Defending Sex Crimes from Investigation to Trial

Adam Rossen, Esq. Founder & CEO | Rossen Law Firm

Hello, my name is Adam Rossen. I have worked as a skilled criminal defense attorney for over 15 years. I am the owner and CEO of Rossen Law Firm, the biggest criminal defense firm in Broward County. My team and I have put in a lot of effort to build a name for ourselves as providers of outstanding legal services.

My journey in the legal field began after I graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 2006. I started as a prosecutor at the Broward County State Attorney’s Office, handling various criminal cases, from DUIs to drug offenses and violent crimes. This experience gave me invaluable insights into the criminal justice system; I now use this to benefit my clients.

In addition to being a criminal defense attorney, I’ve been a high school basketball coach for over 10 years. In a delightful twist of fate, I had the privilege of coaching our managing partner, Manny Serra, when he was in high school. It’s been enriching to share my passion for basketball and mentor young athletes while dedicating myself to the legal profession.

In 2008, I established my law firm, leveraging my experience and expertise to defend numerous clients facing DUI and criminal charges successfully. My trial skills and track record have earned my clients’ and my peers’ trust and respect.

I am proud to be a member of the Florida Bar and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Additionally, I hold certification as a DUI defense specialist from the National College of DUI Defense, demonstrating my commitment to staying at the forefront of my field.

Beyond my legal practice, I actively contribute to the legal community by serving as a board member of the Broward County Bar Association and the South Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Furthermore, I frequently share my knowledge and expertise as a speaker at legal seminars and conferences.

My dedication to my clients is unwavering. I am known for my hard work and compassion, always going above and beyond to fight for their rights and secure the best possible outcomes. This commitment and professionalism have garnered me numerous accolades, including being named one of the “Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Florida” by The National Trial Lawyers, recognized as the “Best DUI Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale” by Avvo, rated as “Superb” by Martindale-Hubbell, and listed in “The Best Lawyers in America.”

While my legal career is a significant part of my life, I am also a devoted husband to my wife, Kyley, and a dedicated father to my two boys, Chase and Luke. My experiences as a husband and father have deepened my empathy and understanding, enabling me to connect with my clients personally and advocate fiercely for their rights.

If you or anyone you know is facing criminal charges in South Florida, my team and I are highly qualified and experienced attorneys who can provide you with the expert legal representation you need. I am committed to fighting for justice and providing compassionate support throughout the legal process.

Manny Serra-Jovenich, Esq. Managing Partner | Rossen Law Firm

Hello, my name is Manny Serra-Jovenich, and I am the Managing Partner at the Rossen Law Firm. My area of expertise is criminal defense and DUI law, and I have been practicing law since 2014. I am highly committed to seeking justice for my clients and have gained a wealth of experience handling cases involving DUI, drug possession, theft, assault, and battery. I am proud to share my knowledge with other lawyers through Continuing Legal Education (CLE) sessions and have also had the opportunity to feature on podcasts and work with multimillion-dollar businesses in maintaining high-quality work and excellent customer service.

I am an experienced trial attorney with a strong record of success in the courtroom. Throughout my career, I have handled over 25 jury trials and gained a reputation as a skilled negotiator, successfully resolving cases for my clients without trial. Early in my career, a judge nicknamed me “Motion Manny” because of my ability to efficiently resolve cases through my motion practice.

As a compassionate advocate, I am aware of the emotional and psychological impact that criminal charges can have on individuals. I am committed to supporting my clients through this difficult time and providing them with the best possible representation. I aim to achieve the optimal outcome for each person I serve, as I understand how overwhelming and challenging facing criminal charges can be.

I earned my degree from the University of Florida and further honed my legal skills at Nova Southeastern University School of Law. As a distinguished member of the Florida Bar and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism in my field. My excellence in criminal law has been recognized through numerous accolades, including being named to the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 40 Under 40 list in 2018 and receiving the American Jurisprudence Award in Criminal Law and the prestigious Shepard Broad Scholarship.

In addition to my legal skills, I take great pleasure and satisfaction in being a committed partner to my wife, Astrid, and a caring father to my daughter, Emily. While I am always dedicated to advocating for my clients, I also cherish the valuable time spent with my family, including our cherished Sheepadoodle, Rhae.

During my leisure time, I enjoy participating in sports as a player and a spectator. Surfing is one of my favorite pastimes, as it is a rejuvenating and exciting way for me to relax and stay in shape.

If you face criminal charges in South Florida, I am the experienced and compassionate attorney you can trust to fight for your rights. With my dedication and tireless work ethic, I will go above and beyond to protect your freedom and help you achieve your best future.

David Tarras, Esq., Partner | Rossen Law Firm

Attorney David Tarras: Partner Attorney and Head of the Federal Criminal Defense Practice at the Rossen Law Firm

David Tarras is a Partner and Head of our Federal and White Collar Criminal Defense practice at Rossen Law Firm. With a passion for justice and a relentless drive to protect his clients’ rights, David has established himself as a prominent figure in complex white-collar criminal litigation, federal criminal defense, government investigations, and healthcare compliance. He zealously represents clients facing all federal criminal accusations and complex white-collar litigation, including Healthcare Fraud, Securities and Cryptocurrency Fraud, Wire Fraud, Bank and Tax Fraud, Conspiracy, Drug Trafficking, Firearms Offenses, Sex Offenses, Ponzi and Pyramid Scheme Allegations, Public Corruption, and more.

David is a highly skilled and aggressive trial lawyer, having successfully defended over 1,000 clients and tried over 40 jury trials. David is a member of the Florida Bar, the Federal Bar for the Southern District, Middle District, and Northern Districts of Florida, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, and has represented clients in federal districts nationwide.

Born and raised in South Florida, David’s academic journey led him to the prestigious University of Florida Honors College, where he earned a degree in Political Science. He furthered his education at Fordham University School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree as a Merit Scholar. During his time in law school, David worked with a nationally renowned criminal law professor and author on a groundbreaking research project that explored the intersection of the human brain, modern neuroscience evidence, and criminal defense litigation. This unique experience gave him a deep understanding of the science behind criminal behavior, enabling him to approach his cases from a multidisciplinary perspective.

I. Investigation and Client Interview | 11:00am – 12:00pm

• Best practices for conducting a thorough investigation in sex crime cases
• Techniques for interviewing clients in sensitive situations
• Gathering evidence and understanding its role in shaping the defense strategy

Break | 12:00pm -12:10pm

II. Mitigation Strategies | 12:10pm – 1:10pm

• Using character letters and psychosexual evaluations as mitigation tools
• Exploring all available resources for mitigation, including expert witnesses and psychological assessments
• Developing a comprehensive strategy to humanize the defendant and reduce sentencing

Break | 1:10pm – 1:20pm

III. Litigation and Trial Strategy | 1:20pm – 2:20pm

• Pre-Trial Motions
• Voir Dire in sexual assault cases involving minors
• Key trial strategies for defending sex crimes, including developing a theme and theory, cross-examination, and challenging government experts