Attorney Profiles | About Us
Sammis Law Firm was founded in 2008 by Jason Sammis and Leslie Sammis. For the past 18 years, the firm’s main office as been at the same location at 1005 N. Marion St., Tampa, FL 33602. Over the years, the firm has grown to six experienced criminal defense attorneys working in four offices located in Tampa, Clearwater, New Port Richey and Winter Park, FL.
When you hire the attorney, you are also hiring their staff who can play a critical role in helping you at each stage of the process. The paralegals help the attorneys, but also facilitate communications with the client so they always know what is happening in their case. Communication is one of the most important parts of the job.
Sammis Law Firm has four experienced paralegals and an intake coordinator. For example, paralegal Danielle Burnett has been with the firm for more than 10 years. She has fulfilled the requirements of the Supreme Court of Florida to be recognized by the Florida Bar as a Florida Registered Paralegal. Click here to Meet the Staff.
Jason D. Sammis
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Sammis Law Firm, P.A.
Jason D. Sammis focuses exclusively on criminal defense and civil asset forfeiture law. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia in 1996, before earning his J.D. from the University of Florida College of Law in 1999. While at the University of Florida College of Law, Jason was a member of the prestigious Florida Law Review and Chair of the Justice Campbell Thornal Moot Court Board….
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Leslie M. Sammis
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Sammis Law Firm, P.A.
Leslie M. Sammis is focused on criminal defense and civil asset forfeiture focused on the seizures of high-value physical and digital assets. She graduated from the University of Florida College of Law (UF), with Honors, in 1999. Leslie completed internships with the State Attorney’s Office prosecuting felony offenses, the United States Attorney’s Office in Tampa working with federal prosecutors, and a federal judicial internship with the Honorable Henry Lee Adams, Jr., United States District Judge, for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. As a former Assistant Public Defender for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, Leslie represented clients in misdemeanor, juvenile, and felony court….
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Joshua L. Monteiro
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Sammis Law Firm, P.A.
Joshua L. Monteiro graduated magna cum laude from the State University of New York in Potsdam before earning his law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law. As a former Assistant Public Defender for the 13th Judicial Circuit in Tampa and the 6th Judicial Circuit in Dade City, FL. Joshua gained extensive jury trial experience by defending clients charged with the full spectrum of criminal offenses. He has represented clients charged with minor misdemeanors such as criminal traffic violations and DUI to the most serious felony offenses for drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and sexual battery.
In addition to his legal and educational experience, Joshua served over 27 years in the U.S. Army, on both Active and Reserve duty. Joshua worked as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Dismount, and eventually commander. He deployed numerous times as an officer in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His experience in the Army has provided him with a wealth of leadership and decision-making skills.
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Katherine A. Aranda
Associate Attorney
Sammis Law Firm, P.A.
Originally from New Jersey, Katherine Aranda moved to Tampa, FL, to attend the University of Tampa. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Katherine earned a J.D. from Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, FL. Katherine competed on the nationally ranked Trial Team, worked with the Innocence Project on prosecutorial misconduct cases, and completed a semester of clinical work with the Public Defender’s Office in Clearwater. After law school, Katherine served as an Assistant Public Defender for the 6th Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, FL. She gained extensive jury trial experience by defending clients charged with an array of criminal offenses ranging from misdemeanor traffic violations, DUIs, and Petit Thefts to serious felony offenses for aggravated battery, firearm offenses, and drug trafficking.
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Jocelyn Dopson-Rodriguez
Associate Attorney
Sammis Law Firm, P.A.
Jocelyn Dopson-Rodriguez earned her Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida and her Juris Doctor from the Florida A&M University College of Law in Orlando, FL. As a former Assistant Public Defender for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Tampa, Florida, Jocelyn tried numerous jury and non-jury trials to verdict. Since joining the Sammis Law Firm, Jocelyn has focused exclusively on criminal defense and civil asset forfeiture.
Jocelyn’s commitment to service extends beyond the courtroom. In July 2025, she was appointed by the Governor of Florida to serve on the Board of Trustees for Florida A&M University, reflecting a high level of public trust and institutional responsibility. In addition, she serves as a Guardian ad Litem in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, advocating for the best interests of children in dependency proceedings, while also serving Tampa’s youth by mentoring future legal professionals as a high school mock trial coach.
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Ricardo E. De Lucca
Associate Attorney
Sammis Law Firm, P.A.
(813) 250-0500
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Ricardo E. De Lucca born in Queens, New York and grew up in Tampa, Florida. Ricardo is a graduate of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at C. Leon King High School. He attended the University of Florida where he graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and went on to earn his Law Degree from Stetson University College of Law. While at Stetson, Ricardo also earned a Certificate in Leadership Development.
Read his full profile here – Ricardo E. De Lucca