David Tarras, Esq.Federal & White Collar Criminal Defense Attorney Partner


David Tarras

Attorney David Tarras: Head of the Federal Criminal Defense Practice and Partner Attorney at the Rossen Law Firm

David Tarras is a Partner and Head of our Federal and White Collar Criminal Defense practice at Rossen Law Firm. With a passion for justice and a relentless drive to protect his clients’ rights, David has established himself as a prominent figure in complex white-collar criminal litigation, federal criminal defense, government investigations, and healthcare compliance. He zealously represents clients facing all federal criminal accusations and complex white-collar litigation, including Healthcare Fraud, Securities and Cryptocurrency Fraud, Wire Fraud, Bank and Tax Fraud, Conspiracy, Drug TraffickingFirearms OffensesSex Offenses, Ponzi and Pyramid Scheme Allegations, Public Corruption, and more. 

David is a highly skilled and aggressive trial lawyer, having successfully defended over 1,000 clients and tried over 40 jury trials. David is a member of the Florida Bar, the Federal Bar for the Southern District, Middle District, and Northern Districts of Florida, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, and has represented clients in federal districts nationwide. 

Born and raised in South Florida, David’s academic journey led him to the prestigious University of Florida Honors College, where he earned a degree in Political Science. He furthered his education at Fordham University School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree as a Merit Scholar. During his time in law school, David worked with a nationally renowned criminal law professor and author on a groundbreaking research project that explored the intersection of the human brain, modern neuroscience evidence, and criminal defense litigation. This unique experience gave him a deep understanding of the science behind criminal behavior, enabling him to approach his cases from a multidisciplinary perspective.

In addition to his academic accomplishments, David is an esteemed member of multiple professional organizations, including:

  • The Federal Bar Association, Broward County Chapter Board Member
  • Broward County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Board of Directors
  • American Bar Association, White Collar Crime Committee Member
  • Palm Beach County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

David’s reputation as a formidable advocate is well-deserved. Known for his aggressive advocacy and unwavering determination, he consistently delivers favorable client outcomes. His accomplishments speak volumes, having been recognized as one of the Top 40 criminal defense attorneys under the age of 40 in Florida by the National Trial Lawyers and named a Top Lawyer by Fort Lauderdale Illustrated. He has also been awarded the prestigious Lawyers of Distinction designation by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, and his commitment to excellence is reflected in his A+ Rating by the Better Business Bureau.

If you face federal or white-collar criminal charges or a government investigation, David Tarras is the attorney you need in your corner. With his extensive knowledge, elite litigation skills, and relentless dedication, he will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and help you achieve your best future.

REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE

  • Successfully persuaded federal prosecutors and SEC criminal investigators in the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division, to decline charges against the target of a $57 million FOREX investment scheme.
  • Represented Mexican cartel member charged with international crystal methamphetamine trafficking, resulting in a sentence over 50% below the minimum guideline range without cooperation.
  • Currently representing the Vice-President of a genetic testing laboratory accused of committing $150 million Medicare Fraud in the Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division.
  • Successfully persuaded DOJ Trial Attorneys, South Florida Medicare Strikeforce, to decline charges against the CEO of a genetic testing marketing company alleged to have caused $6 million in loss to Medicare as part of a kick-back scheme violating the Anti-kickback statute.
  • Successfully argued for a dismissal of federal charges against a high-profile nightclub owner accused of participating in a multi-million dollar PPP loan conspiracy across several states.
  • Successfully represented manager of a pharmaceutical company alleged to be part of a nationwide conspiracy to distribute millions of Schedule II opioids between South Florida and Houston, resulting in no charges.
  • Successfully argued for a downward variance to house arrest and no jail, down from 48 months at the bottom of the guidelines, for a local South Florida car mechanic charged with gun trafficking in a conspiracy involving the seizure of over a hundred firearms at the New York/Canadian border.
  • Successfully argued for no incarceration for a prominent reptile shop owner indicted for violating the Lacey Act for illegally exporting rare Australian reptiles to the United States in the Southern District of Florida.

Media Appearances