Sorry, this content is not available. Check out other listings in this category.

Top Miami Criminal Defense Attorneys

A Miami criminal defense lawyer represents people who have been arrested, charged, or placed under investigation. Common cases involve DUI, drug possession, domestic violence, theft, and federal fraud. Before trial, a lawyer can challenge an illegal stop, attack weak evidence, or push prosecutors to reduce the charge. For most clients, the priority is staying out of jail and keeping a clean record. The attorneys below practice across Miami-Dade, in state court and in federal court downtown.

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.

Leading Miami-Dade Criminal Lawyers for DUI, Drug & Federal Cases

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

Julian Stroleny is a Miami criminal defense lawyer and former Assistant State Attorney. He grew up in Coconut Grove. His defense strategies draw on how prosecutors think.

The firm defends misdemeanor and felony charges, including DUI, drug crimes, sex offenses, and violent crime accusations. Posted results include dismissals in a second-degree murder case and a DUI involving Xanax.

Stroleny offers a free, confidential consultation and is highly reviewed on Google. The firm also funds a scholarship each semester for college students planning careers in criminal law.

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

David Edelstein has defended clients in Miami courts for more than three decades. He began as a Miami-Dade assistant public defender and now holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

His firm, also known as The Edelstein Firm, takes only criminal cases in state and federal court. Its lawyers appear daily at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building and other Miami-Dade courthouses.

The team often represents tourists, students, and non-U.S. citizens after an arrest. Professionals also hire the firm to protect their careers and reputation. Many tourists can resolve their case without flying back to Miami for hearings.

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

Michael Mirer is a criminal defense attorney in Miami who once prosecuted cases for the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office. He served in its Career Criminal Robbery Unit. Over his career, he has tried more than 100 cases.

His office defends clients in state, federal, and juvenile court. Federal work includes bribery, RICO, insider trading, and PPP loan fraud. One notable trial win was a client's acquittal on kidnapping charges.

Mirer has been named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers.

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

Two former Florida state prosecutors, Brett Schwartz and John Hager, lead Hager & Schwartz, P.A. They bring more than 50 years of combined experience from both sides of the courtroom.

The firm takes cases from disorderly conduct to homicide. Its practice also covers cryptocurrency fraud, Title IX matters, and federal investigations. Posted results include dismissed aggravated battery and grand theft charges.

Each client gets the attorneys' personal cell phone numbers. The firm answers calls around the clock, including weekends, and offers payment plans. Guide to Florida named it a 2026 Best of Florida winner for criminal defense.

Screenshot of the Beckham Law Firm Website
2420 Coral Wy, Miami, FL 33145, USA

Beckham Law Firm is a Miami DUI and criminal defense practice whose attorneys were born and raised in the city. The team includes former Miami-Dade prosecutors. Justin K. Beckham, a fourth-generation attorney, previously served as a felony and DUI public defender.

The firm has handled over 10,000 cases. More than 5,000 criminal cases and 3,000 DUI cases have ended in dismissal. Its work runs from airport crimes to federal cyberstalking and IRS violations.

Spanish-speaking clients can discuss their case in their own language.

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

TicketFit focuses on traffic tickets and criminal traffic charges in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Most tickets come with a no-points, money-back guarantee. The lawyer goes to court for the driver, and many tickets get dismissed without traffic school.

Criminal cases include reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident, and bench warrants.

Screenshot of the Albert Quirantes, Esq. Criminal DUI & Ticket Lawyers Website

Albert Quirantes is a bilingual criminal defense attorney licensed in Florida since 1988. More than 8,000 clients have hired him. His experience is his own, not a combined total across several lawyers.

He defends state and federal charges, from gun crimes and domestic violence to Medicare fraud. The firm works on flat, predictable fees. Quirantes appears often on Spanish-language radio and TV in South Florida.

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

From an office in Coral Gables, Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A. defends state and federal cases across Miami-Dade. The three partners have handled more than 100 trials.

In one road rage case, the firm won immunity and a dismissal under Florida's Stand Your Ground law. A&E featured the case. The practice also covers white-collar crime, extradition, and military courts-martial.

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

Pensky & Kim, P.A. is a North Miami law office led by attorneys Jason Pensky and Philip Kim. The firm lists a long record of case results, organized by case number, across the Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach courts. Many are dismissed battery, cannabis, and theft charges.

In addition to criminal defense, the office handles evictions and the sealing or expungement of arrest records.

Screenshot of the Rier Jordan P.A. Website
11900 Biscayne Blvd Ste 510, Miami, FL 33181, USA

Homicide cases are a core part of the work at Rier Jordan P.A., a Miami firm practicing since 1994. Its lawyers have won murder dismissals and jury acquittals. One jury cleared a man charged with shooting at Miami-Dade Police officers.

The team also files criminal appeals and post-conviction motions. A separate group of attorneys handles divorce, custody, and other family law cases.

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

Evan Hoffman is a former Broward County prosecutor who has defended clients in South Florida since 1998. In 2016, he uncovered an error in a DUI breath test machine. The finding revealed over 50 wrongful convictions and led to his client's charges being dropped.

The firm has offices in North Miami, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. It also helps clients restore gun and civil rights.

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

Federal cases make up much of Paul Petruzzi's practice, including RICO, money laundering, and asset forfeiture. With over three decades of experience, he also handles appeals and compassionate release motions.

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

Russell Spatz once served as a prosecutor and division chief at the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office. A Florida Bar member since 1975 and adjunct law professor, he handles criminal and family law cases in South Miami-Dade.

Screenshot of the Parks & Braxton, PA DUI Attorney Miami Website
1041 Ives Dairy Rd #137, Miami, FL 33179, USA

Parks & Braxton, PA is a team of experienced drunk driving defense lawyers in Miami. Partners Andrew Parks and Michael Braxton handle every case, without associates. They also published the book Florida DUI Strategies and Techniques.

Screenshot of the The Criminal Defense Center PA Website

Mark Lefcourt reopens closed criminal cases, often for clients facing immigration problems. From The Criminal Defense Center, P.A. in Coconut Grove, he also defends drug charges and represents college students in trouble with the law.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Miami?

It depends on the charge. Many lawyers quote a flat fee for misdemeanors and first DUI cases. Felonies and federal cases usually cost more because they need investigators, experts, and trial time. Florida Bar rules do not allow contingency fees in criminal cases, so ask for the fee terms in writing.

How long does the state have to file charges in Florida?

Usually one to four years. Under Florida law, prosecutors have 4 years to file charges for a first-degree felony and 3 years for most other felonies. The limit is 2 years for a first-degree misdemeanor and 1 year for a second-degree misdemeanor. Capital felonies, life felonies, and felonies that caused a death can be charged at any time.

How fast must my case go to trial?

The clock starts at the formal charge. Under Florida's speedy trial rule, a misdemeanor must reach trial within 90 days and a felony within 175 days. The rule changed in 2025. A missed deadline now usually leads to dismissal without prejudice, so the state may be able to refile.

What happens to my license after a DUI arrest in Miami?

You have 10 days to act. The arrest starts an administrative license suspension that runs separately from the criminal case. You or your lawyer must request a formal review hearing with the Florida DHSMV within 10 days. If no one asks, the suspension takes effect.

Can first-time offenders avoid a conviction in Miami-Dade?

Sometimes, through diversion. The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office runs a pretrial diversion program for people with no serious criminal record. If you complete the program and remain arrest-free, prosecutors will drop the case. For a first DUI, the Back on Track program may reduce the charge to reckless driving. Finishing it brings a withholding of adjudication.

How does Stand Your Ground work in a Miami case?

It can end the case before trial. Your lawyer files a motion to dismiss, and a judge holds a pretrial immunity hearing. Once the defense makes a basic showing of self-defense, the state must disprove it by clear and convincing evidence. If the judge grants immunity, the charges are dismissed.

Can I seal or expunge a criminal record in Florida?

Often, if you were never convicted. Florida generally allows one sealing or expungement in a lifetime. Dismissed cases and withheld adjudications are the usual candidates. You need a certificate of eligibility from FDLE before the court will act on your petition.

Types of Criminal Cases in Miami-Dade County

DUI. Police run DUI patrols on I-95, the Dolphin Expressway, and around South Beach nightlife. A DUI case has two tracks: the court case and the license suspension. Both need attention in the first days.

Drug Charges. Cases range in weight and charge level, and trafficking counts can carry mandatory prison terms. Many defenses focus on how police found the drugs. An illegal search can get the evidence thrown out.

Domestic Violence and Assault. An arrest often comes with a no-contact order before any court date. Prosecutors decide whether to file, even if the alleged victim wants to drop it. Witness statements and 911 recordings often decide these cases.

Theft and Fraud. Taking property worth $750 or more is generally charged as grand theft, a felony. Miami also sees a steady flow of health care, insurance, and credit card fraud cases. Many of these end up in federal court.

Violent Felonies. Robbery, carjacking, and homicide cases usually go through the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building. These charges carry the longest sentences under Florida law. Self-defense claims can come up early through a Stand Your Ground motion.

Federal Crimes. Federal cases go to the Southern District of Florida, based at the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. U.S. Courthouse downtown. Common charges include drug conspiracy, money laundering, and wire fraud. Sentencing there follows separate guidelines.

Juvenile Cases. Juvenile court focuses more on treatment and education than on punishment. Some serious charges can still be moved to adult court. Early legal help can affect which court hears the case.

How to Choose a Criminal Lawyer in Miami

Match the lawyer to the court. State and federal criminal procedures differ significantly. If agents or a grand jury are involved, look for real federal experience.

Ask who will handle your case. At some firms, the named attorney hands the file to an associate. Ask who will stand next to you at each hearing.

Look for local courtroom time. A lawyer who works in Miami-Dade courts every week knows the judges, the prosecutors, and the local diversion options.

Consider language needs. Many Miami clients and witnesses speak Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Portuguese. A lawyer who speaks your language can explain every step directly.

Think about immigration. For non-citizens, some pleas can lead to deportation. Ask how the lawyer will protect your immigration status before you accept any deal.

What Affects the Outcome of a Criminal Case in Miami

The charge level sets the maximum penalty. In Florida, a third-degree felony carries up to 5 years in prison, and a second-degree felony up to 15 years. A first-degree misdemeanor carries up to 1 year in jail.

Your prior record matters too, because it raises the sentencing score. The strength of the evidence often matters most. Suppressed evidence, unreliable witnesses, or a diversion offer can completely change the result. A local criminal defense attorney can review your case and explain the realistic range of outcomes.

Florida Cities Nearby

Criminal Defense Law Firms in Other Cities