Many of our clients ask the same question: “What kinds of cases have you taken in the past, and what was the outcome in those cases?” If you would like to view the case results in felony and misdemeanor cases listed below, please read the following disclaimer:
The Florida Bar does not approve or routinely review case results posted by attorneys.
The facts and circumstances of your case may differ from the facts and circumstances discussed here.
Not all case results are listed here or provided.
The case results discussed here do not necessarily represent the results obtained in all cases.
Each case is different and must be evaluated and handled on its own merit.
Sheriff’s Office Withdraws the Seizure Warrant for Client’s OKX Account Worth $82,000
September 4, 2026
Seizure Warrant for Cryptocurrency
Criminal Investigation, Cryptocurrency Forfeiture, Forfeiture, Fraud and Financial Crimes, Warrants
In November 2025, detectives with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office obtained an ex parte search and seizure eWarrant signed by Circuit Court Judge Donna M. Padar in connection with an investigation into alleged money laundering, grand theft, organized scheme to defraud, and dealing in stolen property. The warrant commanded the cryptocurrency exchange OKX to freeze and transfer our client’s digital assets.
Following service of the seizure warrant on OKX, the exchange placed an administrative freeze on our client’s account, effectively locking our client out of five different digital asset holdings totaling more than $82,000 in market value.
Our client did not find out about the warrant until his OKX account was frozen. Then OKX gave him the contact information for the lead detective with Criminal Investigation Section of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. Attorney Leslie Sammis was hired shortly thereafter.
The property listed in the seizure e-warrant included:
Ethereum (ETH): 17.37858780585
Tether (USDT): 8,093.71121808675
USD Coin (USDC): 4,246.0997880716
Solana (SOL): 22.666879832549998
Tron (TRX): 4,158.8382718106
While the exchange complied with the directive to lock the account, the cryptocurrency tokens remained within OKX and were never transferred into law enforcement custody.
Our firm intervened directly with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and the General Counsel’s Office. We challenged the continued validity of the seizure warrant and the ongoing administrative restraint on multiple grounds:
Failure of Forensic Tracing & Nexus: Law enforcement affidavits frequently rely on proprietary blockchain tracing software that conflates high-volume exchange intermediary addresses and hot wallets with an individual suspect’s personal wallet. We demonstrated that the state could not establish a direct evidentiary nexus connecting the specific tokens in our client’s account to criminal proceeds.
Lack of Subject-Matter Jurisdiction: We challenged the circuit court’s subject-matter jurisdiction to issue and maintain a standalone, ex parte seizure warrant over out-of-state exchange assets without an underlying criminal case, an information or indictment, or a pending civil forfeiture action. Under Florida law, Chapter 933 search warrants are designed for physical searches and evidence preservation within a magistrate’s territorial jurisdiction—not as a substitute for the statutory procedural requirements of the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act (FCFA). Because the state never initiated a formal forfeiture proceeding under §§ 932.701–932.7062, Florida Statutes, nor filed criminal charges, the circuit court lacked subject-matter jurisdiction to keep an indefinite administrative freeze in place.
Defects in Custody and Pre-Indictment Delay: The warrant sat partially executed for over nine months. Florida law and constitutional due process do not permit law enforcement to place an indefinite freeze on private assets without formal charges, an arrest, or timely civil forfeiture proceedings under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act.
Confronted with our challenge and the lack of evidentiary basis to maintain the seizure, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office conceded that no arrests had been made, no prosecution was pending, and no good-faith basis existed to believe prosecution would commence in the immediate future.
On September 4, 2026, the Sheriff’s Office filed an Ex Parte Motion to Vacate Partially Executed Search and Seizure Warrant. Judge Donna M. Padar granted the motion and entered an order vacating the eWarrant in its entirety and formally directing OKX to lift all holds and restore full access to the account. The order vacating the seizure warrant was subsequently served on OKX’s legal compliance team to execute the unfreeze.
12 Month Suspension for Obtaining a License by Fraud Was Completely Removed
November 18, 2025
Obtaining a License by Fraud
Driver License Suspension, Fraud and Financial Crimes, Traffic
Attorney Joshua Monteiro recently helped his client get a one year suspension for obtaining a license by fraud completely removed so that he could continue driving.
On November 18, 2025, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) issued a Final Order fully lifting the suspension and correcting his driving record. The suspension, which had been imposed on August 8, 2025, was based on an allegation of obtaining a driver license by fraud under Florida Statute § 322.27.
The HSMV suspended the driving privilege after determining that a license had been obtained by fraud. This type of administrative action can have immediate and devastating consequences — loss of work, inability to drive family members, and major disruptions to daily life.
We immediately filed for a formal “show cause hearing” to give our client the opportunity to present evidence and prove the suspension was improper.
On October 27, 2025, a formal administrative hearing was held before HSMV Field Hearing Officer Bethany Connelly, Esq., Attorney Joshua Monteiro presented exhibits along with additional supporting documentation that clearly demonstrated the suspension should never have been issued because no fraud or attempt to commit fraud actually occurred.
After careful review of the Department’s records and the evidence we submitted, Hearing Officer Connelly ruled in our client’s favor. The final order read:
“Upon review of the Department’s records and information received at the review, to include Petitioner’s Exhibit #1, this hearing officer finds that Petitioner provided sufficient evidence to show his driving privilege should not have been suspended and the driving record has been corrected.”
Ordered this 18th day of November, 2025. – Bethany Connelly, Esq. HSMV Field Hearing Officer Bureau of Administrative Reviews”
Our client’s driving privileges have been fully restored, and the negative notation has been removed from his permanent driving record. He can now drive legally without restriction — a life-changing result for him and his family.
Many people don’t realize that an HSMV suspension for “submitting a fraudulent application” or “obtaining a license by fraud” can often be successfully challenged with the right evidence and experienced representation. These are administrative hearings, not criminal trials, but they require precise preparation, knowledge of HSMV procedures, and strong documentary evidence.
If your license has been suspended for any reason — including alleged fraud, DUI-related issues, or failure to pay fines — you have the right to fight back.
Don’t wait until you’re pulled over or lose your job. Contact our office immediately for a free consultation. We handle HSMV administrative hearings, driver’s license suspensions, and all related criminal defense matters throughout Tampa Bay.
Call Joshua Monteiro, Esq., today at 813-250-0500 or fill out our online contact form for a confidential case review.
Results like this don’t happen by accident — they happen with aggressive, experienced representation.
Disclaimer: Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Organized Fraud Case Resolved Through Diversion – Hillsborough County – 2018
May 23, 2018
Organized Fraud
Fraud and Financial Crimes
Organized Fraud Charges Entered into Diversion in Hillsborough County
On May 23, 2018, in case 2018-CF-002XXX, our client was able to enter diversion in front of the Honorable Vivian Corvo with the opportunity to have his case completely dismissed. We were able to negotiate that the only term would be to pay back restitution so that one mistake would not jeopardize his future. Upon completion of diversion in Hillsborough County (also known as Pretrial Intervention or PTI), the charges will be dismissed and he will have the opportunity to expunge his record.
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Client Reviews
“The experience I had with Sammis Law firm in May 2022 was exceptional. I was contacted by Joshua M and he was the absolute best at his job and very professional. He kept me informed every step of the way with my case, and he worked hard in getting my charges of domestic assault dismissed. Thank you Joshua and Sammis Law Firm. Their paralegal Danielle was also very amazing.”
Kimmy
A Google user
“Working with Sammis Law Firm was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to their clients is unparalleled. The outcome of my case was extremely satisfactory, and I attribute that success to the hard work and dedication of the team at Sammis Law Firm. I am so grateful to have had them by my side, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. If you are in need of legal assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to Sammis Law Firm. They will fight for you every step of the way, just as they did for me.”
Sebastian
A Google user
“I would highly recommend Leslie to anyone in need of legal services. I couldn’t have done it without you!”
Jony T
A Google user
“Her knowledge of the law, and her exceptional communication skills, made it easy to navigate the complex legal system. I would highly recommend Leslie to anyone in need of legal services. I couldn’t have done it without you!”
Katty D
A Google user
“Leslie Sammis was extremely professional and provided guidance and support every step of the way. Her knowledge of the law, and her exceptional communication skills, made it easy to navigate the complex legal system. I would highly recommend Leslie to anyone in need of legal services. I couldn’t have done it without you!”
