Criminal Defense Attorney in Miami

Miami-Dade Criminal Defense Built on Prosecutorial Insight

At The Law Offices of Eric M. Matheny, P.A., we represent individuals facing criminal charges throughout Miami-Dade County. Attorney Eric M. Matheny is a former prosecutor who spent years on the state’s side of the courtroom. He understands how prosecutors evaluate evidence, decide which charges to pursue, and prepare cases for trial. That perspective drives our defense strategy from the first consultation forward.

We handle the full range of criminal charges: DUI, drug crimes, misdemeanors, felonies, violent crimes, white-collar offenses, sex crimes, and domestic violence. We’re available 24/7 for new clients, offer a free case evaluation, and provide payment plans so that the cost of quality representation isn’t a barrier when you need help most.

How We Build Your Defense

After more than 50 jury and non-jury trials, Attorney Matheny approaches every case the same way: he looks at it the way the prosecution will. That vantage point reveals where the state’s case is strongest, where it’s weakest, and where the defense has the most to gain.

Every case we take begins with a thorough investigation. We evaluate every piece of evidence, scrutinize police procedures for constitutional violations, and interview witnesses. Reviewing the legality of a search or arrest, challenging the chain of custody for physical evidence, and examining whether your Fourth Amendment rights were respected can each shift the trajectory of a case significantly.

Prosecutors in Miami-Dade handle high caseloads. An attorney who understands how charging decisions get made, and what factors lead a prosecutor to prioritize or reconsider a case, can identify leverage points that a generalist might miss. We negotiate for charge reductions and alternative resolutions where they serve our clients’ interests, and we prepare every case as though it will go to trial, because that preparation is what supports real negotiating strength.

No two defense strategies we develop are identical. The approach that works for a first-time misdemeanor isn’t the approach that works for a serious felony. We build each strategy around the specific circumstances our client is actually facing, and we don’t apply a standardized method regardless of the facts.

What a Conviction Can Cost You Beyond the Courtroom

In Florida, the consequences of a criminal conviction extend well past any sentence a court imposes. A felony conviction can result in the loss of voting rights, the right to possess a firearm, and eligibility for certain professional licenses. Some of those consequences may persist even after a jail term or probation period ends, depending on the specific charge and circumstances. Even a misdemeanor arrest record can affect applications for housing, employment, and in some cases federal financial aid.

For non-citizens living in Miami-Dade County, the stakes can be higher still. Certain criminal convictions, including some drug offenses and crimes of moral turpitude, may trigger immigration consequences such as deportation proceedings or bars to naturalization, depending on the charge, the individual’s immigration status, and other factors. Early legal intervention can be critical in these situations.

Attorney Matheny addresses collateral consequences from the start of representation, not as an afterthought. Florida law allows for expungement or sealing of some criminal records, which can limit the public visibility of an arrest or charge that didn’t result in a conviction. Our guidance extends beyond courtroom advocacy to helping clients understand what a conviction or a plea could mean for their future before any decision is made.