Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, or are under investigation by either state or federal authorities in a criminal case, it is imperative that you protect your rights and freedoms with the help of a Miami criminal defense attorney and former Miami-Dade Cyber Crime Prosecutor. At Seltzer Law, PA, we have served the Miami area for years, and have a reputation throughout the courts in the area as a high quality defense law firm. Our lead Miami criminal attorney offers services to those in the area that have gotten caught in the criminal justice system and are accused of a crime.

Areas of Practice

Aggravated Battery
A felony charge of aggravated battery could be filed in cases in which there was use of a deadly weapon, when a pregnant woman was the alleged victim, or in cases in which intentionally touching another person has led to permanent disfigurement, disability or severe bodily harm.

Arson
If you are accused of damaging property by setting a fire or an explosion either willfully or during the commission of another felony offense, you could be facing charges of arson. Arson can be filed either in state or federal court, depending upon the location of the fire or explosion. If someone was injured in the incident, the situation can be even more dangerous legally.

Assault
If you are accused of assault, you could be facing either misdemeanor or felony charges. This is one of the most commonly filed criminal offenses, and can be the result of an accusation from another person that is exaggerated, untrue, or there were mitigating circumstances.

Battery
If you are accused of battery, you could be dealing with either misdemeanor or felony charges. The penalties range from a potential of 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine through to up to 15 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. How your case is defended can have a significant impact on whether you are found not guilty, have a reduced charge, or even have your case fully dismissed.

Burglary
Charges of burglary can be filed in a situation in which an individual entered any structure with the intention of commitment a crime. The pivotal point of any case of burglary is for the prosecutor to prove (beyond a reasonable doubt) that there was a criminal intent.

Computer Crimes
Whether you are facing charges of hacking, cracking, or engaging in illegal activities with the use of a computer, smart phone or other electronic device, the penalties imposed in a conviction can be very severe. There is a huge increase in federal and state task forces that are focused on identifying those involved in cyber crime.

Criminal Mischief
Charges of criminal mischief are filed when it is believed that a person intentionally damaged the property of another person. The charge can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony, based upon the cost of the damage in the case.

Disorderly Conduct
When law enforcement is looking for a "catch-all" crime, disorderly conduct often serves. The charge can be filed for a wide range of actions, and are based upon the effect the actions had on other people, either by offending them, disturbing them, or even "corrupting the public morals."

DUI
Florida state lawmakers have passed statutes that heavily punish those who are convicted of DUI offenses, whether involving alcohol or drug intoxication. A conviction can lead to expensive fines, community service, probation for up to a year, jail time that can range from 8 hours to six months, as well as vehicle impoundment and driver's license revocation.

Driving While License Suspended
If you are caught operating a vehicle while your license is suspended, has been revoked, cancelled or has been disqualified, the repercussions can be very serious. For certain offenses, the charge can be a felony, while in others it could be a minor legal matter that will create difficulties and trouble for you that must be carefully managed by a skilled attorney.

Drug Charges
Controlled substances including marijuana, methamphetamines, ecstasy, heroin, cocaine, as well as illegal prescription drugs are the subject of a wide variety of federal and state drug crimes charges. From misdemeanor marijuana possession to federal drug importation charges, the firm has the experience you need to fight back.

Federal Crimes
It is extremely dangerous to be facing charges in federal court. Generally, the penalties imposed at the federal level are much more severe than state penalties, and the court system is a completely separate system that is manned up by some of the top career prosecutors in the country.

Fraud Crimes
There are many different types of fraud crimes, including credit card fraud, health care fraud, and insurance fraud. No matter what type you have been accused of you will need a sound criminal lawyer on your side to defend your rights.

Immigration
Throughout the Miami area, immigration legal issues continue to plague innocent people who are just trying to live their lives. Violations of federal immigration law can lead to deportation and removal as well as breaking apart families. If you are seeking a visa or have another legal issue involving the USCIS or ICE, our firm can help.

Juvenile Crimes
Unmarried people under the age of 18 that are facing criminal charges could be dealing with a legal problem either in juvenile or adult court, based upon the severity of the crime. Whenever possible, keeping the case in juvenile court is advantageous, as the penalties are less severe, and the focus is on rehabilitation more than punishment.

Murder (Homicide)
The taking of the life of another person is one of the most serious of all criminal charges. Homicide or murder, or attempted murder, are all felony accusations that can carry penalties that range into decades in state prison. For capital murder charges, the threat of execution is very real.

Probation Violations
When you have probation as part of a sentence, it is expected that you will carefully adhere to all the terms. If you fail to do so, either by not paying a fine in a timely manner, not attending mandated treatment classes, fail to report to a probation officer, or being charged with another offense, you could face serious repercussions including immediate incarceration.

Robbery
Under state law, you do not have the right to take something from another person against their will. Robbery involves taking money or possessions from another person, and includes the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive that individual of their property. The crime also includes the use of force or the threat of harm.

Stolen Property
If you are accused of possessing stolen property, you could face some very serious legal repercussions. If the prosecutor successfully presents a case that you "reasonably should know" that the property was stolen before you came into possession of it, you can face a long prison sentence in many cases.

Tax Evasion
It is a serious matter if you are facing federal tax evasion charges. The federal government comes down heavily on those that they believe are failing to be honest with regard to their income, assets or other tax related issues. These legal problems must be addressed with the highest level of skill.

Theft
Whether you are facing charges of shoplifting, credit card fraud, embezzlement, robbery, dishonest investment schemes, insurance fraud or other theft related crime, you need to take action to defend against charges in court. The penalties will vary, based upon value of the goods involved, and whether the charges were filed in state or federal court.

Weapons and Firearm Charges
The state of Florida has some of the heaviest punishments for weapons and firearm charges in the country. Charges range from possession of a firearm without a license, a felon in possession of a weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, or acts involved in buying, selling or modifying guns, among others.