Palmetto Bay Criminal Lawyers

Trial lawyer for 34 years. Extensive experience in complex criminal and civil forfeiture cases. Tried numerous jury trials in federal and state courts, primarily complex felonies ranging from first-degree murder to multi-billion dollar money laundering and continuing criminal enterprise cases. Argued appeals before four federal circuit courts, intermediate state appellate courts and the Florida Supreme Court. Member of defense team that won acquittals in the largest drug trafficking case in U.S. history. Member, Florida Bar Sections: Criminal Law.

Attorney Jason M. Melton, is a founding partner of Whittel & Melton. As a former state prosecutor, he continues fighting for victims bringing in some of the largest single event results in Central Florida. Jason is a lifetime member of the Multi-Million and Million Dollar Advocates Forum, AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and continues to be listed among SuperLawyers in Florida by Thomson Reuters. He is a Founding Member of the National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, and in 2023 was named President. Attorney Melton is dedicated to providing clients with personalized, high-quality representation. We handle Auto Accidents, Slip and Fall, Injury, Nursing...

Rob Andretz is passionate about helping his clients. Rob has had the honor and privilege of being licensed to practice law since 2003, and he is happy to put his education and experience in the fields of law, biology, and psychology to work for health professionals in need of his help. Rob enjoys being able to be a light in the darkness for those who are facing some of the toughest challenges of their lives.

Rob primarily devotes his time to helping health professionals accused of violating state and federal laws in criminal cases in state and federal courts throughout the...

John S. Hager, Esq., a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founding partner of Hager & Schwartz, P.A., offers unparalleled legal representation across Miami, Broward, and Volusia Counties. With a legal career that began in prosecution, Hager brings a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system to his defense strategies. His experience encompasses thousands of cases, including high-stakes felonies, securing his reputation for excellence in the courtroom. A University of Florida alumnus with a Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University, Hager is deeply committed to defending the rights of those accused of crimes. His memberships in prestigious legal associations, alongside multiple...

Jonathan Blecher has defended over 5,000 DUI and Criminal cases since 1982. Jonathan earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 1978 from the University of Florida, and his Juris Doctor in 1981 from the University of Florida College of Law. A former Assistant State Attorney in Miami, Jonathan is a member of the Florida Bar, and is admitted to practice law before all Florida courts as well as the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth and Eleventh Circuits, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida,...

Mr. Taylor has been certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in criminal trial defense since 1983 and is a veteran of well over 400 felony jury trials. He has represented public entities and figures, as well as private individuals, on matters ranging from driving under the influence to capital murder in state courts and from narcotics to health care fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and securities fraud in federal courts. For over 30 years, Mr. Taylor has been acknowledged by his peers and held the distinction of being rated AV Preeminent (highest for ethical standards and legal...

Stephen S. Stallings is an experienced trial lawyer with over two decades of public and private experience providing counsel in False Claims Act/qui tam matters, white collar defense, commercial and securities litigation, FCPA, corporate compliance and internal investigations. He frequently serves as lead trial counsel in complex federal cases.

Mr. Stallings served for over seven years as an Assistant United States Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, where he prosecuted fraud and public corruption matters through investigation, indictment, trial and appeal in the U.S. Attorney's Offices for the Southern District of Florida in Miami and the Western District of...

Brett M. Schwartz, Esq., a leading Miami criminal defense lawyer, is well-known for his expertise and dedication in court. Influenced by his father's work as a defense attorney, Brett has a strong understanding of the legal system. He has worked both as a prosecutor and a defense lawyer, giving him a broad view of criminal cases. His education includes a degree from the University of Miami and a law degree from South Texas College of Law. Brett is highly recognized in his field, with awards like The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 in 2022, Top Attorneys in Florida in 2019,...

David Edelstein is an AV® rated criminal defense attorney representing clients facing criminal charges in both state and federal courts throughout the State of Florida. Mr. Edelstein started his career as a criminal lawyer in Miami at the Miami-Dade County Public Defender's Office and has been in private practice for the past 20 years. He has defended clients facing criminal charges in Florida from Jacksonville to Key West and from Portland, Oregon to New York City. Although he has occasionally represented clients on appeal, Mr. Edelstein spends the majority of his time as a criminal trial attorney.

“Our firm’s criminal...

An experienced trial attorney, Robert Whittel provides his clients with strong, disciplined, results-oriented representation. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. Robert graduated from both law school and the United States Merchant Marine Academy with honors, and served on the esteemed Florida Law Review. Before co-founding Whittel & Melton, a full-service law firm, Robert gained valuable experience in the court room both serving as a former prosecutor and representing large corporations in complex litigation and transactional matters. Robert is devoted to fighting for his clients’ rights. He handles all types of criminal...

Robert S. Reiff is a Florida Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer who has over 40 years of experience representing clients accused of DUI, DUI Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide and other criminal offenses. He has tried over 100 trials in his lengthy career. Named the #1 most successful DUI defense attorney in a Miami Herald study of those who defend alleged DUI offenders. He was also among just six attorneys selected as Super Lawyers in the Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI section in the state of Florida for 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 & 2016. Mr. Reiff is the author of the nationally published book,...

Hailing from Coconut Grove with familial ties reaching back a century, Mr. Stroleny initiated his academic journey at MAST Academy before obtaining his bachelor's degree from Florida International University. Throughout his law school attendance at the same institution, he immersed himself in practical experience at a prominent probate and guardianship law firm, cultivating a steadfast commitment to clients and fervent advocacy. Demonstrating his leadership capabilities, Mr. Stroleny served as class president and later ascended to the position of President of the FIU Trial Team. In a significant milestone in 2012, Mr. Stroleny represented FIU Law at the 16th Annual National...

O'Brien Hatfield, PA is a criminal defense law firm that focuses on nationwide federal criminal defense and statewide criminal defense and criminal appeals. Attorney Mark J. O'Brien is the firm's founder and managing partner. He handles federal criminal cases in federal criminal courts statewide and in federal criminal courts throughout the United States. Formerly a Miami prosecutor, Mark is now widely lauded by federal judges and federal prosecutors as one of the best federal defense attorneys in the country. Mark is so in demand that his office is often an airplane with a WiFi connection. Despite reaching such great heights, Mark...

Ronald W. Chapman is the owner of Chapman Law Group and has been practicing law for over 25 years in Michigan and Florida. He is AV® Rated. Ron is a recognized leader in the legal community and a frequent speaker in the area of medical malpractice and risk management. In 1997 Ron was ranked as one of the top ten speakers for Skillpath, Inc. Ron graduated from California State University, Sacramento (BA, Cum Laude 1979), University of Southern California School of Administration (MPA 1980) and Wayne State Law School (JD 1984). After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the United States Air...

Nichelle Womble loves people and is passionate about advocating for human rights and diligently representing her clients in various kinds of lawsuits. She serves as an Attorney with Counsel in the American Islamic Relations office in Philadelphia, representing clients on criminal, civil rights, and civil law matters with a laudable winning rate. She fiercely fights for justice and equality. As a litigation associate Ms. Womble offers legal advice and handles cases including criminal law/trials, sports/business, civil rights, police brutality, workplace discrimination, wage violations, labor rights violations, sexual assault, unlawful imprisonment, juvenile & family law, student defense/title ix, etc. Prior to attending law...

Jeremy is a native of Tampa, Florida. After graduating from Alonso High School he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of South Florida in 2015. During his college years, Jeremy began focusing on the practice of criminal law while interning at the Hillsborough County Public Defender Office in 2013. After graduating from USF, Jeremy went on to earn his law degree from Florida International University College of Law. During law school, Jeremy interned at the Public Defender Services for Washington DC, and the Miami-Dade Public Defender Office. During these internships, Jeremy advocated for the legal rights of...

Chad Piotrowski – the former dogged Assistant State Attorney for Miami-Dade – opened his private practice: Piotrowski Law, currently located in downtown Miami, Florida in 2010. With an extensive and storied background in prosecuting some of the toughest cases in the criminal circuit court, Piotrowski’s venture revolutionized the methods employed for tactical client representation. Chad began his legal career in Wilmington, Delaware by obtaining his J.D. from Widener University School of Law. Criminal defense came naturally, as evidenced by the Certificate of Achievement he was awarded for academic excellence in an advanced Criminal Procedure course. Piotrowski’s nonpareil desire for excellence has...

Mr. Klemawesch is an experienced and dedicated Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Attorney at Whittel & Melton. He provides comprehensive representation in both State and Federal Courts. Previously, Mr. Klemawesch worked as an Assistant State Attorney in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Pinellas County, Florida. He has extensive jury trial experience in both criminal and civil cases. Mr. Klemawesch is committed to diligent advocacy to protect his clients' rights and interests.

Mr. Klemawesch obtained his B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, and his M.B.A. from the University of South Florida. In 2003, he received his J.D. from the University of Florida....

We are a law firm of aggressive and experienced advocates focusing on complex civil litigation, government regulatory enforcement matters, internal investigations, receiverships, whistleblower representation and white collar criminal defense. Whether it is assisting a whistleblower to report fraud and collect a reward, advising a corporation managing an allegation of wrongdoing, defending an executive accused of fraud, or recovering assets on behalf of fraud victims, our attorneys can help.

I earned a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Geology from The University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN., and received his Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami, FL. While in law school, I received the Best Student in Evidence Award and was Vice President in Evidence Award and was Vice President of the Environmental Law Society.

Prior to becoming a founding partner of our firm, I was an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County, Florida where he had extensive Jury trial experience.

I also practiced in the private sector with several law firms, specializing in Family Law, Criminal...

Prior to joining Whittel & Melton, Mr. Sheslow served as an Assistant Public Defender in Manatee County, Florida. Mr. Sheslow accumulated an impressive trial record while with the Public Defender’s Office. He was quickly promoted from a Misdemeanor to Felony case load in less than 10 months. Mr. Sheslow has tried over 20 cases ranging from DUIs and Domestic Batteries to life felonies. He has earned acquittals in serious cases such as firearms offenses and sex offenses. Additionally, Mr. Sheslow completed the National Criminal Defense Lawyers College held at Mercer College of Law in Macon, Georgia, where he learned from...

Our firm, Samuel J. Rabin Jr., P.A, is 100% dedicated to criminal defense in both federal and state courts. We have extensive experience and a successful track record in the defense and litigation of numerous types of crimes, including, but not limited to, asset forfeitures, criminal investigations, SEC litigation, domestic crimes, durable medical equipment fraud, grand jury investigations, healthcare fraud, Medicare or Medicaid fraud, pharmacy related fraud, insurance fraud, internet crimes, money laundering, mortgage fraud, narcotics and drug trafficking, public corruption, real estate fraud, RICO racketeering, sentencing hearings and sentencing reductions, tax and securities fraud, and white collar crimes. ...

Julia Kefalinos criminal defense and bankruptcy firm was established in 2006 after 16 years of service to the community as a Miami-Dade County Assistant Public Defender. From 1991-2006 Julia defended thousands of indigent people accused of crimes and unable to hire private lawyers or defend themselves. She vigorously prepared all aspects of their cases from investigation to depositions to trials. She has handled huge caseloads including felonies, traffic cases, juvenile delinquencies and domestic violence matters. Julia particularly enjoyed training new attorneys and she eventually became a lead attorney in a specialized division for 5 years. Of her...

Jerome H. Wolfson was born in Long Branch, New Jersey. He went to Valley Forge Christian College and graduated from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. Mr. Wolfson came to South Florida in 1960 and attended University of Miami Law School, graduating with a law degree in 1963. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida. After law school, he served in the United States Coast Guard and received an Honorable Discharge in 1969. Mr. Wolfson has represented Plaintiffs and Defendants in various areas of the law, including, Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Worker’s Compensation, and Labor Employment....

Founder of boutique law firm practicing in the areas of commercial litigation, shareholders and partnership disputes, trade secrets, non-competes, temporary restraining orders and injunctions, deceptive practices, real estate disputes, criminal defense, family law (including, divorces, domestic violence injunctions, child support, alimony, and paternity), professional malpractice, international litigation and arbitration, administrative and regulatory proceedings, and appeals.

Counselor to corporate clients and individuals in a wide range of transactional, administrative and regulatory matters, including governmental audits, purchase and sale of businesses, real estate closings, corporate governance, personnel and labor issues, employment matters, international trade and business transactions, statutory and regulatory compliance, contract drafting...

The only 4th generation lawyer in Miami, Florida, Justin Beckham dedicates his practice to Criminal Defense, with a specialty in handling DUI cases. He and his law partner, Helmuth Solis, have accounted for over 1000 dismissals in Miami Dade DUI cases since 2012. For this achievement, Super Lawyers chose the attorneys as members for 5 consecutive years, the only lawyers to achieve this distinction as "Rising Stars" at the same firm.

Michael Mirer is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Miami-Dade, Florida. His firm, the Law Office of Michael Mirer, P.A., handles all types of misdemeanor, felony, and federal charges. Michael earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law and was licensed by the Florida State Bar in 1997. Michael served as a Miami-Dade County Assistant State Attorney before entering into private practice. His experience on both sides of the courtroom helps him build comprehensive defenses and seek the best possible results for each client. Michael has defended a number of high profile cases...

Drew McLaughlin is a dedicated attorney who represents those facing criminal charges and others seeking help through personal injury claims in South Florida. McLaughlin serves clients throughout Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties as an attorney with McLaughlin Morris, P.A., the firm he co-founded in 2014. McLaughlin attended Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, where he received a bachelors of arts in both history and Spanish, graduating magna cum laude. He then turned his focus to law school at the University of Florida's Levin College of Law, where he earned his start in the legal field as a Certified Legal...

Attorney Ronald J. Manto provides legal representation to his clients in Miami-Dade County and throughout the State of Florida. As a criminal defense trial lawyer with more than 20 years experience, Ronald J. Manto has successfully defended people charged with serious criminal offenses in both State and Federal Courts. If you are charged with a crime, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to seek and experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Jeffrey Morris is an experienced defense attorney and co-founder of McLaughlin Morris, P.A. who serves those facing criminal charges and personal injury matters in Delray Beach, Florida and the surrounding areas. He has a passion for providing each customer with personal care to meets his or her individual needs. With more than a decade of experience as a prosecutor and an attorney, he is able to apply his knowledge of Florida's courtrooms to the challenging situations that his clients face. This dedication to every matter can be seen in his work ethic and educational background. After studying...

Paul Petruzzi is a 23 year veteran criminal defense attorney with a boutique criminal defense lawfirm based in downtown Miami.

Evan Hoffman of The Hoffman Firm has dedicated his professional career to advocating for the rights of individuals across Florida--first as a state prosecutor and now as a skilled criminal defense attorney. Evan Hoffman has over 17 years of complex criminal trial experience. In 1998, Hoffman started his legal career as an Assistant State Prosecutor with the Broward County State Attorney's Office. In this role, Hoffman prosecuted defendants charged with both misdemeanor and felony offenses, including battery, possession of a controlled substance, and driving under the influence (DUI). During his tenure at the State Attorney's Office, Hoffman handled...

After his graduation from American University’s Washington College of Law, Miami attorney Antonio F. Valiente, Esq. began his legal career at the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office. There, he gained valuable insight and extensive experience over the course of six+ years. Between his time at the Public Defender’s Office & since founding Valiente, Carollo & McElligott, PLLC., he’s tried over 50 felony jury trials as lead counsel, dozens of misdemeanor jury trials, taken over one thousand depositions, & dozens of juvenile trials/adjudicatory hearings. Mr. Valiente’s experience encompasses everything from minor traffic-related misdemeanors to serious first-degree murder charges.

Grant Dwyer is a Notre Dame-trained Miami criminal defense attorney. He is a fighter and he knows how to beat your case. If you need to get your loved one out of a Miami jail, call Grant Dwyer Law. He is in court every day and he knows the judges and prosecutors. He knows how to handle your case from the arrest all the way through clearing your name. He is undefeated in front of juries. If you need a Miami criminal lawyer, call for a free consultation. Se habla Español.