1. Wichman Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 15+ years experience and Super Lawyer recognition
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, federal crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Wichman Law Firm is the Hialeah criminal defense team that you need on your side to help with your case in South Florida and Miami-Dade County. They are experienced and aggressive advocates who care deeply about protecting the rights of clients. They fight tirelessly to achieve the result for clients whether that be in a favorable plea agreement, dismissal of charges, or winning at trial. With over 15 years of experience working criminal cases from start to finish, they are not intimidated by prosecutors or other strong arms of the government and seek out going to trial when justice requires it to allow the judge or the people of the jury decide the outcome to any disputes as to what happened or what any sentence should be, if at all. The Hialeah criminal defense attorneys at Wichman Law Firm are very passionate and care greatly about defending the rights of people, which is why they will never allow clients to be bullied. In 2024 named a “Super Lawyer” by Thomas-Reuters, which is limited to the top 5% of all attorneys. Named to the “Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys” by The National Trial Lawyers Association. “Superb Rating” and “10.0/10.0” by leading attorney rating service Martindale-Avvo.
Location: Hialeah, Florida (serves South Florida and Miami-Dade County)
Contact: (305) 317-1529 | https://www.wichmanlawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 50+ years combined experience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, federal crimes, white collar crimes
Background: Donet, McMillan & Trontz’s Hialeah criminal defense lawyers have the expertise and knowledge gathered from years of experience dealing with criminal cases in the state of Florida. There are many factors that can affect the criminal offense you could be charged with, such as the circumstances under which the offense took place, and the nature of the offense itself. Many people commit a punishable offense without even realizing they could go to jail. That is why it is crucial to get the timely help of Hialeah criminal defense lawyers to assist you in dealing with a potential criminal charge. The experienced Hialeah criminal defense lawyers will clearly explain what you’ve been charged with. Whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony, they will guide you through the process to guarantee the outcome. The Hialeah criminal defense lawyers are aware of how severe State and Federal courts can be when punishing a crime, hence, they will use all their experience and knowledge to find a good plea or even have you acquitted from the charges. As soon as you retain the Hialeah criminal defense lawyers, you will count on the service of lawyers with over 50 years of experience.
Location: Hialeah, Florida
Contact: (305) 444-0030 | https://www.dmtlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available; available 24/7
3. The Feiler Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 30+ years winning experience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, suspended license, false imprisonment, vehicular manslaughter
Background: A Hialeah Criminal Defense Attorney from the Feiler Law Firm Will Fight for You. If you, or someone you know, is facing a legal dilemma, a strong and experienced Hialeah criminal defense attorney will help decree a more desirable outcome. Contracting a Hialeah criminal defense attorney to represent you ensures that you will not be by yourself in front of a judge, you can be confident that you have someone who also shares interest and with whom you can trust in one of your most important moments. An experienced Hialeah criminal lawyer will not just help you save invaluable time in your life, but also help you avoid unnecessary costs associated with arrests and court. The Hialeah criminal lawyers at the Feiler Law firm have over 25 years of experience defending the rights of citizens in their toughest moments. They handle and defend citizens involved in all types of confrontations with the law, both at the state and federal level. A savvy Hialeah criminal lawyer can ensure that this situation will not hinder you for the rest of your life and help you truly move on after everything has been said and done.
Location: Hialeah, Florida
Contact: (305) 670-7700 | https://www.jeffreyfeiler.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
4. Joffe Law, P.A.
Focus Area: Federal criminal defense with 35+ years experience
Practice Areas: Federal drug crimes, drug trafficking, bank fraud, wire fraud, healthcare fraud, alien smuggling, white collar crimes
Background: Federal charges call for a heightened approach to your legal defense. Although all attorneys complete rigorous educational requirements to become professionals in their field, different lawyers have different strengths. Not all attorneys are properly suited to defend you in your federal court battle. David Joffe has defended Florida residents in federal court for more than 35 years. Joffe Law is prepared to stand up for clients against federal criminal accusations. David Joffe and his team have the experience, expertise, and legal resources to compete with the nation’s criminal prosecutors and to appear before federally appointed judges. For people who have prior state charges and for those who have no experience with the criminal justice system, being charged with a federal crime is a whole new experience. Despite the recognition federal agencies receive for their world-class training, federal agents can and do make mistakes. If you are being interviewed or investigated by a federal agency, you need a strong federal defense lawyer who can protect your rights from potential oversteps and identify potential legal errors from the beginning.
Location: Hialeah, Florida (serves South Florida)
Contact: (305) 846-7544 | https://joffefederaldefense.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
5. Grant Dwyer Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense serving Miami-Dade County including Hialeah
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Hialeah is a city in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The latest census listed 224,669 people living in Hialeah. It is the sixth-largest city in Florida. Nearly 74% of the city is Cuban or Cuban American, giving it the highest percentage of Cubans anywhere in the U.S., and ensuring the city has great coffee, a warm welcome, and lively culture. Hialeah also is one of the largest Spanish-speaking cities in the US. Over ninety percent of Hialeah residents reported speaking Spanish as their first language. From a population of only 1,500 in 1925, Hialeah has grown more quickly than most of the ten largest cities in the State of Florida since the 1960s. The city is also one of the largest employers in Miami Dade County. While large and getting larger, crime continues to be an issue in Hialeah, and the Hialeah Police Department have made a name for themselves nationally with their aggressive policing. If you have a criminal case or if you were arrested in Hialeah, you should contact a Hialeah criminal defense attorney like Grant Dwyer, who can begin working on your case immediately and protect your rights throughout the process.
Location: Miami, Florida (serves Hialeah and Miami-Dade County)
Contact: (305) 215-7586 | https://www.grantdwyerlaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in Florida
Felony Classifications
Florida classifies felonies into five categories:
Capital Felony: Includes first-degree murder. Penalty is death or life imprisonment without parole.
Life Felony: Includes sexual battery on a child under 12. Penalty is up to life imprisonment.
First Degree Felony: Includes aggravated battery, burglary with assault, and trafficking in certain drugs. Penalty is up to 30 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine.
Second Degree Felony: Includes aggravated assault, sale of controlled substances, and robbery. Penalty is up to 15 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine.
Third Degree Felony: Includes grand theft over $750, possession of controlled substances, and tampering with evidence. Penalty is up to 5 years imprisonment and $5,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
First Degree Misdemeanor: Includes DUI (first offense), petit theft, simple battery, and possession of marijuana (under 20 grams). Maximum 1 year jail and $1,000 fine.
Second Degree Misdemeanor: Includes disorderly conduct and petit theft (second degree). Maximum 60 days jail and $500 fine.
Sealing and Expungement
Sealing: Available for charges that resulted in dismissal, acquittal, or nolle prosequi. Sealed records are hidden from public view but accessible to law enforcement and certain employers.
Expungement: Available for sealed records after a waiting period. Expunged records are physically destroyed.
Limitations: Only one sealing or expungement per lifetime. Certain offenses (sex crimes, domestic violence, stalking) are not eligible.
DUI Laws
Florida DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense carries up to 6 months jail (9 months if BAC .15%+), $500-$1,000 fine ($1,000-$2,000 if BAC .15%+), 6-month to 1-year license revocation, 50 hours community service, and DUI school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Hialeah?
Criminal cases in Hialeah are handled by the Miami-Dade County court system. Misdemeanor cases are heard in Miami-Dade County Court. Felony cases are heard in the 11th Judicial Circuit Court. The Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building at 1351 NW 12th Street in Miami handles most criminal matters for Miami-Dade County. Federal criminal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Having a Hialeah criminal defense attorney familiar with Miami-Dade County courts provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What is the difference between state and federal charges in Florida?
State charges are prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office and heard in Florida state courts. Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and heard in federal court. Federal crimes include offenses that cross state lines, occur on federal property, involve federal agencies, or violate federal statutes. Federal crimes often carry harsher penalties and are investigated by agencies like the FBI, DEA, and IRS. The federal government has a conviction rate that exceeds 90 percent. A Hialeah criminal defense attorney with federal experience is essential if facing federal charges.
What are the penalties for drug possession in Florida?
Florida has strict drug laws with penalties based on substance and quantity. Possession of marijuana (under 20 grams) is a first degree misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail. Possession of marijuana (over 20 grams) is a third degree felony with up to 5 years prison. Possession of cocaine, heroin, or other Schedule I-II substances is a third degree felony with up to 5 years prison. Trafficking charges apply at certain weight thresholds with mandatory minimum sentences. Drug court and diversion programs may be available for eligible offenders. A Hialeah criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility for alternative sentencing.
What happens if I am charged with DUI in Miami-Dade County?
A DUI charge in Miami-Dade County carries serious consequences. First offense carries up to 6 months jail, $500-$1,000 fine, 6-month to 1-year license revocation, 50 hours community service, and DUI school. Enhanced penalties apply for BAC of .15% or higher or minor in vehicle. Florida has an implied consent law with administrative license suspension for refusal. Hialeah has a reputation for aggressive DUI enforcement. A Hialeah criminal defense attorney can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and chemical test results, and handle both the administrative and criminal proceedings.
Can I get my Florida criminal record sealed or expunged?
Florida allows sealing of certain criminal records where charges were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or were nolle prossed. Expungement is available after sealing. To qualify, you must have no prior sealing or expungement (one per lifetime), no adjudication of guilt on the charge, and not be currently charged with another offense. Certain offenses are not eligible, including sex crimes, domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, and certain violent crimes. The effect of sealing is that records are hidden from most background checks but accessible to law enforcement and certain employers. A Hialeah criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and guide you through the process.