10 Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Miami, FL

Facing criminal charges in Miami means navigating one of the busiest court systems in Florida, with cases moving through the Miami-Dade County Criminal Justice Center or, for federal matters, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Whether the charge is a state misdemeanor or a complex federal white-collar case, the attorney you choose can shape everything from bond conditions to the final outcome.

Below is a look at ten Miami-based criminal defense firms, along with what’s publicly documented about each.

1. Jeffrey S. Weiner, P.A.

• Attorneys: Jeffrey S. Weiner (Founder), Diego Weiner, Yisel Villar
• In Practice: Since 1974 (50+ years)
• Headquarters: Two Datran Center, Suite 1910, 9130 South Dadeland Boulevard, Miami, FL 33156
• Phone: (305) 670-9919
• Website: jeffweiner.com
• Practice Areas: Federal Criminal Defense, State Criminal Defense, International Criminal Defense, Professional License Defense, White Collar Crime, Sex Crimes, Drug Crimes
• Firm Size: Boutique (4 attorneys)

About the Firm: Jeffrey Weiner has practiced criminal defense in Miami since 1974 and is a Board-Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer who has argued cases in more than 25 states and before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Florida Supreme Court, and numerous federal appellate courts. He is a former president of both the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and he holds an Avvo 10.0 rating along with an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. The firm handles federal, state, and international criminal matters, with case results including dismissed felonies, a reversed federal sentence, and a grand jury investigation that closed without indictment, and it also maintains a niche practice defending college students and professionals facing license-threatening charges.

2. Law Offices of Barry M. Wax

• Attorney: Barry M. Wax (Founder)
• In Practice: Since 1985 (40+ years)
• Headquarters: 701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1550, Miami, FL 33131
• Phone: (305) 373-4400
• Website: barrywax.com
• Practice Areas: Federal Criminal Defense, White Collar Crime, Healthcare & Medicare Fraud, Money Laundering, Drug Trafficking, Sex Crimes
• Firm Size: Solo practice

About the Firm: Barry Wax has practiced criminal defense in state and federal courts nationwide since 1985, building a career centered on complex white-collar and healthcare fraud cases, drug trafficking, and money laundering charges. As a solo practitioner, Wax markets direct, personal attention to each client, noting on his site that clients speak with him rather than being routed through a larger staff. He represents clients not just in Miami but throughout Florida and across the country in federal matters, and his practice spans the full range of federal criminal defense, from bank fraud and bribery to firearms charges and forfeiture proceedings.

3. The Kirlew Law Firm, PLLC

• Attorneys: Brian Kirlew (Founding Partner), Heidi S. Kirlew
• Founded: 2012
• Headquarters: 2103 Coral Way, Suite 401, Miami, FL 33145
• Phone: (305) 521-0484
• Website: kirlewlawfirm.com
• Practice Areas: White Collar & Federal Defense, Criminal Defense, Family Law, Drug Crimes, DUI, RICO
• Firm Size: Boutique, with a satellite office in Fort Lauderdale

About the Firm: Brian Kirlew is a Board Certified Trial Lawyer who has handled more than 5,000 white-collar and criminal cases and tried 80 jury trials over his career, and the firm markets a one-lawyer, personal-handling approach rather than a high-volume model. Kirlew carries an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized by Super Lawyers since 2016, with case results including an 8-count federal indictment resolved favorably and a pre-indictment intervention that closed a RICO grand jury investigation without any charges filed. The firm also maintains a family law practice led by partner Heidi Kirlew, which can be useful for clients whose criminal matter, such as a domestic violence charge, intersects with a custody or divorce case.

4. Stroleny Law, P.A.

• Attorney: Julian Stroleny (Founder)
• Headquarters: 66 W. Flagler Street, Suite 1005, Miami, FL 33130
• Phone: (305) 615-1285
• Website: strolenylaw.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, White Collar Crime, Drug Crimes, Theft, Expungement
• Firm Size: Solo practice

About the Firm: Julian Stroleny grew up in Coconut Grove and built his practice around serving as a former state prosecutor turned defense attorney, a background the firm highlights as giving clients insight into how the opposing side builds a case. Stroleny has received Avvo’s Client’s Choice Award multiple years running and carries a “Superb” Avvo rating, and the firm’s site notes it has helped secure dismissals or reduced charges for hundreds of clients. The practice is available 24/7 for consultations and handles a broad range of Miami-Dade criminal matters, with particular attention to DUI defense and expungement of past criminal records.

5. Hager & Schwartz, P.A.

• Attorneys: Brett M. Schwartz, John S. Hager (Founding Partners)
• Founded: 2003
• Headquarters: 555 N.E. 15th Street, Penthouse A, Miami, FL 33132
• Phone: (305) 330-1360
• Website: defendyourcase.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI, Drug Crimes, Homicide, Federal Charges, Fraud
• Firm Size: Boutique (2 attorneys)

About the Firm: Brett Schwartz and John Hager founded their firm in 2003 after each serving as state prosecutors, Schwartz in Miami-Dade and Hager in Broward County, giving the practice more than 50 years of combined experience on both sides of the courtroom. The firm has been recognized by Super Lawyers since 2017 and handles the full range of Miami-Dade criminal matters, from DUI and drug crimes to homicide and federal fraud charges, with payment plans available for clients concerned about cost. The firm is available 24/7 for consultations and represents clients throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Volusia counties.

6. Ratzan & Faccidomo, LLC

• Attorneys: Mycki L. Ratzan, Jude M. Faccidomo (Founding Partners)
• Founded: 2013
• Headquarters: 2850 Tigertail Avenue, Suite 400, Miami, FL 33133
• Phone: (305) 600-3519
• Website: rflawgroup.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, White Collar Crime, DUI/DWI, Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes, Defense of College Students & Professionals
• Firm Size: Boutique (2 attorneys)

About the Firm: Jude Faccidomo, a former Assistant Public Defender who later spent five years handling complex litigation at Jeffrey S. Weiner, P.A., partnered with Mycki Ratzan in 2013 to found what quickly grew into one of the more prominent boutique criminal defense firms in the Miami area. Faccidomo has served as president of both the Miami chapter and the statewide Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and he currently chairs The Florida Bar’s Criminal Procedure Rules Committee. The firm handles a wide range of state and federal criminal matters, with a notable specialty representing college students and licensed professionals whose criminal charges could also threaten their academic standing or professional license.

7. Hubbs Law, P.A.

• Attorneys: E.J. Hubbs, Erika Hubbs (Founders)
• Headquarters: 5975 Sunset Drive, #502, South Miami, FL 33143
• Phone: (305) 570-4802
• Website: hubbslawfirm.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, Domestic Violence, DUI, Property Crimes, Sex Crimes, Immigration
• Firm Size: Boutique

About the Firm: E.J. and Erika Hubbs both previously served as prosecutors at the State Attorney’s Office before founding their South Miami-based defense practice, bringing firsthand insight into how the local prosecution builds and evaluates cases. The firm holds an Avvo 10 rating and an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and its attorneys have been named to Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Hubbs Law handles criminal matters throughout Miami-Dade County, including Miami Gardens, Hialeah, Kendall, and Doral, and it also maintains an immigration practice, which can matter for non-citizen clients whose criminal case could carry immigration consequences.

8. Law Office of Michael Mirer, P.A.

• Attorney: Michael Mirer (Founder)
• Founded: 2000
• Headquarters: 100 North Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 1300, Miami, FL 33132
• Phone: (305) 570-4161
• Website: mirerlaw.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Federal Crime, Violent Crime, White Collar Crime, DUI/DWI, Sex Crimes
• Firm Size: Boutique, with additional offices in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach

About the Firm: Michael Mirer founded his practice in 2000 after serving as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County, where he was appointed to the Career Criminal Robbery Unit before moving to defense work. He has been named to the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers and has been featured as a legal commentator by MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, and the Miami Herald. Mirer’s firm handles a wide range of Miami-Dade criminal matters, including federal crimes, violent crimes, and DUI/DWI cases, and it offers free, 24/7 consultations for prospective clients evaluating their case.

9. David M. Edelstein, P.A.

• Attorney: David M. Edelstein (Founder)
• In Practice: 30+ years
• Headquarters: Miami, FL (Miami-Dade County)
• Website: miami-criminal-lawyer.net
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, Theft, Domestic Violence, State & Federal Cases
• Firm Size: Solo practice

About the Firm: David Edelstein is a former Assistant Public Defender in Miami-Dade County who has spent more than three decades handling state and federal criminal matters, and he carries an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell along with Super Lawyers recognition. As a former board member of the Miami chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Edelstein has deep ties to the local criminal defense community and a close working familiarity with Miami-Dade’s courts and prosecutors. His solo practice handles a broad range of criminal charges, from drug offenses and theft to domestic violence and more serious felony matters, aiming to minimize the long-term impact of a criminal charge on a client’s record and future.

10. Swartz Law Firm

• Attorney: Ken Swartz (Managing Partner)
• In Practice: 30+ years
• Headquarters: Miami, FL
• Phone: (305) 579-9090
• Website: miamicriminaldefenselaw.com
• Practice Areas: Federal Criminal Defense, Fraud, Drug Crimes, Violent Crimes, Sex Crimes, Internet Crimes
• Firm Size: Boutique

About the Firm: Ken Swartz is Board Certified by The Florida Bar as an expert in Criminal Trial Law, one of a limited number of attorneys statewide to hold that credential, and he has tried more than 130 federal jury trials over a 30-year career. His firm handles federal and state criminal matters not just in Miami-Dade but across Broward, West Palm Beach, Monroe, Collier, and Lee counties, as well as cases referred from around the country. Swartz carries a peer-review rating from Martindale-Hubbell for ethical standards and legal ability, along with Super Lawyers recognition, and his practice spans the full spectrum of federal criminal defense, from drug trafficking and fraud to violent and internet-based crimes.

Understanding Miami Criminal Court Procedures

Navigating the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade County requires an understanding of how local criminal proceedings unfold. While every case is unique, standard Miami criminal court procedures generally follow these key stages:

• Arrest and Booking: After being taken into custody, the defendant is booked into a Miami-Dade corrections facility for fingerprinting and processing.
• First Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest, a judge reviews the case for probable cause, informs the defendant of their charges, and determines bond conditions.
• The Pre-File Period: The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office reviews police reports to decide whether to officially file charges, reduce them, or drop them entirely.
• Arraignment: Formal charges are read, and an initial plea (typically “not guilty”) is entered. Having private counsel often waives the defendant’s mandatory physical presence.
• Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Both sides exchange evidence. Florida law uniquely permits defense attorneys to depose police officers and state witnesses, allowing lawyers to file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence.
• Resolution or Trial: Most cases resolve beforehand through plea negotiations or diversion programs. If an agreement isn’t reached, the case proceeds to a bench or jury trial under Florida’s speedy trial timelines.

What to Look for in a Miami Criminal Defense Attorney?

• Local Courtroom Experience: Look for an attorney with a proven track record specifically within the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Miami-Dade County, as familiarity with local judges and prosecutors can significantly impact case strategy.
• Specialization in Your Charge: Ensure the lawyer has direct experience handling your specific type of case, whether it is a state DUI, a federal white-collar crime, or drug trafficking.
• Direct Communication and Accessibility: Choose an attorney who offers clear, prompt communication, explains legal strategies in plain English, and ensures you know who is handling your case.
• Transparent Fee Structure: A reputable Miami defense attorney should provide a straightforward, written fee agreement with no hidden costs or vague billing practices.
• Trial Readiness: Even if most cases settle out of court, select an attorney with robust trial experience who is fully prepared to take your case to a jury if a favorable plea deal cannot be reached.

Miami, FL Criminal Defense Resources

• Miami-Dade County Criminal Justice Center: 1351 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33125 – where most Miami-Dade state criminal cases are heard.
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida: 400 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33128 – handles federal criminal cases arising in the Miami area.
• Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts: – case lookup, court dates, and records for Miami-Dade criminal cases.
• The Florida Bar – Find a Lawyer: – verify an attorney’s license status and check for any disciplinary history.
• Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office: Provides court-appointed representation for defendants who qualify financially.
• Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL), Miami-Dade Chapter: A professional association of local defense attorneys, useful for background on an attorney’s standing in the local defense bar.

About This List

The attorneys listed here represent a selection of criminal defense practices operating in Miami, Florida. Details including office locations, phone numbers, and background information are based on publicly available data verified at the time of publication, including each firm’s own website and legal directory listings. Inclusion on this list does not constitute an endorsement or ranking of legal quality. If you’re facing criminal charges, verify current licensing through The Florida Bar and schedule consultations with more than one firm before deciding who to hire. This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice.

FAQs

How much does a criminal defense attorney cost in Miami, FL?

Costs vary significantly depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony, and whether the case is likely to go to trial. Most Miami firms offer a free initial consultation, and several offer payment plans, so it’s worth discussing fees directly before hiring.

Where are criminal cases heard in Miami-Dade County?

Most Miami-Dade state criminal cases are heard at the Miami-Dade County Criminal Justice Center at 1351 NW 12th Street, while federal criminal cases go through the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in downtown Miami.

What’s the difference between a state and a federal criminal charge?

State charges are prosecuted by the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office under Florida law, while federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and generally carry harsher sentencing guidelines. Not every attorney handles both, so it’s worth confirming a firm’s federal court experience if your case could end up there.

Should I talk to police before hiring a criminal defense attorney?

It’s generally advisable to consult an attorney before answering questions or giving a statement, even if you believe you’re innocent, since early statements can sometimes be used against you later in the case. Several firms on this list offer 24/7 consultations specifically so clients can get advice before speaking with investigators.

Can a criminal charge be sealed or expunged in Florida?

Certain criminal records in Florida can be sealed or expunged depending on the type of charge and how the case was resolved, though the rules are specific and not every case qualifies. An attorney can review the details of a case and advise whether sealing or expungement is a realistic option.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or an attorney referral. It is not a ranked or sponsored list, and inclusion does not imply an endorsement by, or affiliation with, any named firm beyond what is stated. Attorney credentials, case results, and contact details change over time; confirm current information directly with each firm before making a hiring decision. Past results described here do not guarantee similar outcomes in any other case.