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General Criminal Defense

General Criminal Defense in Miami, Florida

Some criminal cases do not fit one category, are still developing, or involve overlapping issues. The earlier the case is reviewed, the more options remain on the table.

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35+
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)
Boutique
Practice Model
Direct attorney involvement
Why Clients Start Here

Cases That Don't Fit One Label

Many criminal cases arrive without a clear classification. The allegations are still developing, the charges have not been filed, or the matter touches more than one area at once.

01

Allegations Still Developing

The investigation is open. Nothing has been filed yet. Statements taken now will be used later. The pre-charge window is short and matters more than most clients realize.

02

Overlapping Issues

One arrest can produce several charges. Probation cases run alongside new arrests. Civil and criminal exposure can intersect. The strategy has to account for all of them.

03

Charges Not Yet Defined

Some matters are between investigation and filing. Misdemeanor or felony, state or federal. The right early move can shape what gets filed and what does not.

Defense Approach

How Andre Handles a Criminal Case

Every case is different. There is no typical criminal matter, and there is no template that works across charges. The real work starts with reading the facts carefully and figuring out what the prosecution actually has, and what they do not.

Most criminal cases are not won at trial. They are resolved earlier, through suppression motions, charge reductions, diversion, or dismissal. The earlier Andre sees the case, the more of those options remain on the table.

Pre-charge representation matters. Statements made before a lawyer is involved often become the strongest evidence against the accused. Records get subpoenaed. Witnesses get interviewed. The first 48 hours can shape what the State Attorney's Office decides to file, decline, or divert.

Clients work directly with Andre throughout the case. The firm operates as a boutique practice, which means one attorney involved from the first call through resolution. There is no handoff to junior associates, no rotating staff handling the file.

Specific Charge Categories

When the Case Has a Clear Charge

When the matter falls into a specific charge category, the firm has dedicated pages with the relevant statutes, penalties, and defense considerations.

DUI & Traffic Defense

DUI cases run on two parallel tracks: the criminal charge in court and the license suspension at DHSMV. The 10-day clock starts at arrest.

Explore DUI Defense →

Drug Charges

Possession, sale, and trafficking under Florida Chapter 893. Trafficking thresholds carry mandatory minimum prison sentences.

Explore Drug Defense →

Domestic Violence

Florida is a no-drop prosecution state. The complaining party cannot drop the charge. Defense has to address the case directly.

Explore DV Defense →

Federal Crimes

Cases in the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida. Federal sentencing guidelines apply, and 85% of any prison sentence is served.

Explore Federal Defense →
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Public defenders are usually very good attorneys. The challenge is caseload. Most carry hundreds of cases at a time, which limits the depth of attention any single case can receive.
Andre A. Rouviere · Attorney
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is general criminal defense?+
General criminal defense covers matters that are still developing, do not fit neatly into one charge category, or involve overlapping issues. Some cases start as one type of allegation and develop into something else. Early legal review can shape what the case becomes.
Should I wait until charges are filed to hire a lawyer?+
No. Pre-charge representation often changes the trajectory of the case. Statements made to investigators before a lawyer is involved are typically the strongest evidence the prosecution has. Once charges are filed, the options narrow.
Do I need a private attorney or is a public defender enough?+
Public defenders are usually very good attorneys. The challenge is caseload. Most public defenders carry hundreds of cases at a time, which limits the depth of attention any single case can receive. Private representation typically allows more direct involvement and earlier engagement.
Can a criminal case be dismissed before trial?+
Yes. Many cases resolve before trial through suppression motions, prosecutorial declination, charge reductions, diversion programs, or dismissal. Trial is often the last resort, not the first plan. Most cases are decided in pretrial motions.
What should I do if I am being investigated but have not been arrested?+
Do not talk to investigators without a lawyer. Do not try to clear it up by giving a statement. Do not delete records, texts, or social media activity. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The pre-charge window is when the most can be done to shape the outcome.
Does the firm handle cases outside Miami-Dade County?+
Yes. The firm represents clients throughout South Florida, including Broward and Palm Beach Counties, and federal cases in the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida.
Speak With Andre

Direct attorney access at (305) 774-7000

Every case is different. The earlier the conversation starts, the more options remain on the table.

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