Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer

Aggressive Attorney Defending Against Criminal Charges in Miami, FL

Being charged with a crime can be difficult for anyone. Whether charges may seem minor or involve serious offenses, and whether you have been arrested for the first time or have a criminal record, you will need to determine what steps to take during your defense. A criminal conviction can lead to jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record that will affect your life in many ways, including what jobs you can work in, your ability to find housing, and your overall reputation. In these situations, it is essential to have strong legal representation so that you can protect your rights and defend against a conviction.

The Miami criminal defense attorney at The Hoffman Firm can provide you with skilled legal advocacy during your criminal case. We can advise you on the best strategies for your specific situation, and we will advocate for you throughout the legal process, helping you minimize the ways your life will be affected and put this difficult experience behind you.

Violent Crime Defense in Miami

Offenses involving violence carry some of the most severe penalties under Florida law. Convictions for violent crimes can result in lengthy prison sentences, including life imprisonment or the death penalty in the most serious cases. Our criminal defense lawyer can examine the evidence and work toward a dismissal, reduction of charges, or acquittal.

Common violent crimes include:

• Assault and Battery: Depending on the allegations and whether a case involved injuries to others, charges may involve simple assault, aggravated assault, battery, or aggravated battery.
• Carjacking: Taking a vehicle from someone by force or threat of violence is a first-degree felony punishable by up to life in prison.
• Kidnapping: Unlawfully restraining or abducting another person can lead to severe felony charges.
• Homicide: Charges following someone's death may range from manslaughter to first-degree murder, with penalties that could include life imprisonment or the death penalty.
• Hate Crimes: If a crime was allegedly motivated by factors such as race, religion, gender, or other protected characteristics, the penalties can be enhanced.
• Domestic Violence: Allegations of abuse against family members, current or former romantic partners, or other people who share a household can lead to orders of protection, loss of gun rights, and serious criminal penalties.

Defense Against Sex Crime Charges

Offenses of a sexual nature will not only carry harsh legal penalties, but accusations can also have lasting social consequences. A sex crime conviction can lead to a lengthy prison sentence and mandatory sex offender registration. Our Miami criminal defense attorney can challenge weak or misleading evidence, expose false accusations, and protect your rights in these situations.

Common sex crime charges include:

• Sexual Assault and Battery: These offenses range from non-consensual touching to forcible rape, and they carry severe penalties.
• Child Pornography: Possession, distribution, or production of explicit visual materials depicting minors can result in significant prison time and lifelong registration as a sex offender.
• Prostitution and Solicitation: Engaging in, promoting, or soliciting sex in exchange for payment can lead to criminal charges and reputational harm.
• Revenge Pornography: Distributing explicit images of another person without their consent is a crime in Florida, and it may be punishable by jail time and fines.

Drug Crime Defense in Miami

Florida enforces strict drug laws, and convictions for drug crimes can result in severe penalties. Our criminal defense lawyer can challenge unlawful searches, question the credibility of informants, and negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options.

Common drug crimes include:

• Drug Possession: Having controlled substances without a prescription can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.
• Possession With Intent to Distribute: If law enforcement believes a person intended to sell or distribute drugs, they may face more serious charges.
• Drug Manufacturing: Producing illegal drugs, such as operating a meth lab or growing marijuana without authorization, can lead to felony charges.
• Drug Trafficking: Transporting or selling large quantities of drugs carries mandatory minimum prison sentences under Florida law.

Gun Crime Defense

In Florida, there are a variety of situations where people may face criminal charges related to firearms or other weapons. Our lawyer can fight to protect Second Amendment rights and defend against gun crimes such as:

• Felon in Possession of a Firearm: Convicted felons or others with legal restrictions may face serious penalties for firearm possession.
• Carrying a Concealed Firearm Without a Permit: Carrying a hidden weapon without proper licensing can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.
• Weapons Trafficking: Importing guns into Florida without authorization, selling guns without the proper licenses, or engaging in "straw purchases" can lead to felony charges.

White Collar Crime Defense

White collar crimes typically involve financial misconduct. Even though these crimes may not involve physical violence, they often carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and large fines. Our attorney can analyze financial records and negotiate favorable plea deals when necessary.

Common white collar crimes include:

• Fraud: Insurance fraud, healthcare fraud, mortgage fraud, and identity theft.
• Embezzlement: The misappropriation of funds by an employee or trustee.
• Money Laundering: Concealing the origins of illegally obtained money.
• Bribery and Corruption: Offering or accepting bribes in exchange for influence or favors.

Federal Crime Defense

Federal crimes are prosecuted by U.S. attorneys, and they often carry harsher penalties than state-level offenses. Our federal criminal defense lawyer can challenge government evidence, negotiate plea agreements, or take cases to trial when necessary.

Examples of federal crimes include:

• Federal drug crimes
• Federal weapons crimes
• Federal white collar crimes
• Federal child pornography charges and other sex crimes
• RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) violations

Additional Criminal Defense Services

Our Miami, FL criminal defense attorney can assist with a variety of legal issues, including:

• Bench Warrants: We can address outstanding warrants to avoid arrest and additional penalties.
• Extradition: We defend people who may face extradition to or from Florida for criminal charges.
• Failure to Appear: We work with clients who have missed court dates to help prevent additional legal consequences.
• Restoration of Civil Rights: We help people with past convictions regain their voting rights and firearm privileges.
• Criminal Appeals: We can work to challenge wrongful convictions and seek to overturn unfair sentences.
• Expungement and Record Sealing: We assist clients in clearing or sealing their criminal records to improve future opportunities.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: We can challenge evidence obtained through unconstitutional law enforcement tactics.
• Juvenile Defense: We represent minors facing criminal charges, helping with alternative rehabilitation options that will limit the ways their lives may be affected.

Contact Our Miami, Florida Criminal Defense Attorney

The Hoffman Firm can provide a strong defense in criminal cases, and we will fight to protect your rights as we work to help you achieve the best possible resolution to your situation. Contact us at 305-249-0090 to set up your free consultation.