Home / Practice Areas

What the Firm Handles

Practice Areas

Criminal defense, civil litigation, personal injury, domestic violence, and DUI matters, handled across Miami-Dade and South Florida with direct attorney involvement from the first call through resolution.

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35+

Years of Practice

Florida Bar member since 1989

Practice Areas

Criminal, Civil, PI, DV, DUI

State & Federal

Court Admission

SDFL (1991), MDFL (2001)

Boutique

Practice Model

Direct attorney involvement

Common Questions

Choosing the Right Practice Area

What practice areas does the firm handle?+

Criminal defense, civil litigation, personal injury, domestic violence and protective injunctions, and DUI and traffic defense. Each has a dedicated page covering the particular legal framework, but every matter is handled out of the same Coral Gables office under the same boutique model.

Can one attorney handle both criminal and civil cases well in practice?+

The legal frameworks are different, but the underlying work is closer than it looks: reading a record closely, identifying the strongest and weakest points, and preparing as if the matter were going to a hearing or trial. Andre has practiced criminal, civil, and family law matters since 1989, and each case gets the same direct, personal involvement rather than a generalist's lighter touch.

What if my situation touches more than one practice area?+

It happens more commonly than people expect. A DUI that causes a crash raises both a criminal charge and a personal injury claim. A domestic violence arrest can trigger a parallel civil injunction. Handling the overlap under one roof means the criminal strategy and the civil exposure get evaluated together instead of by two lawyers working from different files.

Working With the Firm

Does the firm handle federal cases, or state court exclusively?+

Both. Andre has been admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida since 1991 and the Middle District since 2001, in addition to Florida state courts. Federal criminal and federal civil matters follow different rules and different sentencing structures than their state counterparts, and that distinction is sorted out early in a case.

Is the first consultation free no matter which practice area applies?+

Yes, regardless of what the matter involves. The initial consultation carries no cost and no obligation to retain. It is also the right time to find out whether a matter fits neatly into one practice area or overlaps with another.

I am not sure which practice area fits my situation. What should I do?+

Call and describe what happened. Sorting a matter into the right category, or recognizing that it spans more than one, is part of what the first consultation is for. There is no need to identify the correct page before reaching out.

Does the firm take cases exclusively in Miami-Dade County?+

The office is in Coral Gables, and the firm regularly handles matters in both Miami-Dade and Broward County, with federal cases proceeding in the Southern or Middle District of Florida depending on where they are filed.

Practice Areas

Focused Representation Across South Florida

Each area requires a different framework. Click into any practice area for a detailed look at how the firm handles those matters.

Criminal Defense

Felony, misdemeanor, state, and federal criminal cases where evidence, timing, and courtroom strategy directly affect the outcome.

How does bail work? · See the case timeline

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Civil Litigation

Business disputes, contract matters, fraud claims, injunctions, real estate conflicts, and complex commercial litigation.

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Personal Injury

Serious injury claims involving liability, damages, and long-term impact where disciplined legal strategy is critical.

See all Florida deadlines

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Domestic Violence

Civil injunction proceedings for domestic violence, dating violence, repeat violence, stalking, and sexual violence cases. Petitioner and respondent representation.

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DUI Defense

Florida DUI cases under criminal court and the parallel DHSMV license suspension. The 10-day deadline applies from arrest.

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Common Case Types

Core Matters Handled

A sample of frequent case types the firm handles regularly. Each card links to the detailed page for that matter.

Criminal

DUI & Traffic Defense

DUI cases run on two parallel tracks: the criminal charge and the license suspension at DHSMV.

Learn More →

Criminal

Drug Charges

Possession, sale, and trafficking under Florida Chapter 893. Trafficking carries mandatory minimums.

Learn More →

Civil

Business Disputes

Conflicts between companies, partners, or entities involving operations, obligations, and breakdowns in business relationships.

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Civil

Contract Disputes

Breach of contract, non-performance, enforcement, and disagreements over terms, obligations, or financial loss.

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Personal Injury

Car Accidents

Florida no-fault PIP and third-party liability claims. The 2-year statute of limitations under HB 837 applies.

See all Florida deadlines

Learn More →

Personal Injury

Wrongful Death

Florida Wrongful Death Act claims under Chapter 768. Personal representative requirement applies.

See all Florida deadlines

Learn More →

Domestic Violence

Petitioner Representation

Filing for protection in Miami-Dade or Broward family court. Domestic violence, dating violence, repeat violence, stalking, and sexual violence injunctions.

Learn More →

Domestic Violence

Respondent Defense

Defending against an injunction petition. Final hearing within 15 days. Federal firearm rights under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(8).

Learn More →

How the Firm Works

A Different Kind of Practice

The firm operates as a boutique practice. Clients work directly with Andre throughout the case, from the first consultation through resolution.

The framework differs by practice area, but the structure of representation is the same. Andre stays involved on every matter. No handoff to junior associates after intake.

Most cases are not won at trial. They are resolved earlier through suppression motions, charge reductions, settlement, or dismissal. Disciplined preparation in the months before that point is what shapes the outcome.

For a closer look at how a case moves through the system, see the full Criminal Case Timeline, the Bail and Bond Guide, the Legal Terms Glossary, the Florida Statute of Limitations reference guide, or our Areas We Serve page.

Speak With Andre

Direct attorney access at (305) 774-7000

Initial consultations are free and confidential, with no obligation to retain. Calling early in a matter generally creates more options than calling late.

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  
   
   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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Daniel Hernandez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend this law firm! I had a ticket, and they kept me updated and got it dismissed. Kaylee was my go-to for communication, and Andre is excellent at what he does.

Owner's reply
Thanks Daniel. I am glad we were able to resolve your issue.