What is the purpose of civil litigation?

Civil litigation is the process by which a dispute is turned over to the court system for resolution. Civil cases are non-criminal matters, although they can arise out of criminal offenses, such as theft, fraud, or RICO Act violations. The main purpose of civil litigation is typically to secure financial compensation to make a victim whole. Depending on the type of case, you may be able to receive monetary damages that address your economic losses, non-economic losses, legal costs, and more. Some matters can give rise to either treble damages or to punitive damages awarded for the purpose of punishing the defendants. In the civil litigation case you’re pursuing, my goal is to put forward the strongest possible evidence and arguments for obtaining maximum compensation.

Do civil claims in Coral Gables, FL, go to court?

Yes, civil claims for damages can go to court, although many of these cases resolve through out-of-court settlements before going all the way to trial. The right path for your situation depends on a number of factors, including the strength of your case, the strength of the defendant’s arguments, and the defendant’s willingness to negotiate a settlement that fairly compensates you. As a trial attorney, I’m always prepared to take a case as far as necessary for my client’s benefit, and I build every case for the possibility of a trial from the beginning. That doesn’t mean pushing you to go to court unnecessarily, but instead ensuring that every possible avenue of resolution remains open to you. Often, this careful case preparation can contribute to favorable outcomes out of court as well as constant trial-readiness.

What defenses are effective against white-collar criminal charges in Coral Gables?

If you’re charged with a white-collar crime in Coral Gables, it’s important to put forward a defense that’s fully customized to the unique facts of your situation. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to argue that you did not knowingly participate in deceptive conduct such as embezzlement or fraud, that the misrepresentations or inconsistencies identified by the opposing party were genuine mistakes, or that the allegations against you are false or embellished. In developing defense strategies for my clients, I consider the case from all angles and focus on the most promising arguments that establish the prosecutor’s failure to prove their claims beyond a reasonable doubt. This strategy might encompass seeking the suppression of any improperly obtained evidence against you, identifying inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence or arguments, and countering unfounded assumptions about your knowledge of or intent to participate in unlawful activities.

What are my options for defending against criminal charges?

Criminal cases can proceed in numerous ways. Having a dedicated attorney on your side empowers you to keep all options available, explore the likely outcomes of different avenues, and make an informed decision about how to handle your case strategically. If the facts of the case support doing so, it may be possible to get the charges against you dropped entirely by filing a motion to dismiss the case due to a lack of sufficient, properly obtained evidence. Otherwise, you need to gear up to present a defense. With effective arguments against the prosecutor’s case, you may be able to negotiate a plea deal with favorable terms, in which you agree to serve lesser penalties than you may be at risk of receiving if you lose a trial. If your case is strong, presenting compelling arguments in court offers the opportunity to secure a not-guilty trial verdict. In the event that you are convicted, effective representation during sentencing can help you receive lighter penalties. In some cases, alternatives such as pre-trial diversion programs may be an option. Florida offers pre-trial diversion programs for both misdemeanor and felony offenses, although your eligibility may depend on factors such as the nature of the offense you’re accused of committing and whether you are a first-time or repeat offender. Speaking to a knowledgeable attorney about your unique situation can help you better understand all options available to you and their likely outcomes.

Forge Litigation Group/

Coral Gables Civil Litigation And Criminal Defense

Coral Gables Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense

Experienced Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense Attorney in Coral Gables, FL

Whether you’re suing a business on Miracle Mile for breach of contract, seeking compensation from a defendant who defrauded you during your vacation, or facing criminal charges for sophisticated offenses anywhere in the city, you need a Coral Gables civil and criminal lawyer on your side. At Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., I serve clients seeking favorable outcomes for both civil and criminal matters as well as complex situations that involve components of both types of law.

Your legal strategy begins with a confidential consultation and an objective case review. Contact me today to get started and find out what my dedicated legal services can do for you.

Types of Cases Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., Handles in Coral Gables, Florida

As a Coral Gables civil and criminal lawyer, I skillfully represent clients in claims for damages, defend them against serious charges, and provide comprehensive support for matters at the intersection of these areas of law. The types of legal matters I’m prepared to assist you with encompass the following.

Civil Litigation

Coral Gables complex civil litigation matters often involve multiple defendants, rules and procedures in different jurisdictions, complicated causes of action, and other challenges. I use personalized strategies developed after an extensive analysis of the facts to overcome the obstacles in cases such as:

Coral Gables parallel proceedings and anti‑suit injunctions: Legal issues in which multiple actions arise out of the same circumstances and potentially involve filing for or fighting against anti-suit injunctions ordered to stop a case from moving forward
Coral Gables cross‑border & international litigation: Cases that involve defendants in different jurisdictions (states or even countries) and, as a result, the rules and legal procedures of more than one court
Coral Gables civil theft claims: Legal actions through which a victim of theft can recover financial compensation not only for the value of the stolen property but for triple their damages
Coral Gables civil fraud claims: Recourse that allows people who have been defrauded to pursue monetary compensation from the perpetrator of the deceptive scheme
Coral Gables civil RICO and business fraud cases: Cases in which an alleged victim harmed by racketeering, organized criminal activities, or business fraud can recover compensation, including treble damages

Business Dispute Representation

Disagreements in the course of doing business are no small matters. The actions that give rise to them can seriously affect a company’s reputation, lead to significant financial losses, and even put the future of the business at risk. In my practice handling Coral Gables business disputes, I always put my clients’ interests first.

Business leaders turn to my law firm for assistance with matters like the following:

Coral Gables breach of contract disputes: Litigation filed by one party involved in business dealings, claiming that the other party failed to meet the obligations established under a legally enforceable contract
Coral Gables business defamation & disparagement cases: Matters in which a business seeks to hold a party accountable for making false, damaging statements and affecting its reputation or its financial gains
Coral Gables business partnership disputes: Matters involving business direction or operations in which partners disagree, which may be resolved through negotiations, litigation, or dissolution of the business partnership
Coral Gables tortious interference in business disputes: Cases in which a company holds a third party accountable for conduct that leads to a breach of business contracts or disruption of an existing business relationship

Criminal Defense

When you’re charged with a crime, having a trusted Coral Gables criminal defense law firm on your side matters. In my criminal defense practice, I often focus on fighting for clients accused of white‑collar crimes, including:

Coral Gables wire fraud charges: Violations in which the alleged fraudulent activities involved the use of the internet, phone systems, radio or television broadcasts, or other types of telecommunications networks
Coral Gables tax fraud charges: Offenses of evading (failing to pay or underpaying) taxes of any kind, often by knowingly underreporting income, intentionally hiding assets, inflating deduction amounts, or claiming credits you don’t qualify for using false statements
Coral Gables healthcare fraud charges: Charges of intentionally seeking unauthorized benefits, services, or payments from a healthcare benefit program through deception or misrepresentation, whether as a patient or a medical provider
Coral Gables bank fraud charges: Allegations of deceptive conduct that targets a financial institution, including credit card fraud, mortgage fraud, and check kiting
Coral Gables money laundering charges: Accusations of conducting monetary transactions for the purpose of obscuring the source of money that was known to have been obtained through unlawful means
Coral Gables conspiracy charges: Charges of knowingly and willfully entering into an agreement with another person (or multiple others) to violate the law

Using the same skills I employ when investigating white-collar crimes as a defense attorney, I also provide Coral Gables internal investigation services to help business leaders proactively root out embezzlement, fraud, and other unlawful activities occurring in their companies.

White-collar crimes like fraud are often prosecuted at the federal level. I defend clients against both state and federal charges, providing comprehensive support for difficult legal situations.

If you believe a prior ruling issued in your case was unfair or unconstitutional, I can analyze the facts of your trial to determine whether you have grounds for an appeal. As both a trial and appellate attorney, I’m well-equipped to manage the unique and intricate demands of state and federal appeals.

Civil Rights Litigation

Everyone in the United States, including but not limited to U.S. citizens, has certain rights. These rights include:

Freedom from discrimination and unequal treatment by the government and in housing, education, and employment
Right to free speech, free exercise of religion, and free assembly (meaning that you can’t be arrested or retaliated against by the government for exercising these rights)
Due process of law, which protects people from being deprived of life, liberty, or property by the government without reason or proper procedures

Unfortunately, civil rights can be violated in numerous ways by government actors, employers, landlords, and other parties. Through Section 1983 claims and other types of legal remedies, I stand up for those whose rights have been trampled on and fight for both financial compensation and change.

Crisis Management & Communications

When a legal matter becomes a media crisis, how you handle communications can either feed the firestorm or minimize reputational damage and public backlash. As an experienced crisis manager as well as an attorney, I consider communications management strategies in my approach to legal representation. I help clients fight back against one-sided, unfair negative publicity and craft compelling narrative responses to the allegations or criticism against them, all while keeping their legal strategy at the center of this approach.

Public Interest & Pro Bono Work

Although Coral Gables is home to some of the most well-off neighborhoods in the United States, I recognize that not everyone is able to afford the legal services they need at standard rates. To me, the most fulfilling way to give back to my community is by providing pro bono legal services to those in need. This work ensures that those in desperate need can receive critical guidance and representation that they otherwise wouldn’t have.

I focus my public interest work primarily on assisting defendants charged with serious crimes such as homicide. By serving clients in both trial and post-conviction matters on a no-cost or low-cost basis, I can help those who can’t afford representation at standard rates minimize the consequences of these serious charges and advocate for people who have been imprisoned for crimes they did not commit.

Areas Served in Coral Gables, FL

As a civil litigation and criminal defense attorney in Coral Gables, FL, I’m dedicated to assisting clients throughout every neighborhood of “The City Beautiful” (as we locals call it), including:

Cocoplum
Cutler Oaks Estates
Deering Bay
Gables By The Sea
Gables Estates
Hammock Lakes
Hammock Oaks
Journey’s End
King’s Bay
Old Cutler Bay
Snapper Creek and Lakes
Sunrise Harbor
Tahiti Beach

From my law firm’s office location on Galiano Street in Coral Gables, I also serve clients in nearby Miami Beach and elsewhere in Miami-Dade County.

Why You Need a Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense Attorney in Coral Gables, FL

In a legal issue, the details matter. The difference between the best-case scenario and the worst-case scenario can be life-changing. Even the difference between obtaining a relatively favorable outcome and the most favorable outcome possible for your unique circumstances can impact you for years to come.

As a Coral Gables civil and criminal lawyer, I fight for nothing less than the most favorable outcome possible for each client I serve.

For plaintiffs in civil claims, I build the strongest possible case and develop the most compelling arguments to secure you the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to under the law. Depending on the type of case, this may include not only compensatory damages based on your actual losses but also treble damages or punitive damages and potentially legal costs. This outcome makes you as whole as possible, while a lesser settlement would fall short of fully addressing your losses.

When representing criminal defendants, the feasible outcome will depend on the specific facts and the strength of the case against them. If possible, I will seek to have charges dropped or dismissed entirely. Otherwise, I can advocate for lesser charges or the suppression of any improperly obtained evidence.

While negotiating a plea deal with favorable terms may be in your best interests, I’m also willing to fight for you in court if a trial offers you a better path forward. From not-guilty trial verdicts to the introduction of mitigating factors in sentencing hearings, I’m here to seek the most advantageous outcome possible under your unique circumstances.

Why Choose Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A. as Your Coral Gables Civil and Criminal Lawyer?

For a law firm with experience, commitment to the community, and a history of fighting for people who are going up against more powerful opponents in the legal process, look no further than Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A.

Extensive Experience Practicing Law in Miami-Dade County

I began my 25-year legal career as an Assistant Public Defender in Miami-Dade County, representing individuals charged with violations that range from misdemeanors to homicides and capital sexual offenses. As a Coral Gables civil and criminal lawyer, I’ve also served clients in the region and beyond in my work in civil litigation for large regional and international law firms.

Dedication to Serving Legal Needs in My Community

Coral Gables is my community, where I’ve built a law firm that has served clients throughout South Florida for more than a decade. I take personally the challenges of serving this community’s legal needs through dedicated representation both in and out of court, transparent advice that empowers community members to make smart decisions about their legal issues, and pro bono work that serves the public interest.

An Emphasis on Fighting for Those Who Most Need a Voice

In my practice, I focus on standing up for the proverbial “little guy,” stepping in to support people and businesses that have received unfair negative press, and representing the least powerful person in the room. When you need a voice, I’m here to help you tell your story with compassion, legal strategy, and committed advocacy.

About Civil and Criminal Legal Matters in Coral Gables, Florida

In Coral Gables, rich history combines with modern legal needs. I represent clients whose legal matters arose out of incidents occurring anywhere in the city, including the business district along Miracle Mile, the campuses of local educational institutions, tourist destinations like the Douglas Entrance and the historic Venetian Pool, and residential neighborhoods, some of which are among the wealthiest in the nation.

The city is also the headquarters of numerous major companies, including Fresh Del Monte Produce, Dolphin Entertainment, Bacardi (U.S. headquarters), Intelsat (Latin American headquarters), and many more. When legal disputes involve any of the companies with a significant presence in Coral Gables, my law firm is here to provide guidance, trusted advice, and comprehensive representation.

Contact a Coral Gables Civil and Criminal Lawyer at Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., Today for a Case Review

In both civil and criminal legal issues, waiting to secure trusted legal counsel can hurt your case. It’s in your best interests to avoid common pitfalls, begin gathering evidence to support your case, and take advantage of the benefits that early legal intervention can provide.

The initial consultation is confidential, allowing you to get help understanding your rights and options without cost or obligation.

For help from a civil litigation and criminal defense attorney in Coral Gables, FL, contact Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., online or call 786-933-8794 today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Litigation & Criminal Defense in Coral Gables and Throughout South Florida

Civil litigation is the process by which a dispute is turned over to the court system for resolution. Civil cases are non-criminal matters, although they can arise out of criminal offenses, such as theft, fraud, or RICO Act violations.
The main purpose of civil litigation is typically to secure financial compensation to make a victim whole. Depending on the type of case, you may be able to receive monetary damages that address your economic losses, non-economic losses, legal costs, and more. Some matters can give rise to either treble damages or to punitive damages awarded for the purpose of punishing the defendants. In the civil litigation case you’re pursuing, my goal is to put forward the strongest possible evidence and arguments for obtaining maximum compensation.
Yes, civil claims for damages can go to court, although many of these cases resolve through out-of-court settlements before going all the way to trial. The right path for your situation depends on a number of factors, including the strength of your case, the strength of the defendant’s arguments, and the defendant’s willingness to negotiate a settlement that fairly compensates you.
As a trial attorney, I’m always prepared to take a case as far as necessary for my client’s benefit, and I build every case for the possibility of a trial from the beginning. That doesn’t mean pushing you to go to court unnecessarily, but instead ensuring that every possible avenue of resolution remains open to you. Often, this careful case preparation can contribute to favorable outcomes out of court as well as constant trial-readiness.
If you’re charged with a white-collar crime in Coral Gables, it’s important to put forward a defense that’s fully customized to the unique facts of your situation. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to argue that you did not knowingly participate in deceptive conduct such as embezzlement or fraud, that the misrepresentations or inconsistencies identified by the opposing party were genuine mistakes, or that the allegations against you are false or embellished.
In developing defense strategies for my clients, I consider the case from all angles and focus on the most promising arguments that establish the prosecutor’s failure to prove their claims beyond a reasonable doubt. This strategy might encompass seeking the suppression of any improperly obtained evidence against you, identifying inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence or arguments, and countering unfounded assumptions about your knowledge of or intent to participate in unlawful activities.
Criminal cases can proceed in numerous ways. Having a dedicated attorney on your side empowers you to keep all options available, explore the likely outcomes of different avenues, and make an informed decision about how to handle your case strategically.
If the facts of the case support doing so, it may be possible to get the charges against you dropped entirely by filing a motion to dismiss the case due to a lack of sufficient, properly obtained evidence. Otherwise, you need to gear up to present a defense. With effective arguments against the prosecutor’s case, you may be able to negotiate a plea deal with favorable terms, in which you agree to serve lesser penalties than you may be at risk of receiving if you lose a trial. If your case is strong, presenting compelling arguments in court offers the opportunity to secure a not-guilty trial verdict. In the event that you are convicted, effective representation during sentencing can help you receive lighter penalties.
In some cases, alternatives such as pre-trial diversion programs may be an option. Florida offers pre-trial diversion programs for both misdemeanor and felony offenses, although your eligibility may depend on factors such as the nature of the offense you’re accused of committing and whether you are a first-time or repeat offender.
Speaking to a knowledgeable attorney about your unique situation can help you better understand all options available to you and their likely outcomes.