Languages

• English
• Spanish

Law Firm Overview

As a former Assistant Federal Public Defender and a former Assistant State Attorney, I have specialized as both an advocate for the State of Florida and those indigents accused of criminal acts in the Federal system. Prior to that time I was in private practice in the Fort Lauderdale area for eight years. For over twenty years, I have represented defendants from organized crime to driving while intoxicated, from major drugs importation to white collar crimes to grand jury work to money laundering. I have represented all manner of defendants from presidents and CEO's of security companies to "Latin Kings," from major construction bosses to native Colombians charged with importing tons of Cocaine. I was the only criminal defense attorney initially selected by the Judicial Selection Committee in the Fort Myers area to be a finalist for a United States Judgeship position in the Middle District of Florida.

I do only criminal work, I do not take on any additional work in any other field of law. I am committed to doing what is necessary to assist my clients in obtaining their objectives in any criminal matter. I realize for the most part, my clients are intimidated by the machinery of the Judicial system especially in Federal Court. My goal is to to provide guidance through what is essentially a critical portion of any persons life. I am sensitive to the needs of my clients and I attempt to provide them with the best course of action through a careful analysis of the law, the factual pattern of the case and the context of the charges against my client, keeping in mind their needs, their goals, and their abilities.

In the last three years since leaving the Federal Public Defender Office, I have re-entered the State System and have represented Clients from first degree felonies to misdemeanors. I have represented juveniles in court and dealt with the juvenile justice system. All the while, I have still maintained a substantial portion of my case load in Federal Court.

Areas of Practice

• Criminal Law 100%
• DUI/DWI
• Domestic Violence
• Drugs and Conspiracy Charges
• Federal Criminal Law
• Florida Probation Violations
• Fraud and Theft
• Sex Crimes and Pornography
• Traffic Violations
• Violent Crimes and Weapons Charges
• White Collar Crimes
• Assault And Battery And White Collar: Bank Fraud
• Child Porn
• Drug Possession
• Drug Trafficking
• DUI Manslaughter
• Grow Houses Violent Crimes
• Homicide
• Medicare Fraud
• Mortgage Fraud
• Sex Crimes And Pornography
• Sexual Battery
• Tax Fraud
• Theft

Honors and Awards

• Federal Appellate Criminal Law & Habeas Corpvs
• State of Florida Appellate Practice and 3.850 Motions
• Qualified as Expert in Court in State of Florida Criminal Law

West Practice Categories

RICO Act, Banking & Finance Law, Criminal Law, Criminal Fraud, DUI/DWI, Drug Violations, Federal, Felonies, Juvenile Crimes, Misdemeanor, Parole & Probation, Sex Offenses, Traffic Violations, White Collar Crimes, Domestic Violence & Neglect, Medicare & Medicaid, Real Estate Law, Taxation Law