Panama City and Greater Florida Panhandle Criminal Defense Attorney Prior to forming the firm, Al served as an Assistant State Attorney in the 14th Judicial Circuit of Florida, prosecuting felonies, misdemeanors and juvenile crimes. Among his various jury trial convictions were DUI manslaughter, multiple charges of armed carjacking with a firearm (10-20-life offense), and lewd & lascivious molestation cases. He has also served as an Associate with McConnaughhay, Duffy, Coonrod, Pope & Weaver, one of the largest worker's compensation defense law firms in all of Florida. While having his own practice, Al previously has served as 'of counsel' with Southern Star Immigration, having practiced immigration law gaining the knowledge to truly understand how immigration issues can and will be affected by criminal charges.
Admitted
- The Florida Bar, 2005
- Federal Court - Northern District of Florida, 2011
- The Ohio Bar, 2004
- The Washington, D.C. Bar, 2006
Education
- The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, J.D., 2004
- Youngstown State University, B.A., Political Science, with minors in Criminal Justice and Sociology, 2000
Notable Work
Professional Leadership & Community Involvement
- President, St. Andrew’s Bay Yacht Club Inn of Court (2018–2019)
- President, Bay County Bar Association (2010); Vice President (2009)
- Board of Governors Representative, Florida Bar YLD, 14th Judicial Circuit (2008–2012); Ex-Officio Representative (2013–2014)
- President, Board of Directors for Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida – Panama City Region (2011–2012)
- President, Panama City Lions Club (2015–2019, 2023–2024)
- Zone Chair, Lions Club (2016–2020)
- Junior Achievement of Northwest Florida – Panama City Region (2013)
- President, The Difference Makers Board of Directors (Youngstown, OH)
Community Memberships & Service
- St. Andrew's Inn of Court – Panama City (2010–present)
- Emerald Coast Hospice volunteer (2010–present)
- Panama City Lions Club member (2013–present)
- Member, Knights of Columbus – Council #11850, Panama City Beach (2019–present)
- Deputy Grand Knight (2024–2025)
- Advocate (2020–2024) – served as the organization’s legal counsel
Awards & Honors
- Best of Bay – #1 Attorney in Bay County (Panama City News Herald)
- 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 for a total of 11 years in a row
- Best of Bay - Top Law Firm - 2025
- Featured in Bay Biz Magazine (Bay County Chamber of Commerce) – “Ones to Watch” Spotlight (April–June Edition)
- 2016–2017 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics – Honorable Mention by the Better Business Bureau of Northwest Florida
- Named to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers in Florida
- Recognized by the American Institute of Criminal Lawyers – Florida’s 10 Best
Media Appearances
- Regular guest on Law Call, WMBB – ABC 13, Panama City (since 2012)
Professional Affiliations
- Florida Bar Association (2005–present)
- Ohio State Bar Association (2004–present)
- Washington, D.C. Bar Association (2006–present)
- The Ohio State University Alumni Association (2004–present)
Clerkship
- The Honorable Judge Gene Donofrio, Ohio's Seventh District Court of Appeals (summers of 2002 and 2003)
