Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Trusted Criminal Defense Team in Fort Lauderdale
Since 1984, our firm has provided aggressive and effective criminal defense representation for residents of South Florida. With over 30 years of combined experience, including former prosecutors and public defenders, we specialize in defending against state and federal charges including drug crimes, sex offenses, domestic violence, and white-collar crimes. Our team works collaboratively to identify every available legal avenue to protect clients' rights and achieve the best possible outcomes.We offer free initial consultations and are committed to providing vigorous defense in both trial and appellate courts. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex cases, including federal drug trafficking, child pornography allegations, and homicide charges, while maintaining a strong focus on client-centered advocacy.
Services
Drug Crimes Defense
Sex Crimes Defense
Domestic Violence Defense
Federal Criminal Defense
Probation Violation
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- Over 30 years of combined criminal defense experience since 1984
- Former prosecutors with insider knowledge of legal systems
- Aggressive representation in both federal and state courts
- Free initial consultation for all criminal defense cases
- Proven track record in complex drug trafficking prosecutions
Services
Drug Crimes Defense
We defend against federal and state drug charges including possession, trafficking, and distribution. With former prosecutors on our team, we challenge evidence and sentencing guidelines for cases involving cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and prescription medications. Our approach combines technical legal knowledge with practical courtroom experience to secure dismissals, reduced charges, or favorable plea bargains.
Sex Crimes Defense
Our firm specializes in defending clients against child pornography, statutory rape, and sexual battery allegations. We understand the social stigma and legal consequences involved, employing experienced trial strategies while protecting First Amendment rights. We challenge forensic evidence and work to prevent lifetime registration requirements through aggressive legal advocacy in both state and federal courts.
Federal Criminal Defense
We represent clients in federal criminal cases involving RICO violations, white-collar crimes, and interstate drug trafficking. With experience in federal court procedures, we challenge prosecutorial overreach and sentencing enhancements. Our team navigates complex federal statutes while advocating for pretrial release and reduced penalties through detailed legal arguments and evidentiary challenges.
Domestic Violence Defense
We defend against domestic assault and battery charges with a focus on disproving allegations and protecting parental rights. Our attorneys challenge false accusations through witness examination and evidence analysis. We emphasize procedural defenses and seek alternative sentencing options like counseling programs to keep charges off clients' permanent records.
Probation Violation Defense
We represent clients facing probation revocation hearings for technical or substantive violations. Our approach includes negotiating with prosecutors for continued probation, challenging insufficient evidence, and advocating for modified sentencing alternatives. We focus on maintaining clients' freedom while addressing the probation department's concerns through strategic legal arguments and behavioral evidence.
People
James Benjamin
Attorney
Practicing since 1984, James Benjamin focuses on criminal defense with experience in federal and state courts. He serves as president of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has extensive trial experience in complex drug trafficking cases.
Daniel Aaronson
Chairman Emeritus
Daniel Aaronson specializes in First Amendment defense and sex crimes cases. With over 30 years' experience, he previously served as Chairman of the First Amendment Lawyers Association and represented clients in high-profile pornography-related prosecutions.
Peter Patanzo
Attorney
Peter Patanzo handles violent crime defense and appeals. He combines trial advocacy with appellate strategy, focusing on homicide cases and post-conviction relief through detailed legal analysis and procedural challenges.
Gary Edinger
Attorney
Gary Edinger specializes in domestic violence defense and white-collar crimes. His background includes both prosecution and defense experience, allowing unique insights into negotiating favorable outcomes for clients facing complex criminal charges.
Questions
What areas of criminal defense do you specialize in?
We specialize in drug crimes, sex offenses, domestic violence, federal criminal defense, and probation violations with particular expertise in complex federal drug trafficking and child pornography cases.
Do you handle both state and federal criminal cases?
Yes, our firm represents clients in both Florida state courts and federal courts nationwide, including complex multi-jurisdictional cases involving federal agencies like the DEA and FBI.
Is free consultation available for potential clients?
We offer free initial consultations for all criminal defense matters to evaluate your case and discuss potential defense strategies during your first meeting with our attorneys.
What experience do your attorneys have with federal cases?
Our team includes former federal prosecutors with direct experience handling drug trafficking, RICO violations, and complex financial crimes in federal court systems across multiple states.
Do you represent clients outside Fort Lauderdale?
We represent clients throughout Florida including Gainesville and other state locations, as well as federal cases requiring appearances in multiple jurisdictions nationwide.
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