Attorney Bios

Barry Taracks

Licensed in State & Federal Court
Stetson Law School
Florida State University
Former State Prosecutor

After graduating from Stetson College of Law in 1986, Barry was hired as an Assistant State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit from 1986-1989 where he prosecuted both misdemeanor and felony cases. Since leaving the State Attorney's Office in 1989, Barry has handled in excess of 10,000 cases in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Manatee county. As a criminal defense attorney, Barry became certified in the operation of the Intoxilyzer , the instrument used to test DUI suspects in the State of Florida. Barry was lead attorney in over 182 jury trials. Barry has been involved with Inns of Court in Pinellas County, Florida Criminal law section of the Florida Bar, Hillsborough County Defense Bar, Pinellas County Defense bar, and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL).

Octavio "Tav" Gomez

Licensed in State & Federal Court
Florida State University College of Law
Florida State University
Former State Prosecutor

Tav Gomez was born in Colombia and moved to the United States at an early age. Tav grew up in the Fort Lauderdale area and went on to attend the Florida State University where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science/History. From 1997 to 2000 Tav earned his Juris Doctorate at FSU as well. Tav's aggressive practice is devoted towards both criminal and civil litigation. During law school Tav interned with the Agency for Health Care Administration. Tav is highly involved in continuing legal education, attending several legal seminars every year to ensure his clients the best representation possible. Tav is also fluent in Spanish.

STATE & FEDERAL CRIMINAL LAW

After graduating from law school, Tav began working as a prosecutor at the State Attorney's Office in Tampa. During his tenure there, Tav handled thousands of DUI's and misdemeanor cases. He also handled thousands of felony cases ranging from grand theft to trafficking to robbery to habitual offenders and 10-20-Life cases. During this time Tav developed a great understanding of the discovery phase and trial preparation. In 2003, Tav joined Barry Taracks and formed what is now known as Taracks Gomez & Rickman. Tav has successfully defended thousands of clients and has served as lead attorney in excess of 60 jury trials. His proven record of success has earned him a great reputation in the legal community. Tav practices State and Federal criminal defense and has been a part of numerous high profile cases, several of which were featured by news agencies across the State and Southeast United States.

PERSONAL INJURY

With a legal experience of over 10 years, Tav has been the lead attorney in over one thousand personal injury cases involving car accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, dog bites, and negligence claims. If you have been injured due to the negligence of another, Tav has the experience and aggressiveness that will maximize your results in your case. Tav handles each case from the intake portion all the way through the discovery, mediation, and trial phases as well. Tav uses his experience and knowledge in negotiating each and every case to help ensure his clients a favorable at the end of each case.

Anthony Rickman

Licensed in State & Federal Court
Florida State University College of Law
University of South Florida, Cum Ladde
Former State Prosecutor

Anthony Rickman attended the University of South Florida where he received a full academic scholarship and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and a minor in Criminal Justice. Upon graduating from USF, Anthony attended the Florida State University College of Law where he earned his law degree. Upon graduating law school, Anthony accepted a job with the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office. As an Assistant State Attorney, Anthony prosecuted thousands of DUI, misdemeanor, traffic, and felony cases. Anthony joined the law firm of Taracks Gomez & Associates in January of 2007 as an associate, where he focused his practice in criminal defense and personal injury. In January of 2011, Anthony was named a parter at Taracks Gomez & Rickman and expanded his practice into the areas of Entertainment and Spots law. In addition to criminal defense and personal injury, Anthony is the lead attorney in the Entertainment and Sports Law division of the firm. Anthony is a native of the Tampa Bay.

STATE AND FEDERAL CRIMINAL LAW:

Anthony Rickman is a criminal defense attorney, practicing in State and Federal Court. Anthony RIckman handles a wide range of cases including, but not limited to, Traffic offenses, DUI, DUI Manslaughter, Drug Possession, Drug Trafficking, Drug Manufacturing, Violations of Probation, Sex Offenses, Robbery, Child Abuse, Gun Charges, Burglary, Fraud, Forgery, Assault and Battery, Theft, Domestic Violence, Murder, and all other Felony and Misdemeanor Offenses. Using his experience, skills, and knowledge gained as a prosecutor and perfected as a defense attorney, Anthony can provide you with the representation you need to successfully defend yourself against the government's accusations. As a Former Prosecutor, Anthony Rickman knows how to find weaknesses in the State's case that may result in the suppression of evidence or dismissal of charges. Anthony has argued hundreds of motions including, but not limited to, motions to suppress or dismiss your case due to an officer's illegal traffic stop, search, detention, and/or arrest as well as motions to suppress breath results in a DUI case. Through his arguing of motions and over 50 Jury and non jury trials Anthony has developed the knowledge and skills necessary to provide you with excellent results in your case. Anthony prepares every case as if it were going to trial. This preparation, combined with his skill, aggression, and experience, will provide you with a top notch criminal defense through all stages of your case - including a jury trial. The depth of trial and criminal defense experience cannot be underestimated. Nor may the benefits of expertise, knowledge, and education that Anthony brings to every representation. Anthony Rickman has spent significant time honing his courtroom skills, and this experienced Florida trial attorney now aggressively pursues justice for Taracks Gomez & Rickman clients daily in cases before municipal, county, state, and federal judges and juries.

ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS LAW:

In 2011 the Law Firm of Taracks Gomez and Rickman opened an entertainment and sports law branch of the law firm spearheaded by Anthony Rickman. Using the negotiation and trial skills he honed as a prosecutor and defense attorney, Anthony represents producers, directors, entertainers, artists, musicians, and athletes in the sports and entertainment world. With his diverse legal background in state and federal court in both the criminal and civil field, Anthony has been able to use the skills he learned and perfected in the courtroom to aggressively represent his clients in the television, film, music and sports industries. Anthony has been involved in negotiations to raise capital for multimillion dollar films, production and directorial contracts, movie and television development contracts, film and video distribution agreements, and entertainment representation agreements.

PERSONAL INJURY:

In the personal injury field, Anthony works to upholding victim's rights in all types of personal injury cases. Injuries caused by negligent or careless actions made by other people are all too common throughout the United States. If you have been injured in any type of accident, Anthony can assist you. Anthony Rickman understands that you and your family are facing what may appear to be a daunting task - and that is why he and his team are prepared to aggressively fight for your rights no matter what your personal injury case entails. Anthony handles all personal injury cases including automobile accidents, premises liability, slip and fall case, negligence, intentional torts, and dog bites.

Frank Kerney III

Areas of Practice: Family Law, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury

Licensed in State & Federal Court
Stetson University College of Law
University of South Florida

Frank Kerney attended the University of South Florida where he earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science and was highly involved in several campus organizations, including the Athletics Council and Student Government. Upon graduating from South Florida, Frank went on to attend Stetson University College of Law where he was initiated as a member of College of Law 's Honors fraternity. Frank's aggressive practice is devoted towards both criminal and civil litigation.

During law school Frank interned with the Public Defender's office where he was a certified intern (approved by the Governor of the State) making court appearances on a variety of legal issues. While interning at the Public Defender's Office Frank worked in the post-conviction relief division as well as the trial division, working on everything from first-degree murder appeals to simple misdemeanors. During that time Frank was awarded for his work with indigent criminal defendants and was eventually recognized at graduation as a recipient of the William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award. During his legal career Frank has worked on hundreds of DUI, felony, traffic, and misdemeanor cases. Frank has since transitioned to the role of associate attorney where he uses his skills and experience to fight for the rights of his clients both in and out of the courtroom.

In addition to his work as a criminal defense lawyer, Frank Kerney currently holds the title of lead attorney in the Family Law division of Taracks Gomez & Rickman. There, Frank uses the knowledge and experience he has gained throughout his legal career to fight for his clients. As a member of the Family Law division, Frank handles a wide variety of cases, including divorce, custody, child support and alimony, domestic violence, relocation, modification, visitation, and more. Frank prides himself on being an aggressive advocate for his clients both in and out of the courtroom and provides them with his personal cell phone number, ensuring constant communication and quick answers to complex criminal, family, and personal injury related legal questions.