Federal Defense Attorneys
Middle District

Robert Ian “Rob” Mandell leads Mandell Law, P.A., an Orlando criminal-defense firm representing people under investigation or facing state and federal charges. His background includes service as an assistant public defender in Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit and private defense practice since 2007. Mandell emphasizes early preparation and a team approach, working with investigators and forensic specialists to examine the government’s evidence. His clients have included physicians, attorneys, entertainers and professional athletes. He approaches representation with an emphasis on treating clients with the consideration he would want for his own family. A graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the University of Miami School of Law, Mandell focuses his practice on protecting people accused of crimes.

Since 1985 I have litigated cases in numerous federal and state courts. In total, I have tried over 300 jury trials. My cases have included mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, drug trafficking, over prescribing of controlled substances, health care fraud, murder, stalking, possession and distribution of child pornography, securities fraud and tax evasion. Our firm's clients have included doctors, lawyers, police officers, politicians, judges and people from all socio-economic classes and walks of life. Our approach to sentencing is multi-dimensional. Our objective is not to excuse conduct, but to explain the circumstances, history, rehabilitation, and concrete safeguards that support the lowest and least destructive sentence available. We review the applicable sentencing statutes, guidelines, enhancements, mandatory-minimum issues, and available departure or variance grounds available. We develop the client’s personal, medical, educational, employment, family, military, and community background and strive to identify circumstances that help explain, but not necessarily justify the conduct at issue, including addiction, trauma, mental-health conditions, grief, financial stress, coercion, immaturity, or untreated medical issues where relevant. When appropriate, we document treatment, counseling, sobriety, restitution, employment, education, volunteer work, compliance, and other evidence of pre-sentencing rehabilitation. We believe letters from family members, employers, mentors, treatment providers, clergy, and community members are important because they give the judge insight into the character of our clients. One of our greatest strengths is preparing sentencing memoranda that connect the evidence to the sentencing factors and includes well-reasoned and practical sentencing requests. Finally, we believe the client's allocution is important so we prepare our client to address the court honestly, respectfully, and effectively when an allocution is appropriate.

Gilbert A. Schaffnit is a Gainesville criminal defense attorney with more than four decades of experience. His practice focuses on federal and state criminal cases, including appeals and sentencing issues. As a sole practitioner, he maintains a selected caseload to give clients individual attention. Schaffnit’s professional service includes leadership in federal defense and bar organizations, teaching at the University of Florida College of Law and presentations on federal sentencing. His experience addresses both courtroom advocacy and the consequences that criminal proceedings can have for families. In the accompanying video, he discusses the impact of registration requirements on children and families.