Richard Zaleski, Senior Criminal Defense Attorney
Background
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.
Education
Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, FL
Degree: J.D., 1999
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Degree: B.A., 1996
Major: History
Professional Memberships
The Florida Bar