An Experienced Miami Lawyer Is Your Best Defense

You need a criminal defense attorney who knows the local courts

If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Miami, your first step should be to retain defense counsel with a record of success. When you contact the Law Offices of Paul J. Donnelly, P.A., you’re reaching out to a veteran criminal defense firm that knows the Miami-Dade court system. We have over 26 years of experience representing clients in diverse criminal cases, ranging from DUIs to drug arrests. Our firm also has a history of successful representation of clients accused of securities or healthcare fraud as well as other white-collar crimes. You can count on us to be determined advocates for your rights under the law.

Protect yourself with an accomplished DUI attorney

If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence in Florida, you face not only criminal charges but also an administrative review hearing in the Division of Motor Vehicles, which can lead to suspension of your license. This can happen as soon as 10 days after your arrest unless an objection is filed, so you need to act immediately or risk serious harm to your livelihood. Make sure you have an attorney who knows the Miami DMV as well as the police department.

Under Florida law, a DUI arrest can lead to felony charges if:

• The driver has had two previous DUIs in the last 10 years
• The driver has ever had three or more previous DUIs
• The accident causes the death or serious injury of another, including an unborn child

Don’t wait for the court to take the next step. Obtain legal representation immediately to keep your future on track.

Experience defending assault and battery cases

In Florida, assault and battery are separate crimes, with their own aggravating factors and defenses. An assault is a threat to commit violence, by word or action. To get an assault conviction, the prosecutor needs to show that the accused intended to threaten and had at least an apparent ability to carry out the threat. A defendant can argue a lack of intention or that perception of threat was unreasonable. Battery is intentionally striking another person. In Florida, it is a defense to claim that both parties were engaged in mutual combat. A defendant can also argue that the alleged battery was justifiable under Florida’s stand-your-ground law, which says that a person in fear for his or her life may use deadly force to stop an attack.

In either case, our firm stands ready to analyze your legal position and to try to achieve the optimal result.

Fighting an arrest for drug crimes

Charges of drug possession in Florida can range from a misdemeanor to a first-degree felony depending on the circumstances, but even a misdemeanor can draw up to a $1,000 fine and a year in jail. A defendant can be charged with possession, possession with intent to sell, or trafficking if the amount is large enough.

When prosecutors file drug charges, they often file any related charges they can raise, such as money laundering or firearms violations. Even before trial, these charges can negatively impact your life in major ways.

It’s important that your defense counsel have broad and deep experience in all areas of criminal defense so they can determine your best course of action.

Contact a determined and effective counsel in Miami

If you’ve been accused of a crime, don’t settle for less than the best representation. Call the Law Office of Paul J. Donnelly, P.A. at 786-347-5315 or contact us online for a one-on-one consultation with an experienced attorney to start getting your matter resolved.