SEX CRIME DEFENSE ATTORNEYS - Key Persons


Brian Wolk

Attorney Brian Wolk was raised in Alaska, and graduated from the University of Alaska, Anchorage with a Bachelor's Degree in mathematics. Brian then went into the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served his country as an Intelligence officer, taking part in numerous operations across the globe for which he earned various meritorious commendations and medals. After getting out the Marines, Brian attended the University of Akron School of Law in Ohio. While in law school he noticed many speed-traps throughout the state of Ohio, and so authored the book, Ohio Traffic Tickets are for the Birds: a Practical Defense Manual, which reached number 1 as the best-selling traffic-ticket defense book and helped many to fight for their rights. Mr. Wolk brought this fighting spirit that he learned in the Marine Corps to his practice of law, where he prides himself on championing the rights of those accused of crimes. He has been practicing Criminal Defense Law in Florida now for 15 years, and has substantial experience in all phases, aspects and levels of criminal defense. Brian is fond of saying, "Whatever the best result is, no matter how well-hidden by the government it might be, we're going to find out what it is and we're going to get it. Period!" Brian is a "people person," likes to talk with his clients about their cases and knows the importance of keeping his clients well-informed of their cases while working closely with them to achieve the results they want to achieve. Whether it's a traffic ticket hearing or felony trial, Mr. Wolk can be counted on to be there to fight for his client.

Brook O'Sullivan

Attorney Brook O'Sullivan is an experienced trial attorney with more then 15 years of experience in criminal law. She graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2000, with a Bachelor of Arts in both Political Science, and Communications. Additionally, she attended the University of Barcelona, Spain for a year abroad. She attended Loyola University, College of Law and graduated in 2004. Attorney O'Sullivan became an Assistant State Attorney Prosecutor, and served as such until 2009. After leaving the State Attorney's Office, she founded two private criminal defense law firms. In 2016, Attorney O'Sullivan relocated to Brevard County and from 2016 through the winter of 2019 she served as an Assistant Public Defender until 2019. Attorney O'Sullivan has experience and knowledge of criminal law and procedure, and has handled all types of criminal cases in many different counties throughout the State of Florida, including DUIs, burglaries, robberies, sexual battery, drug trafficking, homicide, domestic violence, theft, and racketeering. Throughout her career, Attorney O'Sullivan has tried many criminal cases to verdict, often resulting in acquittals for her clients. Attorney O'Sullivan has been highly successful throughout her career in litigating pre-trial motions and obtaining dismissals and favorable results for her clients. Attorney O'Sullivan aggressively fights for her clients both in and out of the courtroom through her knowledge, experience, dedication, and compassion. This is what makes her an excellent attorney and advocate for her clients.

Cheryl Gooden

Since becoming a licensed Florida attorney in 2005, Ms Gooden worked with the Public Defender's Office in the First Judicial Circuit. There, she gained extensive trial experience during her tenure in the public sector. At one point, she tried as many as 12 cases in 8 days. She then furthered her experience in private practice in both criminal and civil litigation. Her abilities are not only in trial, but also in thoroughly preparing the case, negotiating with the State Prosecutor, and working closely with both clients and their loved ones. Although no attorney can guarantee an outcome in a case, Ms Gooden promises to be the type of attorney you "can swear by, not at". She prides herself on maintaining active communication with her clients, and doing everything she can to secure favorable outcomes, both inside and out of court. Her motto is "Leave No Stone Unturned" in the preparation and eventual resolution of each and every client's case.

Gary F. Ritter

Gary F. Ritter has been practicing law for over 36 years. He has focused his career on protecting his community through foreclosure defense, loan modifications and short-sale transactions. Education Garry Ritter graduated from Suffolk University Law School in Boston in 1975 and from Boston College in 1969. He is licensed to practice in Massachusetts, Florida, the Federal Court for the Middle District of Florida and the United States Supreme Court. Gary Ritter focuses heavily on foreclosure defense, loan modifications and short sale transactions. He has a large amount of experience when it comes to representing homeowners, small businesses and developers in the sale, development, leasing, acquisition and financing of commercial, residential and office properties.

Jared Sonnenklar

Jared earned his Bachelors Degree from George Washington University. He then went to law school at the University of Miami. Before joining the Musca Law Team, he served as a Public Defender in the Florida Keys of Monroe County. There, he handled hundreds of felony and misdemeanor cases, ranging from municipal ordinance violations to "punishable by life" felonies. In addition, having conducted numerous trials at all levels, he has extensive trial and litigation experience. Jared understands the difficulty of helping people through one of the most challenging and stressful periods of their lives. He strives to keep clients fully informed every step of the way, and guides them through the various stages of the legal process and the Monroe County criminal justice system. Every case he takes on, he considers a welcome opportunity to win, or otherwise obtain a favorable resolution, on behalf of his client. Jared believes that the rights of the accused are precious, and must be protected at all cost. His passion in protecting those rights and defending his clients is matched only by the pleasure he takes in obtaining victory on their cases. Jared thrives practicing only criminal defense in Monroe County, where he is known and respected by local attorneys, prosecutors and court officials alike.

John Musca

Before John Musca opened this sex crime defense law firm in 2001, he served as a Public Defender in the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The Sex Crime Defense Team has projected a large amount of growth in the near future and we hope to offer top-of-the-line Florida sex crime defense. Sex crime defense is not just John Musca's job; it's his passion. Education John Musca graduated cum laude from Boston College in 1994. He completed his Juris doctorate at Case Western University School of Law 3 years later in 1997. Since John is fluent in Spanish, after completion of his doctorate, he studied overseas at the highly prestigious "Instituto Internacional" in Madrid, Spain. John Musca has tried over 100 criminal cases. He is aggressive and focuses on the strengths of the cases he takes while simultaneously exploiting any and all weaknesses from the prosecution. He is licensed to practice law in the United States Federal Court, Middle District of Florida and the state of Florida. No matter where you are in Florida, John Musca is ready to represent you and your interests in a court of law.

Jonathan Dingus

In 1981, Jonathan Dingus graduated from Choctawatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. After that he went on to earn a B.S degree in Psychology and Mathmatics from the Florida State University. In 1988 he earned a J.D. degree from studying at the University of Florida College of Law. Between 1989 and 1990 he worked for the Public Defenders Office in Lake City. After that, between 1990 and 2000, he worked for the State Attorneys Office in Panama City Florida. During his time there he served as a supervisor in the County Court Division, the Sex crimes Divisions, and the Juvenile Division.Jonathan Dingus opened his own private practice, which he still owns presently, in January 2000. He has represented people in many different types of cases, including child support, divorce, child custody, and many different types of criminal cases in both State and Federal Court. Since 1999 he has been Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Criminal Trial Law. He has also held a "BV" rating for the last 15 years from Martindale-Hubbell. He also works as a special magistrate judge for Bay County and Panama City, Florida. In free time, he spends time with his wife and 4 kids.

Joseph C. Warren

Joseph C. Warren has over 25 years of experience and has handled thousands of criminal cases. Mr. Warren has worked in both Circuit and County Courts representing many clients in criminal cases. Before he joined the Musca Law Firm, he worked as a defence attorney and a prosecutor. During his time as a prosecutor, Mr. Warren took on all types of criminal cases including Governor assignment cases in Brevard, Marion, and Sumter counties. When he worked as a criminal defense attorney he defended clients in every phase, from intake through trial. Mr. Warren is very experienced as a trial attorney, having brought more than 60 cases to jury verdict.Mr. Warren attended the University of Florida for his undergraduate degree and studied as the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida for his law degree.Mr. Warren believes in being thorough and making his defense more personal. He makes sure that all his clients completely understand every aspect and the defense of their case. He knows that your freedom is your numer one priority, and he'll work hard to help you keep it.

Monica Fish


Rachel B. Kuhl

As an experienced trial lawyer, Rachel B. Kuhl, Esq. has all the necessary qualifications to make a great legal representative. She has an extensive background in criminal defense at both the state and the federal level. She is a serious advocate for all her clients. She is a skilled and aggressive lawyer. Education Rachel's education is quite extensive. For the first 2 and a half years of college, Rachel attended the University of Florida. She then graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Criminal Justice from Florida International University in 2002. During her stay, she was a member of the Phi Eta Sigma Honors Fraternity, the national Society of Collegiate Scholars, the recipient of the Book Award for Excellence in Constitutional Law, and was on the Dean's List for all eight semesters. She then attended Florida International University College of Law where she placed as a Quarterfinalist in the National Moot Court Competition in Washington D.C. In addition, she also studied Environmental and Health Law and Police abroad in Rio de Janeiro. After, she got her law degree from Florida International University in 2007. After school, Rachel B. Kuhl became an Assistant Public Defender for the Miami-Dade County Office of the Public Defender in 2007. She served there until February of 2012. After her stay as a public defender, she became an associate at a very prominent criminal defense and family law firm in Miami. She has handled countless criminal cases throughout the state including DUIs, robberies, sexual battery, drug trafficking, homicide, domestic violence, racketeering and more. She has also handled criminal appeals and post-conviction matters all the way up to the Third District Court of Appeal.

Rebecca Sonalia

Rebecca Sonalia takes criminal defense law seriously. She loves helping people at difficult times. She is thoroughly dedicated to investigating every aspect of every case she works on. Her legal strategy of leaving no stone unturned has proven extremely effective and has helped the success of us here at the Sex Crime Defense Team.

Richard Buzan


Stafford King

Stafford King received his first experience in the legal profession when he was at LaBelle high school and participated in the mock trial program. He fell in love instantly and put forth such an effort that he received a scholarship. He completed his legal education at FAMU College of Law in Orlando. He found his way to working in Criminal Defense in Miami. After working in Miami for a little over a year, Mr. King decided he wanted to work closer to his family and missed Southwest Florida. He then moved to a new firm in Naples in which he did Criminal, Family, and Immigration. He worked in these three areas for over three years. After working in these three areas of law he gained a new appreciation for criminal law as he saw how families were being separated due to the outcomes of their criminal trials. He then signed on with Musca law so he could focus on Criminal law.