Criminal accusations, regardless of the severity, can lead to life-changing consequences. In moments like these, a Miami criminal defense lawyer becomes your strongest ally, fighting to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected. At Rossen Law Firm, we understand the weight criminal charges place on your shoulders. Whether you’re facing charges for a minor offense or something more severe, our team is ready to stand by you and develop the best defense strategy possible. We’ll examine every detail of your case and challenge the evidence against you. The following is a look at some of the many ways we can help defend your freedom.
Cases We Handle
Criminal defense isn’t one-size-fits-all. Someone might face a wide range of criminal charges, each with unique circumstances, penalties, and defense approaches. Here’s a breakdown of some of the many cases we handle.
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes are some of the most challenging cases in criminal defense. The stakes are incredibly high, and the court of public opinion can turn against you before you even have the chance to defend yourself. Charges can range from sexual battery, indecent exposure, and solicitation to more severe accusations such as rape or child pornography. Convictions for these crimes come with lifelong consequences, including mandatory registration as a sex offender, which can limit where you live, work, and travel. The sensitive nature of the allegations makes these cases particularly complex. It’s often a situation of one person’s word against another’s. This is why gathering and preserving evidence is essential. A Miami criminal defense lawyer with Rossen Law Firm can scrutinize the circumstances surrounding your arrest, the validity of the accuser’s claims, and the process law enforcement used during their investigation. False accusations are more common than you might think. Fully exploring your side of the story can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
Getting pulled over for DUI in Miami doesn’t just lead to a night in jail. It can result in the loss of your driver’s license, thousands in fines, skyrocketing insurance premiums, and potentially even jail time. First-time offenders might face lighter penalties, but repeat offenses or DUI with aggravated circumstances (such as driving with a minor in the car or causing an accident) carry much stiffer consequences. In DUI cases, evidence such as field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and police reports play a central role. However, these methods are far from perfect. Did the officer properly administer the sobriety test? A skilled Miami criminal defense lawyer can question these factors, often leading to the reduction or dismissal of charges. We’re not just challenging whether you were under the influence — we’re challenging whether the state can prove it beyond a reasonable doubt.
Drug Crimes
Florida’s stance on drug crimes is tough. Whether you’re caught with a small amount of marijuana or accused of distributing cocaine, the penalties can range from probation to life in prison, depending on the quantity and type of drug. In Miami, charges often involve possession, intent to distribute, manufacturing, and trafficking. A strong defense in drug crime cases starts with examining how the evidence was obtained. Did the police have probable cause to search you or your property? Was the arrest conducted lawfully? Several ways exist to suppress unlawfully gathered evidence, which can lead to reduced charges or even a complete dismissal. In addition, many drug cases hinge on whether the accused intended to distribute or simply possessed the drugs for personal use. This distinction can dramatically affect sentencing, so having a defense attorney who can challenge the prosecution’s narrative is vital.
Robbery
Robbery is a violent crime that involves taking someone else’s property through force or the threat of force. The penalties for robbery in Miami are severe and can include decades in prison if a weapon was involved. However, robbery cases are rarely cut and dry. Your defense can center on whether there was a misunderstanding or misidentification, whether the force element was exaggerated, or even whether you were present at the crime scene. While often used by the prosecution, eyewitness testimony can be unreliable, and a skilled Miami criminal defense attorney knows how to challenge these accounts.
Weapons Crimes
Weapons charges can include unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, or using a firearm in the commission of a crime. Even possessing a firearm while committing another crime can elevate your charges and result in harsher sentencing. In weapons crime cases, defense strategies often involve challenging the prosecution’s ability to prove that you unlawfully possessed the weapon or used it in connection with another crime. We will also examine whether your rights under the Second Amendment were violated, especially if the weapon was discovered during an unlawful search or seizure.
Federal Crimes
Facing federal charges takes things to an entirely different level. These crimes are prosecuted in federal court, often by well-resourced agencies with vast investigative power. Federal crimes can include gun-running, gun trafficking, health care fraud, mail fraud, and other offenses that cross state lines or involve federal statutes. Defending against federal charges requires a detailed approach that addresses the specific legal issues involved and the strict procedures of federal court. In these cases, the stakes are higher, with federal sentencing guidelines often resulting in longer prison terms and fewer opportunities for parole. Federal cases also tend to involve intricate investigations by agencies like the FBI or DEA, meaning evidence can span months or years. A Rossen Law Firm Miami criminal defense lawyer will dig deep into that evidence to find cracks in the government’s case.
White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes are nonviolent offenses often committed in business or financial settings. Although they may seem less serious on the surface, they can carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences and massive fines. We handle cases involving RICO charges, tax fraud, tax evasion, and antitrust violations. These cases frequently involve complex financial records, witness testimony, and vast digital evidence. One key to defending white-collar crime cases is analyzing the prosecution’s narrative and demonstrating alternative explanations for the conduct. Were you a victim of misleading business practices? Was there a misunderstanding about the financial transactions in question? We’ll dig into the details to find inconsistencies in the prosecution’s arguments that can lead to a favorable outcome for you.
Providing A Strong Criminal Defense
The criminal justice system can be daunting, especially if facing it for the first time. From the moment you’re charged, everything about your life feels uncertain. That’s why it’s so important to have a Miami criminal defense lawyer committed to thoroughly exploring every option to defend you. We follow a detailed, multi-stage approach, where each stage builds a stronger case to protect your rights and future. Here are some of the steps we typically take when defending our clients.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
A solid defense begins long before you ever step into the courtroom. One of the most important stages is the investigation and evidence-gathering process. It’s not enough to simply react to what the prosecution presents. A proactive defense digs deeper, uncovering inconsistencies, errors, and facts the prosecution may have overlooked. This can turn the tide in your favor, especially when key details that cast doubt on the charges are brought to light. When our team investigates, we leave nothing to chance. For example, if you’ve been charged with robbery, we’ll look at every angle of the case. Is there video footage from the crime scene? Does it align with the prosecution’s timeline? We’ll scrutinize every minute of that footage. We also question the reliability of any eyewitnesses. Eyewitness testimony can be powerful, but it’s also notoriously unreliable. People’s memories are often clouded by stress, confusion, or biases. We will track down any additional witnesses, ask the hard questions, and follow up on every lead to ensure your story is fully told. The small, overlooked details can make or break a case. The surveillance camera footage may show a different sequence of events or if a witness mistakenly identified you. A Miami criminal defense attorney knows how to sift through all of this information and pick apart the prosecution’s case, often creating enough reasonable doubt to swing things in your favor.
Expert Witness Collaboration
In many criminal cases, the evidence isn’t straightforward. Sometimes, it needs to be analyzed by professionals who can explain complex data in a way that the jury and judge can understand. This is where collaboration with skilled professionals becomes essential. For instance, if you’re facing drug crime charges, a forensic scientist might need to analyze the substance in question to determine if it was properly identified by law enforcement. This analysis can reveal errors in the chain of custody or mistakes identifying the material. Even a minor procedural mistake can potentially weaken the prosecution’s case. White-collar crime cases often involve a mountain of complicated financial data. A forensic accountant can untangle these financial records, explaining to the jury why the transactions you were involved in were legal and not fraudulent. In both cases, these professionals can provide testimony that dismantles the prosecution’s narrative and strengthens your defense.
Alternative Sentencing Options
Just because the prosecution may have a solid case doesn’t mean you’ll automatically go to prison. Many criminal cases, particularly nonviolent ones, have alternative sentencing options that can keep you out of jail. Even if the evidence against you is strong, there are ways to mitigate the consequences, depending on your charges and circumstances. Alternative sentencing might include probation, community service, or rehabilitation programs. These options are especially beneficial in cases where the defendant has no prior criminal record or the crime in question is nonviolent. For example, suppose you’re facing charges for a drug-related offense. In that case, participation in a court-approved rehabilitation program might not only help you avoid prison but can also lead to a dismissal of your charges after successful completion. A Miami criminal defense lawyer will explore every available diversionary program on your behalf. In first-time offense cases, we focus on finding alternatives that allow you to avoid jail time and begin moving forward with your life. We’re not just looking to win in court but to secure the best possible outcome for your future.
Negotiating for Alternative Sentencing
In many cases, alternative sentencing can be negotiated with the prosecution early on. If the facts support it, we’ll argue that you deserve a second chance and should be given the opportunity to participate in a program that helps rehabilitate rather than punish. This approach can prevent the lifelong consequences of a criminal conviction and allow you to get your life back on track without a jail sentence. By focusing on a thorough investigation, collaborating with skilled professionals, and exploring alternative sentencing options, we build the strongest defense possible for every client. The ultimate goal of a Rossen Law Firm Miami criminal defense lawyer is to explore every avenue to secure your freedom.
Post-Conviction Services
Being convicted of a crime doesn’t necessarily mark the end of the road. There are still legal options available to help you mitigate the consequences of your conviction. Appeal, sentence modification, and expungement efforts are part of Rossen Law Firm’s post-conviction services. If you believe mistakes were made during your trial — such as incorrect rulings or improper evidence being admitted — you may have grounds for an appeal. Depending on the circumstances, an appeal can lead to a reduced sentence or even a new trial. Even if your conviction stands, there may be opportunities to modify your sentence, particularly if you can demonstrate good behavior, medical issues, or other factors that may warrant leniency. Expungement is another option for those looking to clear their criminal record after completing their sentence. While not every crime is eligible for expungement, many nonviolent offenses can be wiped from your record, allowing you to move forward without the stigma of a criminal past.
Contact A Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer For A Free Case Evaluation
The Rossen Law Firm team of Miami criminal defense lawyers is ready to review your case and explain your options. We offer free case evaluations so you can discuss your situation without any obligations. Please use our online form or call (786) 705-8300 to schedule your consultation.