5 /5 Robert Smilanich: I want to start by saying that I fully support law enforcement and personal accountability. However, my youngest son made a foolish decision early this year, and a particularly
overzealous police officer not only arrested him but charged him with extreme offenses that were completely inappropriate for the situation. I’m convinced that if it had been the officer’s own son or a family friend, he would have handled it differently—perhaps with a stern warning or, at the very most, a misdemeanor charge.
With little time to find the right attorney, we came across Michael Haworth and Hanlon Law online. I can’t thank Michael and Mr. Hanlon enough for their professionalism, dedication, and understanding throughout this ordeal. They not only achieved the best possible outcome for my son but also took the time to listen to my fears, ensuring I always felt heard and supported.
I was terrified that my son would get trapped in the system, and I couldn’t eat or sleep. But Michael Haworth, with support from Mr. Hanlon, patiently addressed my concerns, presenting realistic options without making unattainable promises. They were committed to resolving this issue, and they did exactly that.
I still believe in “law and order,” but this experience opened my eyes to how one bad apple can tarnish people’s view of law enforcement. This officer seemed determined to ruin my 14-year-old son’s life by pushing for a potential prison sentence when he could have chosen a less severe path to teach him a lesson. He also called multiple times once he had nothing to do with it asking questions that the only motive could be to cause some sort of harm on my child, who is doing great now btw.
Without Michael Haworth and Mr. Hanlon, my son might have faced a much harsher outcome. They approached the case with creativity and genuine care, always communicating clearly and making me feel confident in their representation. They are truly experts in juvenile law, and their experience and knowledge made all the difference.
Over the years, I’ve worked with many attorneys—both corporate and criminal—through my business and for legal matters involving friends, employees, and family. Most attorneys don’t communicate well or fight as hard as they would for their own family. But Michael Haworth and Mr. Hanlon are different. They provided multiple strategies and thought outside the box to make this situation go away. Very few attorneys have such extensive experience and understanding of the legal system for minors in Florida.
One bad cop could have ruined my son’s future, but Michael Haworth and Mr. Hanlon cared enough to craft a thoughtful, personalized approach that worked. They got the job done, plain and simple.
If anyone finds themselves, or a loved one—especially a minor—facing legal trouble, I wholeheartedly endorse Michael Haworth and Mr. Hanlon.
