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
- Florida State University College of Law, Tallahassee, Florida
- 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
