Criminal Defense Representation Serving Redland

Redland Criminal Defense Attorney

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

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Redland is unincorporated, with no city government of its own, policed directly by the Miami-Dade Police Department and Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office rather than a separate municipal force.
★★★★★4.8 / 5.0
100+ Verified Client Reviews
Florida Bar Member Since 1989
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)
PLEA
Law Enforcement Counsel
Professional Law Enforcement Association since 1997
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who investigates and arrests for criminal charges in Redland?+
Redland is an unincorporated community with no city government of its own, so it does not have a separate municipal police department. Policing is handled directly by the Miami-Dade Police Department and the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office as part of their general countywide coverage, the same agencies that patrol unincorporated Miami-Dade broadly.
Are there charges specific to Redland's agricultural setting?+
Yes. Miami-Dade Police maintains a dedicated Agricultural Environmental Crimes Section, which investigates matters like illegal dumping, environmental violations, and property crimes on the farms and rural parcels that define Redland. These cases can involve county environmental agencies working alongside police, and they often turn on evidence gathered from a large, rural property rather than a typical urban scene.
Is a Spanish-language interpreter available for my hearing in Redland?+
Yes. Redland has a meaningful Spanish-speaking population, and a certified Spanish-language interpreter can be requested for any hearing at no cost. If implied consent warnings or Miranda rights were read only in English to someone who indicated they did not understand English, that fact can become a real issue in the case. Kaylee, the firm's office assistant, handles Spanish-language intake directly for clients who are more comfortable communicating in Spanish.
What happens immediately after a domestic violence arrest in Miami-Dade?+
Florida law mandates that anyone arrested for a crime of domestic violence be held overnight, with no exception for bond posted immediately after arrest. Bond calendars for domestic violence cases are held at 11:00 a.m. daily at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building, where a judge determines custody status and release conditions. The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office follows a no-drop policy for domestic violence cases, meaning prosecution can proceed with or without the alleged victim's cooperation.
What is Florida's 10-20-Life law and how does it affect a weapon charge?+
Florida's 10-20-Life law, Fla. Stat. Section 775.087, requires a judge to impose a mandatory minimum sentence when a firearm is possessed, displayed, or discharged during certain enumerated felonies. The mandatory minimums are 10 years for possession, 20 years if the firearm was discharged, and 25 years to life if the discharge caused death or great bodily harm. These minimums apply regardless of mitigating circumstances and cannot be negotiated below the statutory floor.
How does Florida charge drug possession versus drug trafficking?+
Simple possession of a controlled substance under Fla. Stat. Section 893.13 is generally a third-degree felony. Trafficking under Fla. Stat. Section 893.135 is triggered once the quantity crosses a specific weight threshold, for example 28 grams of cocaine or 4 grams of fentanyl, and carries mandatory minimum prison sentences that a judge cannot reduce. The distinction between possession and trafficking often comes down to a small difference in weight, which is why an early, careful review of the actual evidence matters.
Where is my Redland criminal case heard?+
Miami-Dade criminal cases arising from a Redland arrest, regardless of charge type or severity, are heard at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building downtown. This includes first appearance and bond hearings, which happen within 24 hours of arrest, as well as all subsequent proceedings.
Can a Redland criminal charge be sealed or expunged later?+
It depends on the charge and how the case resolves. Many felony convictions, particularly those involving violence or a firearm enhancement, are not eligible for sealing or expungement in Florida. Cases that resolve through dismissal or certain diversion programs are more often eligible. An acquittal at trial can eventually qualify for expungement too, but only after the record has first been sealed for at least 10 years. Avoiding a conviction is usually the central issue, which is why early defense work affects options later. See our full Expungement and Record Sealing page for the precise distinction between the two forms of relief.
What happens if I violate probation on a Redland case?+
A probation officer or the state can allege a violation for either a technical failure, such as missing a meeting or a payment, or a substantive one, such as a new arrest. Either type can result in a warrant, an arrest, and a violation of probation hearing where the standard of proof is lower than at trial. How a VOP case resolves also directly affects later eligibility for record sealing or expungement, since many record-relief cases follow the successful resolution of a probation matter. See our full Probation Violations page for the complete framework.
Four Core Practice Areas

Criminal Defense Representation in Redland

Redland is a historic, unincorporated agricultural area of Miami-Dade, policed directly by county agencies rather than a city police department. Four areas make up the majority of Redland criminal defense cases the firm handles.

01 — WEAPON CHARGES

Firearm Possession and 10-20-Life

Florida firearm cases sit on three tracks at once: a state charge under Chapter 790, a 10-20-Life enhancement under Fla. Stat. Section 775.087, and potential federal exposure under 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g) or 924(c). See our full Weapon Charges Defense page for the complete framework.

02 — DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Assault, Battery, and Injunctions

Florida law mandates an overnight hold for every domestic violence arrest, with bond decided at daily 11 a.m. calendars. The full Domestic Violence Criminal Defense page covers the complete framework.

03 — DRUG CHARGES

Possession, Sale, and Trafficking

Charges under Fla. Stat. Sections 893.13 and 893.135, where the specific quantity involved determines whether mandatory minimum trafficking penalties apply. Details are on the Drug Charges Defense page.

04 — DUI DEFENSE

DUI and Traffic Defense

DUI and traffic defense cases, all heard at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building downtown regardless of the arrest location within Redland. More detail is on the Redland DUI Lawyer page.

Florida Mandatory Minimums
10
Years Minimum Under 10-20-Life

Some Sentences Cannot Be Negotiated Down

Florida's 10-20-Life law and drug trafficking statutes both impose mandatory minimum sentences that a judge cannot reduce below the statutory floor, regardless of mitigating circumstances. These cases are won or lost early, in the charging and evidence-review stage, not at sentencing.

  • 10-20-Life mandatory minimums apply to specific enumerated felonies involving a firearm
  • Drug trafficking mandatory minimums are triggered by specific weight thresholds
  • Every domestic violence arrest results in a mandatory overnight hold under Florida law
  • Redland has no municipal police department of its own, unlike incorporated cities nearby
Case Approach

How a Redland Criminal Case Gets Built

A weapon charge, a drug charge, and a domestic violence charge each carry a genuinely different statutory framework. Identifying which mandatory minimums and enhancements apply is the first, necessary step in any case.

Language Access From the First Call

Redland has a meaningful Spanish-speaking population, and the local court system reflects that. Certified Spanish-language interpreters are available at no cost for any hearing. Kaylee, the firm's office assistant, handles Spanish-language intake directly for clients who are more comfortable communicating in Spanish, so the first conversation about a case does not have to happen in a second language. When implied consent warnings or Miranda rights were given only in English to someone who did not understand them, that fact can become a genuine issue in the defense.

An Unincorporated Community, Policed by the County

Redland has no city government and no city police department. It is governed directly by Miami-Dade County, and policing runs through the Miami-Dade Police Department and Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office as part of the general coverage those agencies provide for unincorporated areas. Most of Redland sits within an Agricultural Use zoning district that requires five-acre lots, which has kept the area rural even as nearby cities have grown around it. In 2024, county commissioners approved a new agritourism district allowing wineries, breweries, and wedding venues on those same farm lots. That change adds a genuinely different mix of alcohol service and crowds to an area that was purely agricultural. That rural, spread-out layout, now with new venues woven in, is a genuinely different setting for an investigation than a dense residential block.

The mandatory minimum is the floor, not the ceiling, and the fight to avoid it happens before sentencing.

Weapon Charges and 10-20-Life

A weapon charge often hinges on whether the underlying felony is one of the specific, enumerated offenses that triggers Florida's 10-20-Life mandatory minimums under Fla. Stat. Section 775.087. Whether the firearm was possessed, displayed, or discharged changes the mandatory minimum significantly, from 10 years to 20 years to 25 years to life. Because prosecutors have discretion in the initial charging decision, an early, careful review of the evidence and the specific charge filed is critical.

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, defending the rights of police officers. That work, spanning nearly three decades, means a genuine, working familiarity with how South Florida law enforcement investigates, arrests, and builds a case, from the inside. That same familiarity applies directly when defending a client against those same investigative and arrest procedures.

Every Case Starts at Gerstein

Regardless of charge type or which agency made the arrest, a Miami-Dade criminal case is heard at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building downtown, including the first appearance and bond hearing within 24 hours of arrest. Understanding this timeline from the outset shapes how quickly a defense needs to be built.

Related Practice Areas

Related Legal Matters

A Redland criminal case frequently overlaps with related defense and personal injury areas.

Redland DUI Defense

DUI and traffic defense cases heard at Gerstein.

Learn More →

Weapon Charges Defense

Full legal framework for firearm and 10-20-Life cases.

Learn More →

Domestic Violence Defense

Full legal framework under HB 277.

Learn More →

Car Accidents

Personal injury representation in Redland.

Learn More →

The outcome of a Redland criminal case depends on the specific 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.

Speak With Andre

Direct attorney access at (305) 774-7000

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

Client Reviews

What Clients Say

THE FRANZEN FIRM profile picture
THE FRANZEN FIRM
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Andre is a high integrity and highly effective litigator who practices law with the professionalism and civility that all lawyers should aspire to do so.
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Larry Kantor
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Mr. Rouviere has represented me from a legal perspective over the years from traffic tickets, to automobile accidents, which I must say I have gotten some very strong settlements for injuries. Mr. Rouviere has always been attentive to responding to my calls and texts in a timely manner which is very important to me. He also is batting a 100% on traffic tickets I have gotten they represented me on. I would highly recommend Mr. Rouviere for any and all legal issues that u might have. If an issue is not in his wheel house then he would direct you to another attorney who specializes in that field.
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Kim Lazar
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Mr. Rouviere’s law firm provides honest, trustworthy legal representation backed by knowledge and expertise. When you need help with traffic tickets or any legal matters, you can rely on his experience and commitment to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome.
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Vladimir Fernandez
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This is the lawyer and law firm by far they really dig to tha end to help you I really recommend it
Maria Romero profile picture
Maria Romero
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Attorney Andre Rouviere is an exceptional legal professional with dedication to his clients . The attention is strong and his committed to achieve the best possible outcome making it possible to be trusted I highly respect him and recommend him . Thank you for always being helpful
Ron Morgan profile picture
Ron Morgan
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Andre has been my attorney for over twenty years. He is always there for me. Always answers his phone. The best choice I have ever made for my attorney.
Angel Orozco profile picture
Angel Orozco
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I have had the privilege of having Andre Rouviere represent me on multiple occasions over the past 30 years, and I can confidently say that he is an exceptional attorney. His professionalism, knowledge, integrity, and dedication have consistently given me complete confidence in his representation. Over the years, Andre has always taken the time to understand my situation, explain my options clearly, and provide thoughtful and honest guidance. Knowing that I can turn to someone I trust, even after three decades, speaks volumes about the quality of his work and the relationship he builds with his clients. I highly recommend Andre Rouviere to anyone looking for an experienced, trustworthy, and dedicated attorney. Five stars without hesitation!
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mrpmaniac
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Represented me for 30 years. Experienced knowlegable very professional personable and detailed oriented. Highly recommended
Morgan Clark profile picture
Morgan Clark
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I was fortunate to have Andre Rouviere represent me after I was involved in a serious car accident. From the very beginning, he was there every step of the way, providing clear communication, guidance, and reassurance throughout the entire process. He always made me feel confident that we would achieve the best possible outcome, and he absolutely delivered. I would confidently recommend Mr. Rouviere to anyone in need of an outstanding attorney.