Zahra S. Umansky
Zahra Umansky was a former Assistant Public Defender in the 18th judicial circuit in Brevard and Seminole Counties. As a former Public Defender, Zahra was involved in over a hundred criminal trials that included crimes such as theft, assault, prostitution, drugs trafficking, DUI, and many other felonies and misdemeanors offense. She protected her client's right to liberty and secured countless not guilty verdicts and judgments of acquittal. After Zahra left the Public Defender's office, she was appointed by Mayor Glenda Hood as the prosecutor for the City of Orlando.
As City Prosecutor, Zahra was successful in the implementation and prosecution of many types of criminal matters and also served as the prosecutor before the City's Nuisance Abatement Board. She was also a legal advisor to local law enforcement officials where she trained police officers in matters of search and seizure laws, Miranda laws, and other constitutional rights. She also reviewed search warrants, wiretap applications, and gave police last minute advice they needed before they made arrests. During her time as City Prosecutor, Zahra was appointed as Special Assistant State Attorney for the Ninth judicial circuit.
Zahra’s unique experience as a former prosecutor and legal advisor, gives Zahra the ability to evaluate your case from both sides of the law. As a former police legal advisor, she understands how the Police investigate and secure their evidence and as a former prosecutor, understands how the State of Florida will present their case in court against you. Zahra approaches each case with aggressive and diligent representation. She is dedicated to defending the rights of her clients and committed to treating every client with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense
- DUI
- Theft
- Assault
- Firearms
Litigation Percentage
- 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 1993
Education
- Florida State University College of Law, Tallahassee, Florida
- J.D. - 1992
- Stetson University, DeLand, Florida
- B.A. - 1989
- Honors: With Honors
- Major: Sociology
- Minor: Psychology
Classes/Seminars
- Confronting the Mob Mentality II: Challenging Charges of Sexual Assault, NACDL
Honors and Awards
- Orlando Police Department Award of Excellence (2001)
- Orange County Sheriff's Office, "Making A Difference", March 2014
- Orlando Life Magazine, "Top Attorneys in Florida", 2015
- Florida Trend Magazine, "Florida Legal Elite", 2015
- Super Lawyers Magazine, "Super Lawyer", 2015
- Super Lawyers Magazine, "Super Lawyer", 2016
- AV Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, 2017 - Present
- AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbel, 2018 - Present
- Super Lawyers Magazine, "Super Lawyer", 2018
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Orange County Bar Association, Member
- Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member
- Central Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association, Member
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member
Past Employment Positions
- City of Orlando, City Prosecutor, 1996 - 2003
- Office of the Public Defender, 18th Judicial Circuit, Assistant Public Defender, 1993 - 1996
Fraternities/Sororities
- Alpha Xi Delta
Recent Criminal
Case Results
Burglary of Dwelling; Petit Theft
Withhold with 6 months probation and impulse control; adjudication withheld
Grand Theft ($300-$5000)
Nolle Prosequi-Case Dropped
CT-Driving Under the Influence Car (M1)
Nolle Prosequi - Case Dropped
CT- Driving under the influence car
Nolle Prosequi - Case Dropped
Grand Theft Third Degree
Adjudicated Guilty; One day jail/one day time serve; Restitution fees; Court Cost
Petit Theft < 300
We negotiated an agreement that entailed the State dropping the charge after our client completed a Pre-Trial Diversion Program. The Charge was dropped via a Nolle Prosequi.
Unlawful Speeding
Withhold of Adjudication; No points on license; Paid fine and clerk cost; 8 hour aggressive driver class; 90 days to satisfy fine and class
Shoot/Throw Missile Into Dwell/Struct/Veh; Child Abuse; Criminal Mischief; Battery (Domestic Violence)
No Information Notice - Charges Dropped
Attach Tag/Lic Plate To Unassigned Vehicle (M2)
Nolle Prosequi - Case Dropped
DUI with Minor In Car or BAL of .20 or Higher
Pled No Contest, 1 Year Probation, 10 day Car Impound, Community Service
Motion to Modify Probation
Motion Granted in 48 hours
Petit Theft
Adjudication Withheld, 4 Months probation, Costs/Fines, Impulse Control Class
Petit Theft of $100 or MORE (M1)
Nolle Prosequi
Refuse To Submit To DUI Test (M1)
Case Dropped
Battery on Law Enforcement Officer (F3); Disorderly Conduct (M2)
Nolle Prosequi - Case Dropped
Battery
Charges Dropped
Scheme to Defraud(F3); Grand Theft(F3)
Motion to Terminate Probation Granted
Unlawful Speed
Dismissed
Failed to Yield at Intersection
Not Guilty
Leave Scene Of A Crash W/Property Damage (M2)
Case Dropped
Motion to Modify and Impose a Withhold of Adjudication
Granted
Attempted Burglary of a Conveyance
Charges dropped
Possession of Cannabis (less than 20 grams)
Charges dropped
VOP for DUI
Reduced to reckless driving
Possession of Alcohol Under the Age of 21
Charges dropped
Driving Under the Influence
Reduced to Reckless Driving
Violation of Probation
Case Dismissed
Recent Personal
Injury Settlements
$1,600,000
Sexual Assault Victim
$1,600,000
Car Accident
$290,000
Motorcycle Accident
$200,000
Trip and Fall
$150,000
Car Accident
$110,000
Car Accident
$100,000
Car Accident
$290,000
Car Accident
$120,000
Car Accident
$100,000
Car Accident
$125,000
Car Accident
$125,000
Scooter Accident
$275,000
Car Accident
$100,000
Car Accident
$300,000
Government Liability Case
$100,000
