18th Circuit, Mr. Zaleski worked as the misdemeanor division supervisor, assisting in the training of new attorneys. In 2008 he opened a criminal defense practice in Volusia County, where he resides with his wife and twin daughters.

Since 2000, Mr. Zaleski has represented thousands of individuals with charges ranging from misdemeanor DUI and battery to serious felonies, such as First-Degree Murder, Sex Crimes, Drug Trafficking and Firearm charges. He has extensive trial experience with over 150 jury trials, including more than a dozen homicide trials.

Mario Machado

Criminal Defense Attorney

Mario Machado is a criminal defense lawyer from Miami who is recognized as a premier trial lawyer.  Mario is a proven trial counselor who has defended the accused in state and federal Courts across the country.  His considerable experience, acumen, artistry, and absolute commitment to his clients have cemented his reputation as one of the “go-to” criminal defense lawyers in Florida.

Born in Venezuela and raised in Miami, Mario attended the beautiful Augusta State University on a tennis scholarship.  He then graduated from Florida State University with Honors before embarking on his law career at Rutgers University School of Law, where he made the decision to become a criminal defense lawyer, or CDL, as it is also known.

Since 2009, Mario has mounted successful defenses for charges ranging from DUIs to street crimes to bank, healthcare, and mail/wire fraud, as well as alien smuggling, sex crimes, tax evasion, and narcotics.  Part of Mario’s philosophy involves taking the initiative from the very beginning, which has resulted in charges not being filed against his clients.  He is also an immigration law expert, having spent many years helping those with serious criminal backgrounds obtain their green cards and United States citizenship.  He has also represented those branded by Interpol as having a worldwide arrest warrant, which is also known as a Red Notice.

At times, Mario was also a hired gun for complex litigation cases in state in federal courts.  At one point, he represented a well-known Latin American political dissident in Miami’s Southern District, where he obtained the legal equivalent of a first-round KO against Apple.  He has also successfully defended many professionals before the Florida Department of Health.

One of Mario’s great joys, outside of the courtroom, is to write about the law.  He has written extensively on the criminal justice system, providing many with the trench lawyer’s perspective, in direct contrast to the view-from-10000-feet that’s usually provided by most of today’s legal pundits.

Mario is also an avid musician who lives in Tampa with his American Foxhound, Iggy, who was named after the iconic frontman.  For that reason, some folks in the profession have called him the John Wick of criminal defense.

Luz Root

Criminal Defense Attorney

Luz Root was born in Argentina and moved to the United States to pursue a collegiate tennis scholarship. She attended Point University in Georgia and was a full-time student athlete. Although English is her second language, she was on the Dean’s List and Honor Class Member all four years of college. Luz graduated top of her class, Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor in Business Management and a Minor in Biblical Studies.

Luz moved to Orlando, Florida, to continue her education at Barry University School of Law, where she received an academic scholarship. Throughout law school, she interned at NeJame Law, where she found her passion for Criminal Defense. During her Internship, she assisted in defending cases, both in State and Federal Court. She worked on several felony cases, including armed robbery, child pornography, drug trafficking, burglary, aggravated battery, DUI manslaughter, and first-degree murders.

In her last year of law school, she also completed the Juvenile Defense Clinic and the Advanced Juvenile Defense Clinic, where she became a Certified Legal Intern (CLI). During her clinics, she represented juveniles facing up to first degree felonies. Before graduating, Luz accepted the opportunity to work at the Public Defender’s Office in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, in Orlando, Florida. Luz graduated at the top 20% of her class and she passed the Florida Bar with a score placing her in the upper 97% percentile of her class.

During her tenure at the Public Defender’s Office, she represented over 400 clients facing Misdemeanors and Criminal Traffic charges including Petit Theft, Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Battery, Driving While License Suspended (DWLS), Open Carrying a Firearm, Stalking, Trespass, and Drug Possessions, among others. She assisted her clients throughout all steps of the legal process and received favorable outcomes, including granted Motions to Suppress and Not Guilty by jury trial.

Her bilingual skills help her represent and educate Spanish-Speaking clients as to how the criminal justice system works. She is a compassionate and hard-working attorney, who zealously advocates for her clients.

Evan Gardiner

Criminal Defense Attorney

Evan Gardiner was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida. After high school, Evan attended Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL majoring in Political Science with minors in International Studies and Pre-Law. During his time at Flagler College, Evan became heavily involved on the board of both the Student Government Association and the Student Judiciary Council.

Upon graduation, Evan returned to Gainesville, Florida where he continued his education at the University of Florida, Levin College of Law. While attending law school, Evan was drawn to criminal defense work through his work as a certified legal intern with the Eighth Judicial Circuit Office of the Public Defender. As a CLI, Evan assisted attorneys with the preparation and representation of clients. Evan was even able to conduct a jury trial as the lead ‘attorney’ where he secured a not guilty verdict.

After graduating. Evan continued his work with the Public Defender’s Office as an Assistant Public Defender. Evan handled over 1700 cases with the Public Defender’s Office which includes a wide assortment of charges including domestic battery, driving under the influence, sexual cyber harassment, vehicular manslaughter, robbery with a firearm, kidnapping, leaving the scene of an accident with bodily injury, sexual battery, lewd and lascivious exhibition, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance, burglary of a dwelling, resisting an officer with violence, aggravated assault, animal abuse and many more. Evan’s experience includes acquittals at trial, the granting of motions to suppress, and dismissals of violation of probation affidavits.

In 2022, Evan transitioned to private practice to expand his experience. He began working at Bogin, Munns & Munns, where he handled a variety of civil litigation and family law cases. Evan handled defamation claims, property and boundary disputes, residential and commercial evictions, breach of contract, dissolution of marriage cases, supplemental petitions for modification, and paternity actions. Evan prosecuted and defended motions for contempt and injunctions brought for and against clients.

Now, with Smith & Eulo, Evan brings his knowledge and experience working as a Criminal Defense Attorney and a Family Law Attorney. When not litigating, Evan enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters and cheering on the Florida Gators.

Jaminette De Jesus-Felicie

Criminal Defense Attorney

Jaminette De Jesus-Felicier brings eighteen years of substantive legal experience to Smith & Eulo. A seasoned attorney with extensive experience in criminal law litigation in Florida, she possesses a deep understanding of the criminal justice system.

Born in Puerto Rico, her family relocated frequently due to her father’s military service. She has resided in many places, including among them places like Germany, Alabama, Missouri, Massachusetts, and South Carolina before establishing her roots in Miami-Dade County.

She graduated in the top five percent of her high school class, placing seventh out of approximately four hundred students. Her exceptional academic achievements earned her a nomination for the prestigious Silver Knights Awards, recognizing her hard work and dedication to academic excellence and community service. After high school, she pursued higher education at Florida International University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice within four years, graduating cum laude.

Attorney De Jesus-Felicier further honed her legal skills at the University of Florida, where she pursued a joint degree in law and sociology. She successfully earned a juris doctor and a master of arts in sociology. Her background in sociology and law has equipped her with the interpersonal skills and technical capabilities to effectively organize information, communicate research and case law, and compose well-reasoned motions or documents that enhance the likelihood of success in each case she litigates.

Attorney De Jesus-Felicier has dedicated much of her professional career to advocating for justice and fairness, particularly for those who lacked the financial means to retain private counsel. She commenced a twelve-year tenure as an assistant public defender at the Public Defender’s Office in Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida, where she handled thousands of cases at various stages of the criminal justice process. Notably, she has taken over fifty cases to trial before a jury or trier of fact. She is well-versed in criminal procedure and the justice system, from pre-arrest to acquittal or alternative resolutions.

Lazaro Blanco

Criminal Defense Attorney

Lazaro G. Blanco, Esq., a seasoned attorney, has been a dynamic force in the legal field since his admission to the Florida Bar in September 2005. Originally hailing from Miami, Blanco’s academic journey culminated in earning a Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University School of Law in 2005, where he contributed as a Staff Editor to the St. Thomas Law Review. His early academic achievements also include a Bachelors in Business Administration in 2002 with a specialization in Finance from Florida International University, distinguished by seven consecutive semesters on the Dean’s List, and a Clinical Excellence Award from the Mount Sinai Medical Center Radiologic Technology Program.

In 2008, Lazaro founded the Blanco Law Center, PA, in Kissimmee, Florida, focusing primarily on criminal defense, though he also handles family law matters. His legal prowess is evident in his extensive jury trial experience, spanning from misdemeanors to punishable-by-life felonies, backed by extensive skills in motion practice, preparation of legal briefs, and complex constitutional research for pretrial motions. His tenure as an Assistant State Attorney and Assistant Public Defender has imbued him with substantial courtroom and litigation skills, asserting the interests of the State of Florida and defending those accused of crimes with vigor and dedication.

Lazaro’s professional memberships include the Florida Bar and the Bar in the Middle District of Florida, enhancing his practice with a profound understanding of both state and federal court systems. Fluent in Spanish, his bilingual ability complements his legal and medical experince, ensuring comprehensive representation for a diverse clientele.

Kaleah Schilling

Criminal Defense Attorney

Kaleah Schilling grew up in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. She attended advanced studies programs throughout her junior and high school careers, graduating within the top ten percent of her high school class.

She went on to earn a full scholarship to the University of Florida. It was here she worked for a small criminal defense firm, where she was first acquainted with advocating for the rights of the accused. After graduating from The University of Florida with a B.S in Advertising, she attended Syracuse University College of Law. Her major studies included counterterrorism law, national security law, and computer crimes. At Syracuse University, she represented criminal clients in New York courts for simple misdemeanor and traffic offenses. Kaleah also became a member of her local fire department and served her community for 4 years as an interior firefighter.

In her professional career, she has maintained a passion for public service. She started her career at the Public Defender’s Office in Polk County, Florida. Here, she handled thousands of criminal cases. Those cases ranged in severity from simple misdemeanors to violent felony offenses. She has tried over 30 jury trials, and litigated hundreds of motions. Locally, she has zealously advocated for the rights of her clients for over 6 years.

Jadea A. Deahl

Criminal Defense Attorney

Born and raised in Southern Maryland, Jadea Deahl is a passionate and dedicated advocate for justice. She graduated as a Graduate of Distinction from Patuxent High School before earning her Bachelor of Science in Law and American Civilization with a minor in Mathematics from Towson University in 2019.

Pursuing her passion for justice and driven by a commitment to public service and equity, Jadea relocated to South Florida to pursue her legal education at St. Thomas University College of Law, graduating in 2023. During law school, she was actively involved in several organizations, serving as Treasurer of the Federal Bar Association Student Division, Social Media Chairwoman for the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, and President of the Honorable Peter R. Palermo Mentorship Program.

Upon graduation, she began her legal career as an Assistant Public Defender in Broward County, where she has spent the last two years zealously representing clients in both misdemeanor and felony cases. She has successfully tried numerous cases to verdict and is known for her strong courtroom presence, unwavering dedication to justice, and a successful winning record at trial. Jadea’s mission is to be a zealous advocate for individuals whose voices often go unheard, while holding the government accountable to the highest legal standards. Her practice is rooted in integrity, compassion, and a fierce commitment to protecting the rights of the accused.

MARIE PEOPLES

Criminal Defense Attorney

Rosemarie Peoples attended the Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida. In law school, she sought opportunities to help others through work as a Certified Legal Intern of a clinic where she went to court to argue favorable terms for her clients. Rosemarie Peoples was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2001. Immediately after law school she sought to use her degree in serving clients at the Miami Dade Public Defender’s Office. Her desire to help others is fulfilled in tireless work to help clients navigate the courts to victory. Rosemarie Peoples was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2001, followed by the Federal Bar Southern District in 2002. In 2008 she was admitted to the Georgia Bar, where she practiced both civil and criminal law. She was admitted to the Federal Bar Middle District. Last year she joined the defense team in a federal fraud case pro hac vice in Manhattan before the Southern District of New York. Notably, she has filed and won appellate writs in Florida before the Third and Fourth District Courts of Appeal.

Rosemarie Peoples has over 20 years of legal experience and a strong reputation for zealously lifting the U.S. Constitution to shield each client from the allegations of the government. Her skills in the courtroom include defending charges of first-degree murder where the death penalty was sought. Her dedication has resulted in recognition and several awards for her pro-bono work on civil cases in north Florida.

Each client receives her attentive ear to concerns and sound legal advice given with clarity and honesty at all points. Rosemarie is diligent in search of case law and preparation of motions with the goal to obtain the best result for her clients. When the odds of victory are low, that is not a reason for her to waive a white flag, Rosemarie Peoples is never deterred but moves forward with motions and trial preparation. For this reason, she has the reputation of being a relentless advocate for her clients.

She is happily married for over 20 years and with her husband they share three cherished children. When not at battle in court, Rosemarie Peoples enjoys a quiet corner with a classic book or getting outdoors for a walk on the lookout for birds and native flowers. Rosemarie Peoples strives to live out one of her favorite verses, Micah 6:8 to seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.

ANNA WEISER

Immigration Partner

Anna R. Weiser advises on all aspects of immigration law, including employment-based and investor visas, student visas, family-based adjustment of status, consular processing, deportation defense, asylum, and U.S. citizenship matters. As a graduate of the University of California Los Angeles School of Law, one of the top law schools in the country, Ms. Weiser possesses extensive experience and expertise to handle immigration law matters with the utmost care, professionalism and dedication.

Ms. Weiser earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with College and Departmental Honors in English and Russian Literature from the University of California Los Angeles having graduated with Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude distinctions. Ms. Weiser then went on to earn a Juris Doctorate degree from UCLA School of Law where she was selected as a Finalist at Moot Court and Mock Trial competitions and served as an Articles Editor for Journal of International Law and Foreign Affairs. Ms. Weiser also received American Jurisprudence Awards in Immigration Law, Constitution Law, and Labor Law.

Ms. Weiser practices exclusively immigration law. She is fluent in Russian and has a working knowledge of Spanish. When not attending to the needs of her immigration clients, Ms. Weiser is spending time with her husband and four children.

Daniel De Liguori

Family Law – Of Counsel

​​Daniel De Liguori grew up in Long Island, New York. Throughout his youth Daniel has always excelled in athletics and when he was not attending school, he dedicated his time to his family’s construction business. Upon graduating Highschool in 2007 Daniel began his Undergraduate Studies at Pace University in Westchester, New York. Daniel later transferred to Hofstra University in New York where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and administration in 2011. Following his graduation from Hofstra University, Daniel accepted an internship with an International Business Law Firm in Buenos Aires, Argentina where he worked directly for the Managing Partner from January 2012 through July 2012. Upon his return from his internship, Daniel attended Barry University School of Law in Orlando, Florida where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 2015. Since being admitted to the Florida Bar Daniel has focused his career on Immigration, Family Law, and Civil Litigation.

Daniel’s family emigrated from Argentina and as being part of the first generation born here in the United States, Daniel was raised with strong cultural values. Due to these values, Daniel goes above and beyond for his clients no matter how much additional time is needed or how complicated the particular case is.  Daniel is committed to working hard for his clients to gain maximize results.

Darryl R. Smith

Active – No Longer Practicing

Darryl R. Smith, Criminal Defense and Civil Litigation attorney, was born in Staten Island, New York and raised in Piscataway, New Jersey. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2008 summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies. Darryl went on to attend Vanderbilt University Law School. During his law school career, Darryl Smith was recognized by Vanderbilt University Law School as a Chancellor’s Scholar, and also was named Senior Editor for the Southern Regional BLSA Law Review Journal. He graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School with his Juris Doctorate in 2011, and moved to Orlando to pursue his dream of practicing law in Central Florida.