Criminal Defense

Domestic violence refers to incidents between family members, spouses, those living together or dating. These cases are usually very serious, sensitive and prosecuted aggressively by the Domestic Violence Division of the State Attorney’s Office. Oftentimes, these cases lack evidence and credible witnesses because the police are quick to make an arrest to defuse a volatile situation. Further, the law allows the State to prosecute these cases even if the alleged victim refuses to cooperate or wants the charges dropped.

The way your case is handled matters. Any resolution other than a dismissal in a domestic violence case will prevent you from sealing and/or expunging your record. Allow us to analyze your case and present your side of the story. If you have been accused of a domestic related crime, contact us today to make sure your case is defended properly.

DUI or Drunk Driving cases are complex and prosecuted aggressively by the State of Florida. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of either alcohol or a controlled substance, allow us to analyze your case. In order to effectively defend your case, we will explore the reasons why you were pulled over by a police officer and whether the officer’s investigation was reasonable; discuss what field sobriety or roadside exercises were performed; and determine whether the intoxilyzer or breath test machine was operating properly. We will also fight your license suspension if you refused to take a breath, blood or urine test. Your license can also be suspended if you took a breath or blood test and that result was over the legal limit of .08. You only have ten days from the date of arrest to request a hearing. Contact us now to discuss your case.

Drug and Narcotics prosecutions are quite common in State and Federal courts throughout Florida. The amount of a particular drug such as cocaine, marijuana, crystal meth, heroin, and even prescription medication or its packaging can be the difference between a simple possession charge and a change for either possession with intent to sell or trafficking. The proper analysis of your situation and approach to your defense could be the difference between a minimum mandatory prison sentence and a successful outcome to the case. Contact us now to schedule an appointment.

Fraud is defined as the intentional use of deceit, a trick or some dishonest means to deprive another of his or her money, property or a legal right. As shown below, there are many types of fraud:

Obtaining a skilled and experienced attorney who will fight for you is the first step toward protecting yourself from a fraud charge. Contact us now to discuss your case.

The State of Florida is prosecuting juveniles at alarming rates. Instead of being referred to the principal’s office, cases are being turned over to the police. There are many differences between the juvenile and adult court systems. The Department of Juvenile Justice focuses on rehabilitation and education, whereas the adult system revolves around punishment. Today, many kids are being prosecuted as adults. Because there are obvious benefits to remaining in the juvenile system instead of facing charges in adult court, it is imperative that you consult an experienced attorney to handle these matters.

Missing a scheduled appointment with your probation officer, failing a drug test or committing another criminal offense while on probation are just a few common examples of allegations forming the basis of a probation violation charge. If a defendant is arrested as a result of an alleged probation violation, he or she is normally held in jail without bond pending a probation violation hearing. Defending probation violations is difficult because the burden of proof is much lower than in a criminal trial. Early intervention in these proceedings, however, may allow for the dismissal of the violation pending against you or reinstatement to probation. If you are facing a probation violation charge, contact us now to discuss your case.

Everyone makes mistakes during the course of their lives that could lead to an arrest and disposition of a criminal case. Fortunately, there is a process that allows defendants to expunge (remove from the records) or seal (place under highly restricted access) certain criminal records. If you are having trouble getting a job because of your background or just want your record wiped clean, contact us.

Just the accusation alone of a sexual related offense can cause embarrassment, humiliation and a stigma that is hard to escape. These cases are extremely sensitive in nature and require immediate attention to avoid sensationalized media coverage and other collateral consequences. The penalties after a conviction may include prison, designation as a sex offender and possible involuntary civil commitment. If you are under investigation or have been arrested for a sex related crime such as indecent exposure, lewd and lascivious behavior, child molestation, sexual battery or date rape, contact us now to discuss your defense.

Millions of people visit Miami, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach throughout the year. Sometimes, those vacations do not go according to plan. If you ran into trouble during Spring Break, at events such as the boat show, wine and food festival and music conference, or during one of the many holiday weekends throughout the year, we are available to guide you through the legal process. We can help arrange bail or attend your bond hearing and in most circumstances represent you without the need for your continual travel back to South Florida for court appearances. Contact us now to discuss your situation.

Theft related offenses range from stealing merchandise from a store to stealing money from an individual or business. These offenses are classified as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the dollar value associated with the theft. While first-time offenders might be given probation, theft crimes can lead to long sentences, especially in cases where a defendant has a prior conviction. Having a skilled defense attorney who is familiar with the justice system on your side can go a long way toward getting a successful outcome to your case. Contact us now.

Although the majority of traffic offenses, such as speeding or running a red light, are merely civil infractions, some traffic offenses qualify as criminal offenses. Examples of criminal traffic offenses include driving with a suspended license (as a habitual traffic offender), reckless driving, racing on the highway, leaving the scene of an accident and fleeing and eluding a police officer. If you are charged with having a suspended driver’s license, we will review your record to determine why your license is suspended. Oftentimes, unpaid tickets and Sunpass violations result in suspensions. If you have been charged with a criminal traffic offense, contact us now to discuss your case.

This category is used to describe offenses such as aggravated battery, armed burglary, carjacking, child abuse, kidnapping, armed robbery, manslaughter and murder. Oftentimes, these offenses are punishable by lengthy prison sentences — especially where firearms are involved. In certain circumstances, some offenses may be prosecuted as capital crimes punishable by the death penalty. If you have been arrested and charged with this type of offense, contact us.

The State of Florida requires its citizens to obtain a concealed weapons permit before they are able to carry a concealed weapon or gun. We handle cases involving the use of any weapon or firearm.

Florida’s 10-20-Life law is also worth mentioning under the umbrella of firearms offenses. Simply put, if a defendant possesses a gun or firearm during the commission of certain felonies, the law mandates a ten year minimum prison sentence. If that defendant discharges or fires the gun during the commission of that felony, the mandatory minimum sentence is twenty years in prison. Should someone be injured or killed as the result of firing the gun, the minimum sentence increases to twenty-five years to life in prison. 10-20-Life also provides for a mandatory minimum three-year prison term for possession of a firearm by a felon, and requires that any minimum prison term is to be served consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed. Inmates are not eligible to receive gain time or “good time” toward these sentences.

If you have been charged with a firearms offense, or with any crime involving the use of a firearm, contact us now to discuss your case.

Generally speaking, these offenses are non-violent in nature where illegal acts are used to obtain money, property, services and/or a competitive advantage. White collar offenses are usually committed in a workplace or business setting and involve the broad categories of fraud, embezzlement and theft. If you have been charged with or suspect that you are under investigation for a financial related crime, contact us now so we can evaluate your case.