Being charged with any crime is a frightening experience. You need to know your rights under the law and act to protect them immediately- before memories fade, evidence is lost, or witnesses disappear. Don't wait to get help. The longer your criminal defense attorney has before trial, the better and stronger your defense can be.

Mr. Edelstein is a former criminal attorney with the Miami-Dade County Public Defender who devotes his practice exclusively to criminal defense in Miami, Florida with a strong emphasis on the trial phase of legal advocacy. During his career as a private criminal defense lawyer, he has handled and tried a wide range of criminal cases in Miami, as well as other jurisdictions in Florida. His trial experience, along with a personal commitment to his clients, combine to offer the prospective client competent representation in a supportive, hands-on environment. As a criminal defense lawyer, his philosophy is grounded in the strong belief that his clients should be fully informed about every aspect of their case as it progresses.

Mr. Edelstein looks forward to each new case as a fresh challenge to succeed. Call him today for a free consultation at (305) 538-4545 or visit his website by clicking here.

Federal Crimes

In the United States a federal crime or federal offense is a crime that is either made illegal by U.S. federal law or a crime that occurs on U.S. federal property. Federal offenses can include: antitrust violations, drug trafficking, criminal enterprises, immigration offenses, computer and internet fraud, credit card fraud, extortion, wire fraud, phone and telemarketing fraud, bankruptcy fraud, healthcare fraud, environmental law violations, insurance fraud, mail fraud, government fraud, tax evasion, bankruptcy fraud, financial fraud, securities fraud, insider trading, alien smuggling, perjury, false statement, drug offenses, bribery, kickbacks, counterfeiting, public corruption, money laundering,embezzlement, economic espionage and trade secret theft.

Federal criminal law and procedure differ from Florida's state court system. First, the U.S. Attorney (not the State Attorney) prosecutes federal crimes. These crimes are investigated by any of the federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), the Secret Service, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, and others. Additionally, if convicted, a defendant will be sentenced to custody of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (not the state Department of Corrections)

In contrast to Florida state criminal cases, most federal cases begin with a federal agent contacting the defendant to conduct a voluntary interview. Unfortunately, either through fear or ignorance, most defendants proceed to speak with the agent without consulting with a criminal defense attorney. This is almost always a mistake. If you or someone you love has been approached by a federal agent, contact Miami criminal lawyer David Edelstein immediately for a legal consultation: (305) 538-4545.

State Crimes

If you have been arrested or are under investigation by a local police department in Miami or another city in Florida, you will most likely be prosecuted in a state court. State crimes are violations of state and local statutes or ordinances. They are prosecuted in either county or circuit courts in the county in which the charges are filed, by the state attorney. In some cases, early intervention by an experienced criminal defense attorney can even avoid an arrest and/or prosecution.  Typical examples of Florida state crimes handled by Mr. Edelstein include:

* Drug Cases
* Trafficking of Drugs
* Sale of Drugs
* Manufacture of Drugs
* Delivery of Drugs
* Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
* Disorderly Conduct
* Disorderly Intoxication
* Obstruction of Justice
* Resisting Without Violence
* Trespass
* Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
* Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
* Reckless Driving
* Driver License Offenses
* Possession of a Fraudulent or Stolen Driver License
* Driving with a Suspended License (DWLS)
* Fleeing and Eluding
* Grand Theft
* Dealing in Stolen Property
* Petit Theft
* Shoplifting
* Indecent Exposure / Lewd and Lascivious Conduct
* Probation Violations / Community Control Violations
* Seal and Expunge Records
* Fraud Offenses
* Credit Card Fraud
* Insurance Fraud
* RICO
* Organized Fraud
* Stalking / Aggravated Stalking
* Assault and Battery / Domestic Violence
* Aggravated Battery / Aggravated Assault
* Weapons Offenses / Concealed Firearm / Deadly Missile
* Forgery and Counterfeiting Offenses
* Uttering a Forged Instrument
* Check Offenses (Worthless Check)
* Burglary of a Dwelling / Conveyance / Structure
* Possession of Burglary Tools
* Robbery / Armed Robbery
* Prostitution Offenses / Soliciting
* Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer
* Resisting With Violence
* Tampering / Witness / Evidence
* Practicing Medicine without a License
* Practicing Dentistry without a License
* False Report of a Crime
* Loitering and Prowling
* Criminal Mischief
* Accessory / Attempt / Solicitation / Conspiracy
* False Imprisonment / Kidnapping
* Homicide
* Sexual Battery
* Child Abuse / Child Neglect

Office Hours

Our office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (E.S.T.) Monday through Friday, by appointment only.

We may be reached at (305) 538-4545.

Our after-hours number remains the same and is available for all urgent matters.

To better serve you our staff is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Location

Our main office is located on the 20th floor of the Mellon Financial Center in the heart of Brickell Avenue, just behind the J.W. Marriott (Click here for directions.) .  Our Miami Beach satellite office  (by appointment only) is located in the Thyssen Building, 1000 5th Street, Suite 200.

Fees

The initial consultation is free of charge.

Our fees are competitive. Where warranted, we will consider our client's financial situation and fashion a payment arrangement that is fair to all.

All major credit cards are accepted.

The hiring of a  Miami criminal lawyer   is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a Miami criminal defense attorney / client relationship.