Enforcibility of non-compete

Hello,

I am educated in a very small, unique, highly specialized allied health field that relies on referrals from doctor's and therapists. I was recently forced to resign, and signed a non-compete as part of my original employment agreement. I realize the facts and details of my specific situation would probably require a consultation, but allow me to share some here: This is the first time I have been fired, and I have a 5, 3 and 1 year old and my wife is a home-maker. We are in debt and have no savings. I have a potential job in my small field lined up but it is in the same market geographically as my original employer. There are other pertinent issues regarding unethical/illegal practices that my previous employer engaged in including insurance fraud and price collusion so I'm thinking the they won't be eager to take it to court. I've also considered contacting them and humbly asking for their "OK" to work for their competitor given the current economic situation. Also, I took no "private patient information with me, and there are no "trade secrets" that I learned there other than how to cheat Medicare and insurance companies out of $$$. Is there an employment lawyer in SRQ/VEN area that someone would recommend?
Regards,
Unemployed