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Criminal Defense Representation Serving North Miami

North Miami Criminal Defense Attorney

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

North Miami maintains its own police department, accredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, headquartered at 700 NE 124th Street, distinct from the countywide Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.

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 North Miami Questions

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

The North Miami Police Department is an independent municipal agency headquartered at 700 NE 124th Street, reaccredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation in February 2026, and separate from the countywide Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. The department keeps investigative and crime suppression units and works with regional law enforcement on larger investigations.

Does a criminal charge near FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus affect my enrollment?+

Potentially, and separately from the criminal case itself. Under FIU Regulation 2501, the Student Conduct and Honor Code, the university's Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity can open a disciplinary proceeding based on the same incident, whatever happens in the criminal case. Sanctions range from disciplinary probation to suspension or expulsion. FIU applies a preponderance of the evidence standard, meaning a violation has to be more probable than not, and the formal rules of evidence used in criminal court, including hearsay rules, do not apply. A student facing both should coordinate the criminal defense with the university process early.

What are the North Miami Police Department's hours for records requests?+

The department is at 700 NE 124 Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Records Division is closed on Wednesdays. The main number is 305-891-0294.

Is a Spanish-language interpreter available for my hearing in North 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 North Miami criminal case heard?+

A case that starts with an arrest by the North 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

North Miami at a Glance

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

Municipal police

North Miami Police Department

Reaccredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation on February 19, 2026. Headquarters at 700 NE 124 Street.

Police records

Records Division

Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and closed on Wednesdays. Main number 305-891-0294.

Where cases are heard

Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building

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

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense Representation in North Miami

North Miami is home to Florida International University's Biscayne Bay Campus, the largest branch campus in the state university system, and it has its own accredited police department, separate from the Sheriff's Office. The firm defends North Miami clients in these areas.

WEAPON CHARGES

Firearm Possession and 10-20-Life

A firearm arrest in North Miami is made by the North 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. 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 North Miami Police Department. The full Domestic Violence Criminal Defense page covers the complete framework.

DRUG CHARGES

Possession, Sale, and Trafficking

Drug charges from a North Miami 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

A DUI arrest of a college-age client near the FIU Biscayne Bay Campus is made by North Miami police and heard at the Gerstein Justice Building, and it can overlap with campus discipline. More detail is on the North Miami DUI Lawyer page.

Case Approach

How a North Miami Criminal Case Gets Built

A North 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 University Campus and Its Cases

FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus has more than 7,000 students. Cases involving college-age clients can include alcohol and drug charges, weapon possession on or near campus, and DUI arrests, and they can overlap with campus disciplinary proceedings, which run separately from the criminal case and need their own attention.

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

North Miami DUI Defense

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

Learn More →

Weapon Charges Defense

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

Learn More →

Domestic Violence Defense

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

Learn More →

Premises Liability

Personal injury representation in North Miami.

Learn More →

The outcome of a North Miami 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 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 North 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.