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About Zahra
Biography
Zahra Umansky was a former Assistant Public Defender in the 18th judicial circuit in Brevard and Seminole Counties, Florida. As a former Public Defender, Zahra had over a hundred trials including crimes such as robbery, theft, assault, battery, prostitution, drugs, trafficking, dealing in stolen property, fraud, sex crimes, driving under the influence, and many other Felonies and Misdemeanors. She was able to secure many not guilty verdicts and judgment of acquittals protecting her client's right to liberty. After Zahra left the Public Defender's office, she was appointed by the Honorable Glenda Hood, Mayor of Orlando, as the City Prosecutor for the City of Orlando, Florida.
As City Prosecutor, Zahra was successful in the implementation and prosecution of many types of criminal matters including crimes of disorderly conduct, assault and battery, resisting arrest without violence, trespass, indecent exposure of sexual organs, solicitation to commit prostitution and many other criminal and or ordinance violations. Zahra also served as the prosecutor before the City's Nuisance Abatement Board. She was also a legal advisor to the Orlando Police Department on matters involving search and seizure law, trespass, drugs, domestic violence etc. As a legal advisor, Zahra trained police in matters of search and seizure laws, Miranda and other constitutional rights. She reviewed search warrants, wiretap applications, and gave police last minute advice they needed before they made arrests.
While City Prosecutor for the City of Orlando, Zahra was appointed Special Assistant State Attorney for the Ninth judicial circuit to prosecute Firework cases here in Orlando, Florida. As a former prosecutor and legal advisor, Zahra can see and evaluate your case from both sides of the law. As a former police legal advisor, she understands how the Police investigate and secure their evidence and as a former prosecutor, understands how the State of Florida will present their case in court against you. Zahra Umansky is dedicated to defending the rights of her clients and approaches each case with aggressive and diligent representation. At the same time, she treats each client with the dignity and respect.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
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Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 32 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
Location
The Umansky Law Firm
1945 E Michigan St, Orlando, FL, 32806-4938
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Zahra Shanaz Umansky's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
70 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (55)
Advocacy (34)
Professionalism (27)
Recommendation (26)
Communication Style (22)
Responsiveness (22)
Compassion (16)
General Knowledge (16)
Character & Conduct (14)
Practice Area Knowledge (14)
Staff & Support (13)
Trustworthiness (12)
Cost of Services (5)
Payment Plans (2)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 6 - 10 of 16 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Brian | November 10, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Beyond Satisfied
Recently I found myself in need of legal assistance due to a VERY bad decision on my part. I was extremely stressed and worried over my situation, which seamed rather bleak. I did some research, and made a list of law firms/attorneys to consult about my case. After consulting with other offices, ...
Posted by Michelle | February 11, 2015 | DUI & DWI
Zahra is sharp, compassionate, knowledgeable
I found myself coming to the umansky firm after speaking with 4 other lawyers who just weren't as skillful, upfront or compassionate. I had 3 criminal charges with my DUI and hoping for the best outcome (pre trial diversion) others said that would be impossible, but bill told me that his team would ...
Posted by anonymous | August 29, 2013 | Criminal Defense
LAWYER REVIEW
I FOUND SHE WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL INFORMED ABOUT THE LAW PROSECUTORS JUDGE INVOLVED IN THE CASE I WAS GIVEN ALL OPTIONS AND WAS KEPT UP TO DATE HER STAFF WAS GREAT AND VERY HELPFUL A REAL PLEASURE TO BE REPRESENTED BY ZAHRA
Posted by raymond torrens | August 28, 2013 | DUI & DWI
best coordinated law firm . best teamwork
I recently hired her 2 months ago. 6/7/13 and it was the best thing I've ever done. she help guide me through difficult times. she explained everything to me step by step. I was a first time d u i afender with no knowledge of any of this. I was really scared I thought it was the end of the wo...
Posted by anonymous | July 13, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Best Defense Attorney
I hired Zahra after I had a bad experience with another attorney whose only concern was getting paid! I wish I would have found her prior! I had to return to court on the same case but did not want to use the same attorney that did nothing for me, so I retained Zahra not only is she knowledgable she...
Zahra Shanaz Umansky's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mrs. Umansky is an excellent attorney and zealot advocate for her clients. She is a legal scholar that is always on top of the current law and legal trends. Zahra is well respected in the legal community and this is definitely reflected in her courtroom demeanor."
"Zahra Umansky is my wife so I may be a little biased but I think she is the complete package as a lawyer. She is intelligent, aggressive, sharp, quick on her feet and is a fearless advocate for her clients. She wants the best results for her clients and works hard to achieve those results with class, preparation and savvy. Zahra is an unbelievable lawyer in my opinion!"
"Zahra is extremely bright and likable. She's definitely the lawyer you want if you've been charged with a crime. Zahra will work hard to get you the best result."
"I endorse this lawyer. I was opposing counsel to Mrs. Umansky when I was an Assistant State Attorney in Orlando, Florida. Zahra was always professional and polite to me. She also is very intelligent and always advocated for her clients."
"Mrs. Umansky is a super star. As a young lawyer, I have looked up to her since the first time I watched her in the courtroom. She handles every case with professionalism and skill. She and her firm are highly respected. I endorse her."
"I had the pleasure of working with and against Mrs. Umansky on criminal matters. I have always found her to be diligent, intelligent and honest with her clients. I highly recommend her."
"I have worked against Zahra on several cases and have nothing but good things to say about her."
"Zealous, hard-working, advocate that gets great results for her clients. Well respected by not only her colleagues but opposing counsel and others in the legal community. Would not hesitate to reach out to if need legal advice. I endorse this lawyer."
"Zahra was my attorney back in the day before I was an attorney, she did a wonderful job and I spoke with her on the phone personally. Her and her husband, Bill, run a great firm that is large enough to effectively represent every client, while also maintaining the personal touch of solo firms. Can't recommend Zahra enough."
"I strongly endorse Zahra Umansky. I have known Zahra since she went into private practice in Orlando. Zahra is an extremely diligent, hard-working, conscientious, open-minded and intelligent lawyer. She is very patient and highly professional in the way she handles her caseload and other attorneys. I have seen Zahra in court on a routine, almost daily basis, over the years. Zahra is always well-prepared for court, very respectful to members of the court and opposing counsel, always represents herself in a highly professional manner, and is a genuine and sincere person. She is an awesome lawyer and extremely knowledgeable about the law. She has an extremely strong work ethic. I would strongly endorse/recommend Zahra."
"I endorse this lawyer. If you want the complete package you can't go wrong with Zahra. Smart, sharp wit, and quick on her feet. My compliments come after being on the wrath end of Zahra's cross examinations."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Zahra Umansky for several years. I am aware of her skills as a DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney. She is one of the best. I would consider her to be top notch."
"An excellent and well respected attorney."
"A true professional. Incredibly knowledgeable, and result driven. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Zahra Umansky is clearly one of those lawyers one would want to know when they are charged with committing a criminal act. She is highly skilled in the criminal law arena. Zahra is a fierce defender of her clients, and for this reason I am happy to endorse her and recommend her counsel to the public."
"Zahra and I worked together on several cases while I was a prosecutor in Orange county. She is an excellent attorney, and always works hard to obtain the best results for her clients. I endorse this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Intelligent and compassionate with superior communication skills."
"I have been privileged to have observed Ms. Umansky and observe the quality of her contributions to those of us who have a passion for contributing on Avvo. She has a strong work ethic and puts the client's needs above anything else, and above all very knowledgable. A great attorney all around who has secured great results for her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2018
2018 Judicial AV Preeminent Ranking, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
25 Year Anniversary, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
SuperLawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2015
Top Lawyers in Florida, The Legal Network
2015
Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2015
Top Attorney in Florida, Orlando Life Magazine
2014
"Making A Difference", Orange County Sheriff Office
2014
Attoney Of The Month, Attorney At Law Magazine
2001
Award of Excellence, Orlando Police Department
Work Experience
2003 - Present
Attorney, The Umansky Law Firm
1996 - 2003
City Prosecutor, City of Orlando
1993 - 1996
Assistant Public Defender, Office of Public Defender
Associations
2011 - Present
Second Chance Of Florida FoundationVolunteer
Orange County Bar Association
Member
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
Central Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association
Member
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
State V. Grady 2013-CT-12647-A-O
DUI WITH CRASH REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
State V. LT 2013-CT-01157-A-O
DUI with Property Damage Dropped
http://youtu.be/Tc2zf_jCpl0
Attorney Umansky was successful in getting the State to reduce the Felony to a misdemeanor possession charge for her client. The client will now be eligible to seal their record after a very short period of probation!
Worthless Check Case Dismissed
Charge Dismissed
Education
1992
The Florida State University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1989
Stetson University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2013
Should George Zimmerman have been arrested?
George Zimmerman Trial
2013
Headline News After Dark Program
George Zimmerman case
2012
Under The Microscope: Florida's Stand Your Ground Gun Law
The Law of Unintended Consequences
2012
New Recruit Class Teaching On Court Room Testimony.
Court Room Testimony
Publications
2012
CNN Soledad O'Brien
Zimmerman/Trayvon Case
2012
Miami Herald
Zimmerman/Trayvon Case
2011
People Magazine
Inside the Casey Anthony Trial: Who Is Judge Belvin Perry?
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
I have a arraignment hearing for a battery touch or strike charge. What type of hearing is that?
09 May 2014
Q&A
How much does grand theft points carry
15 Aug 2012
Q&A
When I check on the clercks of court. The status of case says "Case closed" does it means I am not wanted anymore?
15 Aug 2012