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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 attorney in Miami led by Julian Stroleny, a former Assistant State Attorney. He grew up in Coconut Grove and now practices from an office near the downtown courthouses.

The practice covers DUI, drug crimes, assault and battery, sex offenses, and federal charges. It also handles probation violations and record expungement.

Recent outcomes include dismissals in second-degree murder, DUI, and resisting arrest cases. The firm has collected more than 400 positive client reviews and takes calls around the clock.

Stroleny also funds the Defenders of Justice Scholarship, awarding $1,000 each semester to students headed for careers in criminal law.

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

Thirty years in Miami-Dade courtrooms sit behind David M. Edelstein, PA, also known as The Edelstein Firm. Edelstein is a former Miami-Dade Assistant Public Defender and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

The office takes only criminal cases, in both state and federal court. Its attorneys appear regularly at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building and the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center.

Practice areas run from petit theft and shoplifting to drug trafficking, health care fraud, and wire fraud. Reported results include dismissed domestic battery charges and a not-guilty verdict at a grand theft trial.

The firm has built pages specifically for tourists, students, professionals, and non-U.S. citizens, since a conviction carries different stakes for each.

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

Michael Mirer prosecuted cases for Miami-Dade before he started defending them. As an Assistant State Attorney he was assigned to the Career Criminal Robbery Unit. He has since tried more than 100 cases as a defense lawyer in Miami.

His office handles drug charges, domestic violence, theft, sex crimes, DUI, and federal matters including RICO and insider trading. Juvenile court cases are part of the mix too.

Mirer has been named to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers list and recognized by Super Lawyers. Client reviews describe dismissed cases and avoided convictions.

Spanish-language pages cover the firm's main practice areas, and the phone line is staffed at all hours.

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

Both founding partners at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. are former Florida state prosecutors. Brett Schwartz and John Hager bring more than 50 years of combined experience to the defense side.

Cases range from disorderly conduct to homicide, cryptocurrency fraud, and Title IX matters. Recent results include dismissals in aggravated battery, domestic abuse, and grand theft cases.

Super Lawyers has recognized the firm every year since 2016. Clients get partners' direct cell numbers, plus payment plans and a free initial consultation.

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

More than 10,000 cases have moved through Beckham Law Firm, including over 5,000 criminal and 3,000 DUI matters that ended in dismissal. The Coral Way office reports a success rate above 90 percent.

Justin Beckham is a fourth-generation attorney and former Miami-Dade felony and DUI public defender. George Pallas has 35 years in Miami courtrooms, and two colleagues are former county prosecutors.

DUI work runs deep here: aggravated DUI, drug DUI, BUI, CDL cases, and DUI manslaughter. Federal exposure such as PPP loan fraud and asset forfeiture is also covered. Se habla español.

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

Few Miami practices handle traffic tickets exclusively. TicketFit does, covering speeding, red light camera citations, careless driving, stop sign violations, and improper backing.

The firm offers a no-points money-back guarantee on most tickets and appears in court so clients do not have to. Suspended license and criminal traffic violations are handled as well.

Coverage extends across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. The team also works in Spanish.

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

Albert M. Quirantes has been licensed in Florida since 1988 and has represented more than 8,000 clients. His firm was formerly known as the Ticket Law Center.

Charges handled include gun crimes, domestic violence, drug offenses, homicide, Medicaid fraud, and deportable convictions. Immigration and personal injury matters round out the practice.

Attorney Quirantes appears regularly on Spanish-language radio and television in South Florida, and handles high-profile matters in English and Spanish. The office quotes flat fees with payment plans.

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

Working out of Coral Gables, Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A. fields three trial partners with more than 50 years of combined courtroom time and over 100 trials behind them.

The firm covers asset forfeitures, extradition, military law, public corruption, and post-conviction relief alongside standard state charges. One road rage case ended in immunity and dismissal under Florida's stand your ground statute.

The attorneys have appeared on CBS, NBC, Fox News, A&E, and Telemundo.

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

Jason Pensky and Philip Kim run a North Miami practice that splits its time between criminal court and civil disputes. Their published case list runs to hundreds of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach outcomes.

Criminal work covers battery, theft, drug possession, DUI, arson, and stalking, plus sealing and expunging records. On the civil side, the office handles evictions, unlawful detainers, ejectments, and security deposit disputes.

Personal injury and name change matters are also taken. The attorneys speak Spanish and are reachable at any hour.

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

Board certification in Criminal Trial Law sets Thomas Mote apart from most South Florida defense counsel. He is a former public defender with 20 years of jury trial experience and was named Public Defender Advocate of the Year.

Mote is licensed in Florida, California, New York, Texas, and the U.S. District Court of Puerto Rico. He works in English and Spanish.

Beyond criminal charges, the office takes immigration bond hearings, habeas petitions, asylum claims, family law, and injury claims. The firm has served South Florida since 2005.

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

Since 1994, Rier Jordan P.A. has focused on complex criminal cases, post-conviction appeals, and family law. Andrew Rier and Jonathan Jordan lead a team of eight attorneys.

Case results include dismissals and not-guilty verdicts on first-degree murder counts, one won on a stand your ground motion. Local news outlets have covered several of these acquittals, and a client's trial appeared on A&E.

The family law side takes divorce, custody, alimony, and paternity, including cases involving professional athletes. Staff also speak Spanish and Creole.

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

In 2016, Evan Hoffman found a defect in a South Florida breath test machine that had produced more than 50 wrongful convictions. His client's charges were dropped and Channel 10 covered the story.

Hoffman spent time as an Assistant State Prosecutor in Broward County and has more than 25 years in criminal cases. His firm has served Miami-Dade and Broward since 1998.

Charges handled include violent crimes, gun offenses, DUI, and federal matters. Offices sit in North Miami, downtown Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.

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

Paul Petruzzi has spent more than 30 years defending clients in Florida state court and the Southern District of Florida. His caseload leans toward high-exposure federal matters.

The office handles RICO and conspiracy charges, money laundering, bank and wire fraud, computer crimes, and drug trafficking. Asset forfeitures, appeals, and international extraditions are also part of the work.

Petruzzi's cases have been covered by Forbes, the Miami Herald, Reuters, and Law360.

Screenshot of the Valiente Law, P.A. Website
4300 Biscayne Blvd Suite 101, Miami, FL 33137, USA

Antonio Valiente started out as a public defender and now runs a boutique practice on Biscayne Boulevard. Recent wins include a not-guilty verdict on attempted first-degree murder and a granted suppression motion that ended a fentanyl trafficking case carrying a 25-year minimum.

The firm defends weapons charges, theft, sex crimes, and juvenile matters, and it is one of the few Miami offices with a drone law practice. Consultations are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

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

Russell Spatz has practiced for more than 40 years and served as a prosecutor and division chief in the Miami-Dade State Attorney's office. He also teaches as an adjunct law professor.

The Florida Bar recognized his 50 years of membership in 2025. His South Dixie Highway office takes criminal cases from traffic offenses to murder, plus divorce, custody, and record sealing.

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

Andrew Parks and Michael Braxton have over 60 years of combined DUI defense experience, and they handle cases themselves rather than passing them to associates. The firm is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has published a book on Florida DUI strategy.

Recent results include DUI charges dropped outright and reduced to reckless driving. Lines stay open nights, weekends, and holidays.

Screenshot of the The Criminal Defense Center PA Website

Mark Lefcourt has defended criminal cases from Coconut Grove for 3 decades. His practice includes an unusual niche: reopening closed cases so clients can avoid immigration consequences.

Other work covers DUI, drug possession, domestic violence, suspended license hearings, and defense of college students facing school discipline alongside charges.

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.