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Criminal Defense Representation Serving Miami

Miami Criminal Defense Attorney

Direct attorney representation for weapon charges, domestic violence, drug charges, and DUI cases in Miami. Free, confidential consultation.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office now leads countywide felony enforcement, following the January 2025 transition from the Miami-Dade Police Department under newly elected Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz.

Call (305) 774-7000 Request Consultation

★★★★★4.9 / 5.0

100+ Verified Client Reviews

Florida Bar Member Since 1989

37+

Years of Practice

Florida Bar member since 1989

1989

Florida Bar Licensed

University of Miami School of Law

State & Federal

Court Admission

SDFL (1991), MDFL (2001)

PLEA

Law Enforcement Counsel

Professional Law Enforcement Association since 1997

Quick Answers

Common Miami Questions

Who investigates and arrests for criminal charges in Miami?+

In January 2025, Miami-Dade County restored an elected constitutional sheriff for the first time in nearly 60 years, following Florida's Amendment 10, and the county's police agency became the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office under newly elected Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz. The Sheriff's Office manages countywide felony warrant service and keeps standing partnerships with federal and state task forces, including the U.S. Marshals Service and FDLE. The City of Miami has its own police force, the Miami Police Department, with more than 1,100 sworn members, headquartered at 400 NW 2nd Avenue.

Where is the City of Miami Police Department?+

The City of Miami Police Department is headquartered at 400 NW 2nd Avenue and has more than 1,100 sworn members serving the largest city in Miami-Dade County.

Is a Spanish-language interpreter available for my hearing in Miami?+

Yes. A certified Spanish-language interpreter can be requested for any hearing at no cost. Kaylee, the firm's office assistant, handles Spanish-language intake directly for clients who are more comfortable communicating in Spanish.

Where is my Miami criminal case heard?+

A case that starts with an arrest by the City of Miami Police Department is heard at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building downtown, whatever the charge or its severity. That includes the first appearance and bond hearing within 24 hours of arrest and every later hearing.

Local Police and Courts

Miami at a Glance

These are the agencies and the court that handle a Miami criminal case.

Municipal police

City of Miami Police Department

More than 1,100 sworn members serving the largest city in Miami-Dade County. Headquarters at 400 NW 2nd Avenue.

Countywide agency

Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office

Formerly the Miami-Dade Police Department, it became the Sheriff's Office in January 2025 and leads countywide felony enforcement and warrant service.

Where cases are heard

Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building

A case that starts with an arrest by the City of Miami Police Department is heard at the Gerstein Justice Building downtown, whatever the charge, including the first appearance and bond hearing within 24 hours of arrest.

Checked against the City of Miami and Miami Police Department websites in October 2026.

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense Representation in Miami

Miami-Dade processed more than 35,000 arrests countywide in the twelve months through August 2026, according to local arrest-record reporting. The City of Miami Police Department, with more than 1,100 sworn members, serves the largest city in the county. The firm defends Miami clients in these areas.

WEAPON CHARGES

Firearm Possession and 10-20-Life

A firearm arrest in Miami is made by the City of Miami Police Department and charged in state court at the Gerstein Justice Building. A 10-20-Life enhancement adds a mandatory minimum, and a federal charge can follow. The full Weapon Charges Defense page covers the complete framework, including Stand Your Ground immunity and constructive possession.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Assault, Battery, and Injunctions

Florida law requires an overnight hold after a domestic violence arrest, and bond is decided at the daily 11 a.m. calendar. The arrest report comes from the City of Miami Police Department. See our full Domestic Violence Criminal Defense page for the complete framework.

DRUG CHARGES

Possession, Sale, and Trafficking

Drug charges from a Miami arrest are filed under Chapter 893. The weight involved decides whether a mandatory minimum trafficking sentence applies. See the full Drug Charges Defense page for how those weight thresholds work.

DUI DEFENSE

DUI and Traffic Defense

A DUI stop by City of Miami police is heard at the Gerstein Justice Building, and the license suspension runs on a 10-day clock. Details are on the Miami DUI Lawyer page.

Case Approach

How a Miami Criminal Case Gets Built

A Miami criminal case begins with the agency that made the arrest and the court that will hear it. Knowing both early shapes the defense.

A New Sheriff's Office and Multi-Agency Warrant Sweeps

The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office formally stood up in January 2025 and has run a series of multi-agency warrant sweeps since. One in September 2026 brought in 19 suspects on charges ranging from second-degree murder to narcotics offenses. These operations rely on standing partnerships with the U.S. Marshals Service and FDLE, so an arrest can come out of a coordinated investigation and not a single traffic stop or complaint. Knowing which agency built the case, and how, is part of the defense.

Nearly 30 Years Representing Law Enforcement

Since 1997, Andre has served the Professional Law Enforcement Association, first as General Counsel through 2007 and as Associate General Counsel since. Nearly three decades on that side of the arrest report give him a working knowledge of how South Florida agencies investigate, arrest, and build a case.

Related Practice Areas

Related Legal Matters

A Miami arrest can touch related defense areas, and an injury can bring a personal injury claim.

Miami DUI Defense

DUI and traffic cases from the City of Miami Police Department stops, heard at the Gerstein Justice Building.

Learn More →

Weapon Charges Defense

Firearm cases from Miami arrests and the 10-20-Life framework.

Learn More →

Domestic Violence Defense

Domestic violence cases from Miami arrests, under HB 277.

Learn More →

Personal Injury

All practice areas handled by the firm.

Learn More →

A Miami criminal case turns on the charge, the applicable mandatory minimums, and how the evidence is reviewed early, not a guess. The first consultation is free and confidential, with no obligation to retain.

Locations We Serve

Criminal Defense Representation Across South Florida

Local courthouses, arresting agencies, and case timelines vary by city. See detailed information for the areas below, or see the firm's full Areas We Serve page.

Coral Gables Aventura North Miami Hialeah Doral Miami Beach Key Biscayne Coconut Grove Pinecrest Cutler Bay South Miami Homestead Redland Fort Lauderdale Kendall Palmetto Bay North Miami Beach Hollywood

Speak With Andre

Direct attorney access at (305) 774-7000

The outcome of a Miami criminal case depends on the charge, the applicable mandatory minimums, and how quickly a defense gets built. The first consultation is free and confidential, with no obligation to retain.

Call (305) 774-7000 Request Confidential Consultation

Client Reviews

What Our Clients Say

Verified Google reviews from clients represented by the firm across Miami-Dade and South Florida. See our full client testimonials page for more.

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Sandra Eiranova 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend this criminal defense attorney Andre A. Rouviere for his exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and patience in handling my cousin’s case. From our very first interaction, he made me feel comfortable, safe, and confident that my cousin’s case was in capable hands.
He took the time to listen carefully, explain the process, answer our questions, and address our concerns with patience and respect. His professionalism, dedication, and thorough approach gave me peace of mind during what could have been a very stressful experience.
What impressed me most was the trust and confidence he inspired from the very beginning. I truly felt that we were being treated with care, respect, and genuine concern, rather than simply being another case.
Finding an attorney, you can trust is extremely important, especially when dealing with a criminal matter, and I am grateful for the experience we had with him. I would absolutely recommend his services to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, professional, and trustworthy criminal defense attorney.
The Law Office of Andre A. Rouviere in Coral Gables, Florida, is truly outstanding.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Pilar Aviles 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Attorney Andre Rouviere has assisted me now twice! I am very grateful for the diligent efforts he made to help us out both times. Andre communicated clearly and helped us navigate throughout the legal process so we understood everything throughout. I will always call him whenever I need help again in the future and cannot recommend him enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Eddy's Dogs aka Eddy's K9 Rescue 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely recommend this law firm. They handled my case and I was amazed at the attention and information I got. I highly recommend them and will be using their services again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Carlos Zaldivar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Andre is an exceptional lawyer.  Andre represented me in a civil case and did an exceptional job when I was told not to bother with a suit.  Andre succeeded, and I got my money back.  I send all my friends to Andre
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bob R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Andre has represented me, my family and friends on several legal matters. He is always available to provide sound, practical advice and more than willing and able to fight for you when necessary. It’s reassuring to have a qualified, experienced lawyer in my corner to protect me and my interests when I need it.

Owner's reply
Bob, thank you. Clients who return and who send their family and friends give me the highest compliment. I’m grateful for your confidence and I’m always here if you need me.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Phil Glatzer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As an attorney, I have often referred my clients to André for legal work that I myself cannot handle and everyone has always been very satisfied with his representation. I highly recommend him.

Owner's reply
Thanks Phil. A referral from a colleague who knows the work means a great deal to me. I take every case you send my way seriously, and I’m glad the clients were well served.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Pedro Carrera 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can always count on him. An honest lawyer.

Owner's reply
Thanks Pedro.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gabriel Hernandez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Extremely quick and efficient . My ticket was handed and I didn’t have to worry about it once. His staff is also super helpful giving multiple updates on the status

Owner's reply
It's great to hear you were pleased. We are happy we were able to take the burden off your shoulders and resolve your issue for you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrew Varela 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An amazing attorney who gives every case the care and attention it deserves. His attention to detail is exceptional, and it’s clear that he takes pride in his work and truly cares about his clients. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a dedicated, thorough, and attentive attorney!

Owner's reply
I really appreciate that Andrew. Thank you.