Leanna J. Smith

Leanna J. Smith is a criminal defense attorney who represents people facing serious charges in Volusia County. Her work focuses on protecting clients’ rights, preparing strong defenses, and guiding people through difficult court situations. She brings courtroom confidence, careful case review, and a defense-focused approach to each client matter.

Leanna earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Stetson University. She later earned a Juris Doctor from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City and Yale Law School in New Haven, CT. Her education helped shape her understanding of criminal law, advocacy, and complex legal issues.

Leanna gained important experience at Cardozo when Barry Scheck selected her as one of eight people to work on The Innocence Project. That program used DNA evidence to help wrongly convicted people seek freedom from death row and prison, giving her early exposure to life-changing defense work.

Leanna also strengthened her courtroom skills through national criminal defense moot court competitions. These experiences helped her build persuasive arguments, case analysis, and trial preparation skills. They also supported her growth into a strong advocate for people accused of criminal offenses in the Volusia County court system.

Leanna began her legal career as a Volusia County prosecutor more than 27 years ago before moving to criminal defense. Since 1997, her private criminal law practice has represented clients in DeLand, Daytona Beach, DeBary, Deltona, Orange City, and other parts of Volusia County.

Leanna is known for respecting clients, preparing aggressively for court, and staying committed to every case. She looks beyond the charge itself and works to understand the whole person involved. This approach helps her present stronger defenses and give clients focused support during stressful legal matters.

Leanna J. Smith continues to help people by standing beside clients when their freedom, record, and future may be at risk. Her background in prosecution, defense, wrongful conviction work, and courtroom advocacy gives her a broad view of criminal cases and how to fight for fair treatment.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Law Office of Leanna J. Smith, P.A.
• Member, The Florida Bar

Licensed State

• Florida

Education

• Yale Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Stetson University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges