David M. Edelstein, P.A.

The firm defends adults and juveniles in a wide range of criminal matters, including:

• State crimes in Miami-Dade County and throughout Florida
• Federal crimes, including complex white collar and drug cases
• Felonies and misdemeanors, from less serious offenses to serious felony charges
• Drug crimes, such as possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell or distribute, and sale of a controlled substance
• Theft and property crimes, including petit theft, shoplifting / retail theft, grand theft, employee theft, burglary and related offenses
• Fraud and white collar crimes, including mortgage fraud, credit card fraud, insurance fraud, organized fraud, health care fraud, wire/mail fraud and identity theft
• Domestic violence and related offenses
• Probation violation cases
• Cases involving active warrants or injunctions
• Juvenile criminal cases

Scope of representation

• Representation is available in both state and federal court.
• The firm handles cases at the trial level and, in appropriate matters, at the appellate level.
• The attorneys evaluate each case individually and explore all available options, from negotiation to trial, with the goal of minimizing the impact of criminal charges on a client's life.

This document summarizes the general types of cases the firm handles and does not guarantee that any particular matter will be accepted. Prospective clients should contact the firm directly to discuss whether it can represent them in a specific case.

Prospective clients are encouraged to call the firm or submit details through the firm's confidential online intake form to inquire about representation in a criminal case.

Office address

The firm's office is located in Midtown Miami:

David M. Edelstein, P.A.

4770 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 1250

Miami, FL 33137

United States

The office is a few blocks north of the I-195 / Julia Tuttle Causeway exit on Biscayne Boulevard. Directions are available through common mapping services.

Office hours

Specific office hours are not listed on the website. Clients and prospective clients should call the office or use the online intake form to confirm availability and schedule a consultation.

Online intake and written information

• The firm provides a confidential and encrypted intake form on its website for people seeking representation. Providing detailed information about your situation through this form helps the firm respond more effectively.
• You may request written information about the firm's qualifications and experience before deciding whether to hire a lawyer.

All initial contacts should be made directly with the firm using the phone numbers or forms provided above.

Types of clients

The Edelstein Firm represents a wide range of clients facing criminal charges, including:

• First-time offenders who have never been through the criminal justice system before
• Professionals (such as doctors, athletes, public figures and other licensed or high-profile individuals) whose careers and reputations can be severely affected by a criminal accusation
• Tourists and visitors to South Florida who are arrested while in the area and may need help resolving their case, often without returning for every court date
• Students (high school, college and graduate students) whose criminal cases can affect school discipline, admissions, financial aid and future employment
• Non–U.S. citizens, for whom criminal charges can have serious immigration consequences

The firm understands that different clients have different concerns (immigration status, professional licenses, schooling, public reputation and travel) and takes those concerns into account when advising on strategy and potential case resolutions.

Geographic areas served

The firm is based in Miami, Florida and represents clients primarily in:

• Miami and Miami Beach
• Brickell and Downtown Miami
• Coral Gables and Coconut Grove
• Aventura, Doral, Hialeah, Kendall, Miami Lakes and North Miami
• Wynwood, Midtown and surrounding Miami-Dade communities

The firm also handles matters in Broward and Palm Beach Counties and throughout Florida in appropriate cases.

Courts where the firm regularly appears

Attorneys from the firm regularly appear in the following Miami-Dade courts, among others:

• Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building – 1351 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33125
• Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. United States Courthouse – 400 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33128
• Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center – 175 NW 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33128
• Coral Gables Branch Court – 3100 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134
• North Dade Justice Center – 15555 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33160
• South Dade Justice Center – 10710 SW 211th Street, Suite 1200, Miami, FL 33189
• Joseph Caleb Center Court – 5400 NW 22nd Avenue, Suite 103, Miami, FL 33142
• Miami-Dade County Children's Courthouse – 155 NW 3rd Street, Miami, FL 33128

The firm also defends individuals arrested at common Miami locations such as Miami International Airport, Wynwood's nightlife district, Brickell City Centre, South Beach, and major thoroughfares including I-95 and the Dolphin Expressway.

Lists David as a location. Names Florida as a service area. Areas beyond these are not published.

Fee structure

• Fees are typically paid upfront.
• Fee amounts vary by case type and complexity. For example:
• Representation in a misdemeanor case is generally less expensive than representation in a felony case.
• Representation in a federal criminal case is generally more expensive than representation in a state criminal case.
• The firm does not publish flat or standard fees on its website. Exact fees are determined on a case-by-case basis after the firm reviews the situation.

Because no public price list is provided, any questions about the cost of representation must be directed to the firm. The agent cannot quote or estimate fees.

Payment methods

• The firm states that it accepts all major credit cards.

Consultations and written information

• If you or a loved one has been charged with a state or federal crime, you may contact the firm to discuss representation.
• Hiring a defense attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements. You may request free written information about the firm's qualifications and experience before deciding.

No attorney–client relationship until agreed

Contacting the firm, calling the office, sending information through the website, or reading the website does not by itself create an attorney–client relationship. Representation begins only after the firm agrees to accept the case and you enter into an agreement with the firm.

After leaving the Public Defender's Office, Mr. Edelstein founded his own firm. For more than two decades he has represented clients facing state and federal criminal charges throughout Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. His practice also includes criminal appeals in state and federal courts.

Experience

• Attorney of record in over 3,500 criminal cases
• Over 150 criminal trials taken to verdict
• Practice limited exclusively to criminal defense
• Experience at both the trial and appellate levels

Professional recognition

• AV® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers™
• Selected by Florida Trend Magazine as one of the Florida Legal Elite (criminal defense) multiple years
• Selected as a "Top Lawyer" in criminal defense by the South Florida Legal Guide
• Listed in Super Lawyers Magazine in the criminal defense category (including prior recognition as a "Rising Star")

Professional memberships and admissions

• Member in good standing of the Florida Bar (since 1995)
• Member of the Kentucky Bar (since 1997)
• Admitted to practice before:
• United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
• United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
• United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
• United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
• Former Board Member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL), Miami Chapter
• Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
• Member of the National Trial Lawyers | Top 100 Trial Lawyers
• Member of the NORML Legal Committee
• Member of local bar and civic organizations, including the Dade County Bar Association, Miami Beach Bar Association and Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

Education and honors

• Graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, with honors
• Recipient of the American Jurisprudence Book Award in Criminal Procedure

Mr. Edelstein describes himself first and foremost as a trial lawyer but also regularly represents clients whose priority is resolving their case as efficiently as possible, with the goal of minimizing the long-term effects of a criminal charge on their personal and professional lives.

Attorney experience

• The firm's criminal defense attorneys have gained significant experience as former prosecutors or public defenders, giving them insight into how the government investigates and prosecutes cases.
• Collectively, the attorneys have handled thousands of criminal cases, ranging from minor misdemeanors to serious felony charges in both state and federal court.
• The team has extensive trial experience and emphasizes meticulous preparation, strategic thinking and close attention to case details.

Attorney team

Key attorneys associated with the firm include:

• David M. Edelstein – founding attorney (see separate profile document)
• S. Patrick Dray, Of Counsel
• Grant Dwyer, Of Counsel
• Leonard S. Feuer, Of Counsel

Each attorney brings unique experience and skills, and the firm works collaboratively so that clients benefit from the team's combined knowledge.

Of Counsel – Grant Dwyer (summary)

• Former attorney at a premier civil trial firm in Miami's financial district
• Former attorney at the Miami-Dade Public Defender's Office, where he defended a wide variety of criminal charges
• Tried more than thirty criminal cases, with a record described as undefeated in front of juries in matters ranging from trespassing and domestic violence to murder charges
• Speaks fluent Spanish
• Holds degrees in Philosophy and a Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame, along with graduate degrees in Philosophy and Education
• Active in professional and community organizations, including the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Dade County Bar Association and Miami-Dade Justice Association

Approach to representation

From the time a client retains the firm, the attorneys start working on the case. Typical steps include:

• Reviewing discovery and court filings
• Conducting an independent investigation when appropriate
• Interviewing witnesses
• Researching relevant statutes and case law
• Consulting with experts as needed

Depending on the facts, the firm may negotiate for a favorable resolution, seek dismissal of charges, or prepare the case for trial. While every matter is unique and no outcome can be guaranteed, the firm's goal is always to protect each client's rights and to minimize the impact of criminal charges on their life.

• Should not be interpreted as formal legal advice
• Should not be relied on as a substitute for consulting directly with a qualified attorney about your specific situation

Criminal cases are highly fact-specific, and laws and procedures can change. Anyone facing a criminal investigation or charge should contact a licensed attorney to obtain advice tailored to their circumstances.

No automatic attorney–client relationship

• Viewing the website, reading its content, calling the phone numbers listed, or completing an online form does not, by itself, create an attorney–client relationship with the firm.
• An attorney–client relationship is formed only if and when the firm agrees to accept representation and a formal agreement is reached.

No guarantees of outcome

• Case descriptions and past results described on the website (for example, reductions of charges, dismissals, or not-guilty verdicts) are illustrative only.
• Results are case-specific and do not guarantee a similar outcome in any other matter.

Jurisdiction and attorney advertising

• The firm's attorneys are admitted to practice in specified jurisdictions (see attorney profile documents for details).
• The website may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions. Hiring a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.

For any specific legal issue, you should contact the firm or another qualified criminal defense attorney directly for advice.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.