David is running for Circuit Court Judge as an experienced trial attorney and public servant.
David has served as counsel in over 70 jury trials, spanning five of Florida’s counties. A well-rounded litigator, with a passion for public service, David has served on both sides of the criminal aisle as an Assistant State Attorney and an Assistant Public Defender. In addition to the depth of his criminal experience, David is unique in that he also has experience as trial counsel in complex civil cases.
David currently serves Broward County as an Assistant Public Defender.
He represents indigent clients who are accused of the most serious crimes and are facing life in prison. The trial experience he gained as an Assistant Public Defender includes cases involving murder, racketeering, drug trafficking, sexual battery, economic crimes, and other violent felonies. He is also qualified under Florida law to serve as a co-counsel on cases involving the death penalty and has received specialized training in the area of capital defense.
In the course of his day-to-day practice, David works closely with mental health professionals and the many community programs that treat individuals with serious mental illnesses. To this end, he works tirelessly to demonstrate compassion for his clients, whether visiting them in jail, overseeing their care at a forensic hospital, or defending their rights in Court.
He thoroughly enjoys discussing the law and advocacy with newer attorneys, raising interesting litigation strategies, and of course, trying cases.
David began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Orlando.
One of few prosecutors designated as a traffic and DUI specialist, David focused on prosecuting traffic misdemeanors and felonies as well as ensuring the legal admissibility into evidence of breath test results. In addition, he supervised junior attorneys in County Court. In this line of work, David regularly “rode along” with specialized DUI law enforcement officers who worked the overnight shift. This opportunity gave him valuable insight into the role of patrol officers in our communities, and allowed him to observe DUI and traffic investigations first hand.
David’s background as both a prosecutor and public defender has instilled within him a balanced approach toward our judicial system and his role as an advocate. His years of courtroom experience have cultivated within him a deep appreciation for the humanity of all who come before the Court, and, above all, reverence for professionalism in the courtroom.
David also has civil trial experience.
David has previously appeared as trial counsel in civil cases while working at a large insurance defense firm. Rounding out his experience in litigation, David represented individuals facing bodily injury suits as well as insurance companies in disputes involving coverage or damages. During this time, his practice often required him to travel to other jurisdictions across Florida to conduct hearings and many civil depositions, contributing to a broad spectrum of litigation experiences.
David is a former teacher and has a Masters Degree in Education. He continues to serve as an educator.
Before attending law school, David taught social studies at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, a religious school in Miami with its historical roots in pre-Castro Cuba. Here, he thoroughly enjoyed teaching middle and high school students U.S. Government, Civics, World History, and Geography. After earning a Masters Degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University, he decided to continue with his own education by attending law school at Nova Southeastern University.
David continues to serve as an educator as a Mock Trial coach to students at St. Thomas Aquinas High School and as an adjunct professor at Lynn University where he teaches a philosophy course on justice.
More about David:
David moved to Broward County with his family in 1998. A product of the Broward County Public School system, he graduated from Western High School in 2002 and from Florida International University in 2006. He worked as a Policy Aide for the Mayor of the City of Miami while pursuing his undergraduate degree. Here he assisted in implementing the mayor’s strategy for sustainable development as well as maintaining relationships with the local business community.
Today, David lives in Coconut Creek with his wife, son, daughter, and rescued cat (brought home by his daughter). He enjoys anything that keeps him outdoors, especially long bike rides, hiking, canoeing, or snorkeling. He has recently joined his black belt-level son in his martial arts classes, already rising to a yellow belt himself, and relaxes with either yoga or weight lifting. He continues giving back to the community through volunteer work leading the Laundry of Love program at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Oakland Park.