My family and I are originally from Asheville, North Carolina, but I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. I served three years in the U.S. Army, where I was a commissioned officer. After a tour of duty in Vietnam I left the military and returned to college. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Florida in 1971 and graduated from the University of Florida College of Law in 1974. That same year I was admitted to The Florida Bar and began my legal career in Daytona Beach. I have practiced exclusively in Central Florida since then. Throughout my legal career I have been fortunate to practice in many areas of law, but now I am able to focus on two areas, probate and criminal defense. While very different and diverse, they are vital, significant, interesting and challenging.