More than 40 years ago, I decided to become a lawyer. Not just any lawyer, but a criminal defense lawyer. I wanted; no, I needed to make a difference. I was passionate about fighting for people accused of crimes. I relished the opportunity to stand up against the government on behalf of a client.
I am very proud of my, and my law firm’s track record. We have made a difference. Though we certainly have not won every case, never once did we give less than 100%, for any client. My focus has always been on the client. Unless the client gets the best possible result, I treat it as a failure. There are no “lawyer” victories, for the only true victory is the victory of a client.
When I graduated law school, I became a prosecutor so that when I started my own criminal defense law firm, I would have the experience to be a better lawyer, anticipating what a prosecutor would think and do in any case. Thereafter, along with a couple of other prosecutors, we formed our own law firm. Ever since, we have vigorously defended our clients in state and federal courts.
Along the way, I achieved Board Certification status, something only a small percentage of criminal trial lawyers ever earn. It allows me to hold myself out as an expert; a specialist in criminal trial work. Today, the only thing that has changed is that I have handled thousands of criminal cases. It remains important to me to represent each of my clients with complete dedication, passion, and preparation.
Certifications
• Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer, The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education
• Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocacy Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy
Honors & Awards
• Best Lawyers in America (2009)
Past/Present Position
• Adjunct Professor, University of Miami School of Law (1995-present)
• Adjunct Professor, University of Miami School of Law (1995-present)
• Chair (2014/2015) & Member of the Executive Council, Criminal Law Section of The Florida Bar (2012-present)
• U.S. Court Of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 1982
• Member of the Board, Florida Bar Foundation (2011-present)
• Chair (2012/2014) & Member of the Board, Innocence Project of Florida (2007-present)
Affiliations
• The Florida Bar Board of Governors (1999-2011)
• Miami-Dade County Bar Association President (1997-1998)
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers President (2000-2001)
• Lecturer, Criminal Law, The Florida Bar Bridge the Gap Seminars (1989-1995)