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Criminal Defense Representation Serving Miami Beach

Miami Beach Criminal Defense Attorney

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

Miami Beach Police is a CALEA-accredited department, accredited without interruption since 2000, policing a South Beach entertainment corridor that generates a disproportionate share of the city's arrests year-round, not just during spring break.

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 Beach Questions

Who investigates and arrests for criminal charges in Miami Beach?+

The Miami Beach Police Department is an independent, CALEA-accredited municipal agency, accredited without interruption since 2000 and headquartered at 1100 Washington Avenue. It is separate from the countywide Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. During peak periods such as spring break, the department brings in mutual-aid officers from other Miami-Dade agencies to help manage crowds and enforcement.

Are there DUI checkpoints in Miami Beach during spring break and other peak periods?+

During spring break and other high-traffic periods, Miami Beach sets up DUI checkpoints and security checkpoints at beach entrances along Ocean Drive and the surrounding entertainment district. Alcohol and smoking are banned on city beaches year-round, and the police chief keeps the authority to impose a curfew in South Beach if serious incidents occur, even without one scheduled in advance. Whether a checkpoint followed its required operational plan can be an issue in a resulting DUI case.

What is the South Beach entertainment district?+

Miami Beach's entertainment district, along Collins and Ocean Drives between 5th and 15th Streets, has become a year-round nightlife destination and not just a spring break draw. Charges that start in the corridor can range from DUI and disorderly conduct to battery, weapon, and drug charges.

How do I get a Miami Beach police report?+

Requests go to the Miami Beach Police Department Records Unit, on the first floor of headquarters at 1100 Washington Avenue. A request can be made in person, by mail to the Records Unit, or by phone at (305) 673-7990. Reviewing the report is one of the first steps in evaluating a case.

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

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 Beach criminal case heard?+

A case that starts with an arrest by the Miami Beach 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 Beach at a Glance

These are the agency, the records office, and the court that handle a Miami Beach criminal case.

Municipal police

Miami Beach Police Department

Founded in 1915 and accredited by CALEA without interruption since 2000. Headquarters at 1100 Washington Avenue, with a North Sub Station at 6840 Indian Creek Drive.

Police records

Records Unit

Reports are requested from the Records Unit on the first floor of headquarters at 1100 Washington Avenue, by phone at (305) 673-7990, or by mail.

Where cases are heard

Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building

A case that starts with an arrest by the Miami Beach 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 Beach's police pages in October 2026.

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense Representation in Miami Beach

Miami Beach has its own CALEA-accredited police department, and its South Beach entertainment district, along Collins and Ocean Drives between 5th and 15th Streets, draws large crowds that peak during spring break. The firm defends Miami Beach clients in these areas.

WEAPON CHARGES

Firearm Possession and 10-20-Life

A firearm arrest in Miami Beach is made by the Miami Beach 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. See our full Weapon Charges Defense page for the complete framework.

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 Miami Beach Police Department. The full Domestic Violence Criminal Defense page covers the complete framework.

DRUG CHARGES

Possession, Sale, and Trafficking

Drug charges from a Miami Beach arrest are filed under Chapter 893. The weight involved decides whether a mandatory minimum trafficking sentence applies. Details are on the Drug Charges Defense page.

DUI DEFENSE

DUI and Traffic Defense

On peak weekends the city adds DUI and security checkpoints at beach entrances, and an arrest may come from a mutual-aid officer from another Miami-Dade agency and not from Miami Beach police. More detail is on the Miami Beach DUI Lawyer page.

Case Approach

How a Miami Beach Criminal Case Gets Built

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

The South Beach Entertainment District

South Beach's entertainment district, along Collins and Ocean Drives between 5th and 15th Streets, has grown from a few busy weekends a year into a year-round nightlife draw. On peak weekends the city adds DUI and security checkpoints at beach entrances and can declare a curfew in South Beach on short notice if serious incidents occur. Mutual-aid officers from other Miami-Dade agencies help staff these periods, so an arrest may not have started with a Miami Beach officer at all.

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

Miami Beach DUI Defense

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

Learn More →

Weapon Charges Defense

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

Learn More →

Domestic Violence Defense

Domestic violence cases from Miami Beach arrests, under HB 277.

Learn More →

Premises Liability

Personal injury representation in Miami Beach.

Learn More →

The outcome of a Miami Beach criminal case depends on the particular charge, the applicable mandatory minimums, and how the evidence is reviewed early in the case, and that requires a real review, 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.

Miami Coral Gables Aventura North Miami Hialeah Doral 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 Beach 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.