Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Miami, FL

Criminal charges in Miami carry real consequences — jail time, fines, a permanent record. You need a defense lawyer who knows the Miami-Dade court system from the inside. The criminal defense attorneys below have earned their reputations through years of trial wins, dismissed cases, and strong client reviews.

Our team evaluates Miami Criminal Defense Lawyers on credentials, track record, and client reviews to help you find a good fit.

  • Bar standing and public disciplinary history review
  • Documented case results and courtroom trial experience
  • Peer recognition within the legal community
  • Client reviews, communication, and responsiveness
  • Aggregate satisfaction signals from independent sources

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

List of the Top 17 Miami Criminal Defense Attorneys

Screenshot of the Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney Website
66 W Flagler St Suite 1005, Miami, FL 33130, USA

Stroleny Law is a criminal defense law firm in Miami, Florida, with an experienced attorney, Julian Stroleny. They defend people accused of crimes like theft, assault, and drug offenses. Stroleny Law offers free consultations 24/7. The firm has gotten charges dismissed for hundreds of clients over the past decade.

Screenshot of the David M. Edelstein, PA Website
4770 Biscayne Blvd STE 1250, Miami, FL 33137, USA

David M. Edelstein, PA is a Florida criminal defense law firm serving Miami-Dade County. With 3 decades of experience, they handle state and federal cases. Their attorneys defend against drug crimes, theft, and domestic violence charges. The firm works to minimize the impact of criminal charges while protecting clients' rights.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Michael Mirer, P.A. Website
100 Biscayne Blvd #1300, Miami, FL 33132, USA

Michael Mirer is an experienced Miami criminal defense lawyer. Former Miami-Dade prosecutor Michael Mirer leads the practice with over 20 years of trial experience. Mirer is recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer. His team provides aggressive defense for drug crimes, domestic violence, theft, federal crimes, and DUI. They create personalized strategies for each case and challenge common prosecutor tactics. The firm serves Miami-Dade County and is available 24/7.

Screenshot of the Hager & Schwartz, P.A. Website
555 NE 15th St Penthouse A, Miami, FL 33132, USA

Hager & Schwartz, P.A. is a Miami criminal defense law firm. The attorneys are former Florida prosecutors with over 50 years of combined experience. They handle cases from DUI and drug crimes to homicide and federal charges. The firm represents clients in Miami-Dade County and throughout the state of Florida. Hager & Schwartz offers 24/7 availability, payment plans, and no-cost initial consultations. SuperLawyers has recognized them since 2017.

Screenshot of the Beckham Solis, Attorneys at Law Website

Beckham Solis is a criminal law counsel in Miami. They help people charged with crimes like DUI or theft. The attorneys were prosecutors and public defenders, so they had experience on both sides of criminal cases. They aim to get charges reduced or dismissed through aggressive legal defense in and out of court. Clients can call to schedule a meeting with a lawyer to discuss their criminal case. The firm strives to protect clients' futures by providing reputable representation.

Screenshot of the TicketFit Website
8400 NW 36th St, Miami, FL 33166, USA

TicketFit defends clients against traffic tickets. They serve Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Their lawyers fight speeding tickets, red light cameras, and careless driving citations.

Screenshot of the Pensky & Kim, P.A. Website
12550 Biscayne Blvd #401, North Miami, FL 33181, USA

Pensky & Kim, P.A., delivers top-notch legal services. Their expertise includes:

  • Criminal Defense: They manage cases from minor offenses to serious felonies
  • Evictions & Property Issues: They aid landlords in tenant removal and property dispute resolution.
  • Personal Injury: They handle auto accidents and slip & fall incidents.
  • Record Sealing: They assist in sealing or expunging criminal records.

Their attorneys, with a strong track record of success, offer free consultations.

Screenshot of the Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A. Website
100 Almeria Ave # 230, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA

Donet, McMillan & Trontz is a Miami criminal defense law firm with over 100 courtroom trials under its belt. The team includes a former Miami-Dade Assistant State Attorney with decades of trial experience.

The firm handles DUI charges, drug crimes, federal offenses, domestic violence, and white-collar cases. They also defend clients facing fraud allegations, firearm offenses, and violent crime accusations.

Consultations are free and available around the clock. The attorneys have been featured on CBS, NBC, Fox News, and A&E for their high-profile case work.

Screenshot of the Rier Jordan P.A. Website
10800 Biscayne Blvd #900, Miami, FL 33161, USA

Rier Jordan P.A. is a Miami legal firm focusing on criminal defense, appeals, and family law since 1994. Attorneys Andrew F. Rier and Jonathan E. Jordan lead a team that manages both criminal cases and family disputes. The firm has built a strong reputation through successful case dismissals and positive results. They work with clients across Florida and offer services in English, Spanish, and Creole. New clients receive a free first consultation.

Screenshot of the Thomas Mote Law Website
66 W Flagler St 7th floor, Miami, FL 33130, USA

Attorney Thomas W. Mote II has over 20 years of jury trial experience. He is Florida Bar Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law. Mote defends clients against drug crimes and violent offenses. He also handles personal injury, immigration, and family law cases. Fluent in English and Spanish.

Screenshot of the The Hoffman Firm Website
15536 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami Beach, FL 33160, USA

The Hoffman Firm specializes in criminal defense in South Florida. Attorney Evan Hoffman defends clients facing criminal charges from DUI to violent crimes. They aim for case dismissals or the best possible outcomes. Offices are in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, serving South Florida clients.

Screenshot of the Law Offices of Paul D. Petruzzi P.A. Website
8101 Biscayne Blvd PH 701, Miami, FL 33138, USA

The Law Offices of Paul D. Petruzzi represents clients facing federal and state criminal charges in Miami. Attorney Paul Petruzzi handles federal crimes, drug offenses, white-collar cases, and DUI defense. The firm offers 24/7 availability and no-cost case evaluations. Clients benefit from direct attorney access and focused trial preparation. The team has secured case dismissals and reduced charges in complex federal matters.

Screenshot of the Valiente Law, P.A. Website
1111 Brickell Ave Suite 1550, Miami, FL 33131, USA

Valiente, Carollo, and McElligott defend people accused of crimes in Miami. Their lawyers fight to protect your rights and freedom. They strive to get charges reduced or dismissed.

Screenshot of the Spatz Law Firm Website
14707 S Dixie Hwy #302, Miami, FL 33176, USA

Russell Spatz is a Miami criminal defense and family law attorney with more than 40 years of experience. He served as a prosecutor and division chief under State Attorneys Richard Gerstein and Janet Reno before entering private practice.

The firm handles felonies, DUI/DWI cases, domestic violence charges, and drug crimes. Spatz also represents clients in divorce, child custody, and paternity disputes.

He maintains an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been named to Super Lawyers and South Florida Legal Elite. Spanish-speaking services are available.

Screenshot of the Parks & Braxton, PA DUI Attorney Miami Website

Parks & Braxton specializes in criminal and DUI defense in Miami, Florida. Attorneys Andrew Parks and Michael Braxton bring over 50 years of combined experience. They have successfully defended thousands of cases. The firm is open 24/7 and offers free case evaluations. They focus on protecting clients' rights with aggressive, tailored defense strategies.

Screenshot of the The Criminal Defense Center PA Website

Attorney Mark A. Lefcourt leads Miami Criminal Defense Center, P.A. Contact (305) 567-1011 for help with DUI, drug crimes, license suspension, and other legal issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after an arrest in Miami?

Stay calm and polite with law enforcement. Exercise your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer before answering any questions. Do not discuss your case with anyone — including cellmates or friends. Write down everything you remember about the incident as soon as possible.

What types of cases do Miami criminal defense lawyers handle?

CategoryCommon CasesPotential Sentence
MisdemeanorsDUI, petit theft (under $750)Up to 1 year
Third-Degree FeloniesDrug possession, burglaryUp to 5 years
Serious FeloniesAggravated assault, trafficking10+ years

Most Miami criminal attorneys also defend federal charges, white-collar crimes, and juvenile offenses.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Miami?

Fees depend on case severity, expected trial length, investigation needs, and attorney experience. Many Miami defense attorneys offer free initial consultations. Some work on flat fees for simple cases and hourly rates for complex ones. Always ask about payment plans upfront.

What happens at the first court appearance?

The judge reads the formal charges, sets bail, and gives you the chance to enter a plea. The court also determines if you qualify for a public defender and schedules your next hearing. Having a defense attorney present at this stage can make a difference in bail outcomes.

Can a criminal record be sealed or expunged in Florida?

Eligibility depends on the type of offense, case outcome, prior criminal history, and whether all sentences have been completed. Florida law allows sealing or expungement for many dismissed or withheld-adjudication cases. An experienced attorney can review whether your record qualifies.

What's the difference between a public defender and a private attorney?

Public defenders handle heavy caseloads, which limits the time they can spend on each case. A private criminal defense lawyer typically offers more availability, direct communication, and a defense strategy built around your specific situation. Both are licensed attorneys qualified to represent you in court.

How long do criminal cases take in Miami-Dade County?

Case TypeTypical TimelineKey Factors
Misdemeanor3–6 monthsCourt calendar, evidence
Felony6–12 monthsComplexity, pretrial motions
Complex Cases1+ yearsMultiple charges, expert witnesses

What rights do I have during police questioning?

You have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and protection against illegal searches. You can stop questioning at any time. If officers violate these rights, any evidence they collect may be thrown out in court.

How can a criminal defense attorney help my case?

A defense lawyer reviews evidence, files motions to suppress illegally obtained proof, negotiates with prosecutors, and builds a trial strategy. They can also pursue alternatives like diversion programs, reduced charges, or plea agreements that avoid jail time.

What should I look for in a plea deal?

Review whether the deal includes charge reductions, probation terms, and future record-sealing options. Ask your attorney about immigration consequences if you are not a U.S. citizen. Never accept a plea without understanding the long-term effects on your record and rights.

How do bail bonds work in Miami-Dade County?

Bond TypePaymentDetails
Cash Bond100% of bail amountRefundable after case concludes
Surety Bond10–15% fee to bondsmanNon-refundable
Property BondProperty as collateralRequires proof of equity

A defense attorney can argue for lower bail or release on your own recognizance at the bond hearing.

How can constitutional violations affect a criminal case?

If police conducted an illegal search, failed to read Miranda rights, or violated due process, a judge may suppress the evidence. This can lead to reduced charges, case dismissal, or grounds for appeal after conviction.

What are common defenses for drug possession charges in Florida?

Defense strategies often challenge search warrant validity, chain of custody errors, or lab testing accuracy. Attorneys may also argue constructive possession — meaning the drugs were not in your direct control. Florida courts sometimes allow diversion into treatment programs for first-time offenders.

How does juvenile court differ from adult court in Florida?

AspectJuvenile CourtAdult Court
FocusRehabilitationPunishment
RecordsUsually sealedPublic record
SentencingMore flexible optionsStricter guidelines

Juvenile cases emphasize treatment and education over incarceration. However, serious offenses can still result in a transfer to adult court.