Christian Van Riper
Attorney
Christian Van Riper is a former DCF Investigator and felony prosecutor with vast experience in criminal trial law. He has handled thousands of criminal cases from misdemeanors to serious felonies such as arson, sexual battery, first degree grand theft, drug trafficking, and attempted first degree murder. Christian has successfully conducted numerous criminal jury trials.
Christian is dedicated to helping fellow clients facing serious criminal charges. He is thrilled that his chosen career path allows him to help fellow members of his community.
EXPERIENCE
Office of the State Attorney for the 19th Circuit
Christian has handled thousands of criminal cases during his tenure as a Prosecutor for the State of Florida. He was promoted by the State Attorney's Office from the misdemeanor division to a felony division within seven months of beginning his career as an Prosecutor. He has argued motions on a great variety of issues, and he has also conducted numerous jury and non-jury trials. Additionally, Christian has handled a variety of misdemeanor and felony cases from DUI's, driving with a suspended license cases (DWLS), and drug cases to more serious felony cases such as complicated first degree grand theft cases, arson cases, robbery cases, sexual battery cases and many others. He has also handled various cases involving violent criminal charges including misdemeanor assault and battery, domestic violence, aggravated felony assault and battery, and first degree attempted murder.
Internship with the Office of the State Attorney for the 6th Circuit
Christian developed an interest in trial law and criminal law while still in law school. For that reason, he participated in this internship which allowed him to gain knowledge and experience in trial law and, more specifically, criminal law. During this clinic, Christian was able to conduct actual jury trials while still in law school, and he also researched and argued motions on various issues and participated in the investigation and prosecution of various criminal cases.
Florida Supreme Court Internship for Distinguished Law Students
While in law school, Christian was chosen to participate in this internship from a very select group of law students. Each semester, the law schools from around the state select a limited few students to participate in this internship, and Christian was one of only two students chosen from his law school. During this internship, Christian acted as a clerk to the justices of the Florida Supreme Court, the highest court in Florida. His job consisted of analyzing petitions, conducting research, and writing memoranda of law for the purpose of advising the Court on various legal and factual issues.
Investigator with the Department of Children and Families
Before attending law school, Christian worked as an investigator for The Department of Children and Families (DCF). The primary focus of his job was to investigate reports of child abuse occurring in Florida. During his career as a DCF investigator, Christian became skilled in the science of investigative technique. A DCF investigator is called upon to sort through the facts and circumstances surrounding a claim of abuse and determine if that claim is valid. Christian is committed to providing his clients with the most well prepared defense possible. A thorough investigation of the facts and circumstances behind the criminal act(s) alleged against a client is the first step in mounting such a defense, and Christian often relies on his experience as a state investigator in preparing a client's case for trial.
EDUCATION
Stetson University College of Law, St. Petersburg, FL
Juris Doctor, Cum Laude
Graduated in the top 20% of his class
Honors and Activities: Honor roll every semester eligible, member of Phi Delta Phi
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
B.A. in Political Science
Minor in Criminal Justice
G.P.A 3.84, Graduated Magna Cum Laude
Honors and Activities:Honor Roll, International Golden Key Society, National Political Science Honor Society.
