Law Offices of Steven M. Pesso, PA

Horowitz v. Horowitz, 152 So.3d. 589 (Fla 4th DCA 2014)

Fisher v. Fisher,  78 So.2d 100 (Fla 4th DCA 2012)

Stemmer v. Stemmer, 955 So.2d 1179 (Fla 4th DCA 2008)

Damiani v. Damiani, 835 So.2d 1168 (Fla 4th DCA 2002)

Hedendal v. Hedendal       695 So.2d 391  (Fla 4th DCA 1997)

Mollomo v. Forgione, 992 So.2d 268 (Fla 4th DCA 2008)

Barrett v. Barrett,   851 So.2d 799   (Fla 4th DCA 2003)

Forgione v. Forgione, 845 So.2d 968 (Fla 4th DCA 2003)

Gelato v. Basch,  658  So.2d  664 (Fla 4th DCA 1995   )

Saul v. Brunetti,    753 So.2d 26 (Fla 2000)

Laroche v. Briggs, 720 So.2d 321    (Fla 4th DCA 1998)

Delucia v. Delucia, 38 So.3d (Fla 4th DCA 2010)

Sallaberry v. Sallaberry,   27 So.3d 234 (Fla 4th DCA 2010)

Wolfe v. Wolfe,   864 So.2d 1229 (Fla 4th DCA 2004)

KC v. Adoption Services, Inc, 721 So.2d 811 (Fla 4th DCA 1998)

Hausmann v. LM, 837 So.2d 399 (Fla 2003)

In re Adoption of Baby EAW, 658 So.2d 961 (Fla 1995)

The State prosecuted a so-called Nanny rapist.   The Defendant was accused of raping two of his nannies.   The State used pattern evidence to show that my client raped both women in the same manner at different times.  The State attorney’s office had been watching his client for approximately 10 years (on their radar so to speak) and prosecutors were persistent with this case.  The pattern evidence was a difficult obstacle.  Following a lengthy trial, the Jury retuned a not guilty verdict.

The United States attorney’s office investigated his client for a drug murder.   They requested our cooperation and surrender in exchange for a recommendation of leniency.   He did not accept this offer and upon our own investigation, Steve uncovered exculpatory evidence and we presented this evidence to the Government.   No charges were ever filed.

Steve's client was alleged to have bludgeoned the victim to death with the claw of a hammer to the heart.  Following extensive depositions on the defense theme of self defense, the State agreed to a manslaughter plea.

Steve's client was alleged to have killed two men in their twenties, driving his Mercedes at over 100 mph, in a 35 mph zone, with a blood alcohol level over three (3) times the legal limit.   Steve presented substantial evidence of sincere remorse.  Steve sent his client to a psychologist years before the Court date so he could properly grieve the deaths of these two boys.   Steve's client addressed the two victim’s families, and Steve presented the testimony of two expert psychologists.   The Defendant faced a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison.  The Court granted Steve's request to depart downward from the sentencing guidelines, and sentenced the Defendant to 12 years prison with follow-up probation, citing the Defendant’s extreme remorse and untreated mental health issues.

Following extensive depositions, and having deposed the victim twice based upon inconsistencies in testimony, the state agreed to no adjudication of guilt on all charges, and a 6 month county jail term, with follow-up probation.

The Defendant was alleged to have beaten and injured an elderly person.    Many inconsistencies in the victims testimony were brought out on cross examination and the Jury returned a not guilty verdict.

The Defendant was accused of intimidating and beating a witness that was prepared to testify in a civil case against him.  Following extensive depositions and uncovering many inconsistencies in the victim’s testimony, the Jury returned a verdict of not guilty.

The Defendant was a bookkeeper with the goal of becoming an accountant.   She was accused of misappropriating and stealing business monies from her employer.   Following a trial by Jury, the Jury found the Defendant guilty of a lesser degree of theft, and the Judge withheld any adjudication of guilt, so that my client would not be blocked from pursuing her career goals.

DUI

Defendant accused of DUI and failure to perform breathalyzer.    Again extensive depositions taken by Mr. Pesso, and many inconsistencies were stated on the record by the arresting officer.  The Jury acquitted his client.

Over a dozen domestic battery trials resulted in the juries returning not guilty verdicts.

In numerous cases, Steve has had felony charges reduced to misdemeanors for my clients.

In numerous cases, I have had both felonies and misdemeanors dismissed.

Steve has handled and tried before Juries, other cases involving charges of Capital Sexual Battery, Sex Allegations, Violence, drug trafficking, drug possession and child abuse.

As a result of successfully researching and arguing motions to suppress evidence, Steve has been able to achieve dismissals and reductions of charges.

In many cases involving allegations of violence: murder, aggravated and domestic battery, among others (some spoken of above), Steve has successfully defended clients using self defense–resulting in not guilty jury verdicts, dismissals, and substantial reductions in charges.