Mark Gary Astor

With more than three decades of courtroom experience as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney and behavioral-health lawyer, Mark Astor has become one of the nation’s leading legal voices at the intersection of criminal justice, mental illness and addiction.

Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Mark began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Palm Beach County, Florida, where he prosecuted thousands of criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. During his tenure, he served as Chief of two County Court Divisions before moving to a felony trial division, providing him with extensive experience in criminal law, trial strategy, jury selection, and courtroom advocacy.

Following his work as a prosecutor, Mark entered private practice as a criminal defense attorney, giving him a unique perspective on both sides of the criminal justice system. Today, he is frequently called upon to provide legal analysis and commentary on high-profile criminal cases, criminal procedure, evidentiary issues, appeals, public safety matters, and breaking legal news.

Mark has appeared as a legal analyst and commentator on Fox Live, Newsmax, Nancy Grace Show, BBC, Scripps TV, local CBS and ABC television affiliates, USA Today, News 7 Sydney, Australia and the Daily Mail newspaper, providing insight on criminal justice issues, high-profile criminal cases, behavioral health law, addiction, and public safety matters. He is also available for television, radio, podcast, and print interviews.

In addition to his criminal law background, Mark is the co-founder of Astor Simovitch Law and The Mental Health & Addiction Law Firm, where he has become a recognized authority on the legal issues surrounding severe mental illness, substance use disorders, involuntary commitment, guardianship, and family intervention. Through his work, he has helped hundreds of families navigate behavioral health crises and secure treatment for loved ones suffering from mental illness and addiction.

Mark is admitted to practice in Florida, Massachusetts, the District of Columbia, and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, his Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University, and his LL.M. from American University Washington College of Law.

His combined experience as a former prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, media commentator, and behavioral health law attorney provides a unique perspective at the intersection of criminal justice, mental health, addiction, and public policy.