Types of Criminal Cases & Charges We Defend in Miami, FL

Over the past two decades, we have defended a wide range of clients in both state and federal criminal charges.  We have also defended hundreds of juveniles in delinquency court. Although there are important differences between juvenile, state, and federal criminal cases, in the end, they all share one defining characteristic: the government accusing someone of a crime.

Criminal Law Cases: What Are They?

Criminal activities constitute an act or omission (failure to act) that a city, county, state, or federal government has decided causes so much harm to the public that a person should be punished if they commit the act or fail to act. Although there are many criminal defense cases that have victims, it is the State of Florida (via the State Attorney’s Office or Statewide Prosecutor or federal government (via the U.S. Attorney’s Office) that prosecutes and punishes offenders. This is because the government is the one that has an interest in deterring the social harm that crime causes to the public at large. On the other hand, wrongs that are civil in nature cause harm to a private individual who then files a suit in court usually seeking financial compensation from the offender. Occasionally, there are overlaps where there are both civil and criminal cases based on the same conduct. The O.J. Simpson case is a good example.

Where Do We Defend Our Clients Against Criminal Charges?

Most alleged criminal activities that we defend relate to laws passed by either the Florida Legislature or U.S. Congress. Most of these state crimes are prosecuted in state courts while violations of laws passed by Congress are prosecuted in federal court. For a detailed explanation of the differences between state and federal cases, please go to the page about federal criminal cases.

Most juvenile cases are prosecuted by the State of Florida and involve prosecutions of children who commit acts defined as crimes when they are under 18 years of age. Although, under certain circumstances, Florida law allows the State Attorney to prosecute juveniles as adults for certain crimes.

Types of Crimes We Defend

Both the State of Florida and the federal government classify offenses into three general categories: felonies, misdemeanors, and noncriminal violations. Felonies and misdemeanors are considered criminal charges while noncriminal violations are not. Although we occasionally will represent someone on a noncriminal violation if it is related to a criminal charge, we largely limit our practice exclusively to criminal defense cases. Both Florida and the federal government further divide felonies and misdemeanors into “degrees” or “classes” which reflect the severity of the types of crimes as well as the punishments. Generally speaking, misdemeanors are a type of crime that is punishable by sentences of a year or less served in county jails or federal detention centers, while felonies are crimes punishable by death or sentences greater than one year that are served in either state or federal prison. Over the years, we have represented thousands of clients in all types of felony and misdemeanor cases.

Regardless of the type of case, we have substantial experience defending clients against allegations that they have committed a crime. When you or a loved one is being prosecuted by the government, you need an experienced defense attorney on your side to protect your freedom and future.

Experience Matters in Criminal Law Cases

By taking the immediate action of hiring an experienced defense lawyer, you are minimizing the chances that your criminal defense case will have lasting consequences for your career, personal life, and reputation.

CALL US NOW for a CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION at (305) 538-4545,  or simply take a moment to fill out our confidential and secure intake form.* The additional details you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry.

*Due to the large number of people who contact us requesting our assistance, it is strongly suggested that you take the time to provide us with specific details regarding your case by filling out our confidential and secure intake form. The additional details you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry in a timely and appropriate manner.

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