Miami Criminal Defense Attorney

DUI Defense Attorney in Miami

Being arrested for DUI in Miami carries severe consequences including license suspension, heavy fines, ignition interlock devices, and potential jail time. Florida’s DUI laws are among the strictest in the nation, with enhanced penalties for high blood alcohol levels, multiple offenses, or accidents involving injury.

Our Miami DUI defense attorneys challenge every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the accuracy of breathalyzer and blood test results. We examine police reports for inconsistencies, review dash cam footage, and challenge field sobriety test procedures.

Miami DUI Defense Strategies

• Challenging the legality of the initial traffic stop
• Questioning breathalyzer calibration and maintenance records
• Examining officer training and certification
• Medical conditions affecting sobriety test performance
• Rising blood alcohol defense
• Negotiating reduced charges or diversion programs

Under Florida Statute 316.193, DUI penalties increase dramatically with each offense. A first-time DUI can result in up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000. However, our experienced Miami criminal defense attorneys often secure favorable plea agreements or win dismissals through skilled negotiation and trial advocacy.

Drug Crime Defense in Miami

Miami’s location makes it a focal point for drug trafficking investigations and prosecutions. From simple possession of marijuana to complex trafficking conspiracies involving cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl, drug charges in Miami carry serious penalties including mandatory minimum sentences in many cases.

Our Miami drug crime defense attorneys understand both state and federal drug laws, including Florida’s drug trafficking statutes that impose harsh mandatory minimum sentences based solely on the weight of controlled substances. We aggressively challenge search and seizure violations, question the chain of custody for evidence, and explore every available defense.

Types of Drug Cases We Handle

• Marijuana possession and cultivation (even with medical marijuana cards)
• Cocaine possession, sale, and trafficking
• Heroin and opioid-related charges
• Prescription drug fraud and trafficking
• MDMA/Ecstasy and club drug offenses
• Federal drug conspiracy charges
• Drug manufacturing and laboratory cases

Florida Statute 893.13 covers drug possession and trafficking penalties. For example, trafficking in cocaine (28 grams or more) carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. However, our experienced attorneys have successfully challenged trafficking charges by disputing weight calculations, proving lack of knowledge, or excluding illegally obtained evidence.

We also handle drug cases with immigration implications, where even a simple possession conviction can lead to deportation for non-citizens. Our criminal immigration defense experience helps protect both your criminal case and your immigration status.

Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Miami

Domestic violence allegations in Miami are taken extremely seriously by prosecutors and judges. Even a misdemeanor domestic battery conviction can result in loss of gun rights, mandatory counseling, no-contact orders, and difficulty finding employment or housing. Many domestic violence cases are based on false accusations made during emotional disputes or child custody battles.

Our Miami domestic violence defense attorneys understand the sensitive nature of these cases and work to protect both your legal rights and your family relationships. We examine all evidence, interview witnesses, and often uncover inconsistencies in accusers’ statements that lead to dismissed or reduced charges.

Domestic Violence Charges We Defend

• Domestic battery (Florida Statute 741.28)
• Aggravated domestic battery
• Domestic violence by strangulation
• Violation of restraining orders/injunctions
• Stalking and aggravated stalking
• Child abuse allegations

Florida’s domestic violence laws include mandatory arrest provisions, meaning police must arrest someone if they have probable cause to believe domestic violence occurred. This leads to many arrests based on minimal evidence or false accusations. Our attorneys work quickly to challenge these charges and protect your reputation.

Theft and Property Crime Defense in Miami

Theft and property crimes in Miami range from shoplifting and petty theft to grand theft auto and armed robbery. The value of allegedly stolen property determines whether charges are filed as misdemeanors or felonies, with Florida’s theft statute creating different penalty levels based on dollar amounts.

Our Miami theft defense attorneys understand that many theft allegations arise from misunderstandings, false accusations, or cases of mistaken identity. We thoroughly investigate each case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and work to minimize the impact on your life and career.

Property Crimes We Defend

• Shoplifting and retail theft
• Grand theft (over $750 in Florida)
• Auto theft and carjacking
• Burglary of dwellings and structures
• Armed robbery and strong-arm robbery
• Credit card fraud and identity theft
• Embezzlement and employee theft

Under Florida Statute 812.014, theft penalties depend on the value of stolen property and your prior record. Petit theft (under $750) is typically a misdemeanor, while grand theft can be a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. However, our experienced Miami criminal defense attorneys often negotiate restitution agreements and community service in lieu of jail time.

White Collar Criminal Defense Miami

White collar crimes in Miami often involve complex financial investigations by federal agencies like the FBI, IRS, and Securities and Exchange Commission. These cases can take years to develop and often result in both criminal charges and civil penalties. Early intervention by an experienced Miami white collar defense attorney is crucial to protecting your rights and minimizing exposure.

Our attorneys have extensive experience defending professionals, executives, and business owners against white collar allegations. We work with forensic accountants, computer experts, and other specialists to challenge the prosecution’s case and negotiate favorable resolutions.

White Collar Crimes We Handle

• Wire fraud and mail fraud
• Money laundering and structuring
• Tax evasion and tax fraud
• Securities fraud and insider trading
• Healthcare fraud and billing fraud
• Mortgage fraud and loan fraud
• Ponzi schemes and investment fraud
• Public corruption and bribery

Federal white collar prosecutions often involve multiple defendants, complex financial records, and lengthy prison sentences under federal sentencing guidelines. Our Miami criminal defense law firm has successfully defended clients in multi-million dollar fraud cases and helped clients avoid prison through cooperation agreements and plea negotiations.

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Miami

Federal criminal charges in Miami are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, one of the most active federal districts in the country. Federal cases typically involve more serious charges, longer prison sentences, and more complex legal issues than state cases.

Our federal criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience in federal court and understand the unique challenges of federal prosecutions. We handle cases involving federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, and Homeland Security Investigations.

Federal Crimes We Defend

• Federal drug trafficking and conspiracy
• Immigration crimes and document fraud
• Federal firearms violations
• Interstate transportation of stolen property
• Federal racketeering (RICO) charges
• Terrorism and national security cases
• Human trafficking and sex trafficking
• Federal appeals and post-conviction relief

Federal sentencing guidelines can result in dramatically longer prison sentences than similar state charges. For example, federal drug trafficking charges carry mandatory minimum sentences that cannot be reduced by judges. Our attorneys work aggressively to challenge federal charges and negotiate plea agreements that minimize prison exposure.

Juvenile Criminal Defense Miami

Juvenile charges in Miami can have lasting consequences for young people, affecting their education, future employment, and military service opportunities. The juvenile justice system is supposed to focus on rehabilitation, but prosecutors increasingly seek adult sanctions for serious charges.

Our Miami juvenile defense attorneys understand the unique aspects of juvenile court and work to keep cases in the juvenile system rather than allowing transfer to adult court. We also help families navigate the complex juvenile justice process and protect their children’s futures.

Juvenile Cases We Handle

• Underage drinking and drug possession
• Juvenile theft and burglary charges
• School-related offenses and zero tolerance violations
• Juvenile battery and fighting charges
• Gang-related allegations
• Sexting and child pornography accusations
• Transfer hearings to adult court

Florida allows prosecutors to “direct file” certain juvenile cases in adult court, which can result in adult prison sentences for minors. Our attorneys fight to keep cases in juvenile court and work toward rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Sex Offense Defense Attorney Miami

Sex offense accusations in Miami are among the most serious charges anyone can face. Even unfounded allegations can destroy reputations, careers, and family relationships. A conviction typically requires sex offender registration, which severely limits where you can live and work for the rest of your life.

Our Miami sex offense defense attorneys understand the sensitive nature of these cases and provide aggressive, confidential representation. We challenge questionable evidence, cross-examine accusers thoroughly, and work with medical experts and psychologists when necessary.

Sex Offense Charges We Defend

• Sexual battery and rape allegations
• Lewd and lascivious conduct charges
• Child pornography and exploitation
• Internet sex crimes and solicitation
• Indecent exposure and public lewdness
• Failure to register as sex offender
• Violation of sex offender restrictions

Florida’s sex offender registration requirements under Florida Statute 943.0435 are extremely restrictive and long-lasting. Even a misdemeanor sex offense can require lifetime registration in some cases. Our attorneys work aggressively to avoid convictions that trigger registration requirements.

Florida Three Strikes Law Defense Miami

Florida’s “Three Strikes” law, officially known as the Prison Release Reoffender Punishment Act (Florida Statute 775.082), imposes harsh mandatory sentences on repeat felony offenders. This law can result in life sentences for relatively minor third felonies, making experienced legal representation absolutely critical.

Our Miami criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience challenging Three Strikes enhancements and fighting for our clients’ freedom. We examine prior convictions for legal defects, challenge whether current charges qualify as strikes, and present compelling mitigation evidence to judges.

Three Strikes Defense Strategies

• Challenging the validity of prior “strike” convictions
• Negotiating current charges to avoid strike classification
• Presenting mitigation evidence for sentencing
• Filing appeals of Three Strikes sentences
• Exploring post-conviction relief options

Under Florida’s Three Strikes law, certain felony convictions can result in mandatory life sentences without the possibility of parole. These include drug trafficking, armed robbery, and other violent felonies. Our attorneys understand the complex legal requirements and fight aggressively to avoid these devastating consequences.

Criminal Immigration Defense Miami

Non-citizens facing criminal charges in Miami face a double threat: criminal penalties and immigration consequences including deportation, denial of citizenship, and bars to re-entry. Even minor convictions can have severe immigration consequences under federal immigration law.

Our Miami criminal immigration defense attorneys understand both criminal and immigration law. We work to resolve criminal cases in ways that minimize or eliminate immigration consequences, and we coordinate with immigration attorneys when necessary to protect our clients’ status.

Immigration-Safe Criminal Defense

• Analyzing immigration consequences of potential convictions
• Negotiating pleas to avoid deportable offenses
• Seeking dismissals or diversions for immigration-sensitive clients
• Coordinating with immigration counsel
• Challenging convictions with immigration consequences

Certain criminal convictions are considered “aggravated felonies” under immigration law, even if they’re misdemeanors under state law. These convictions can result in mandatory detention and deportation without the possibility of relief. Our attorneys work to avoid these devastating consequences.