What are the consequences of legal issues in Miami Beach?

In civil litigation, cases are resolved primarily through financial settlements or awards. Receiving the full compensation you’re entitled to in a civil lawsuit can make you whole by paying for your losses. In some instances, such as civil theft claims, you can receive treble damages, or three times the value of the actual loss you suffered. However, not having an experienced lawyer on your side could mean ending up with less than you deserve or potentially even losing your case and walking away with nothing. In criminal cases, the consequences of a conviction can include harsh penalties, such as probation, monetary fines, and even jail time. After you have served your sentence, having a criminal record can continue to impact your life. Because these consequences are so serious, it’s important to choose an attorney who will work tirelessly to minimize them. Dismissals of charges, not-guilty verdicts, favorable plea deals, and even convictions accompanied by lesser sentences can all leave you in a better position compared to facing the harshest penalties permitted by law.

What if my case involves both civil and criminal issues?

Civil litigation and criminal defense are separate areas of law, but it’s not uncommon for these issues to collide. If you’re pursuing a civil theft or fraud claim, you need to understand how criminal charges against the defendant can affect your case. Alternatively, you could be facing criminal charges and then get hit with a separate civil claim for damages. I use my position at the intersection of civil and criminal law to help clients manage complex cases that involve both types of legal matters.

Is hiring a lawyer worth it?

Yes, it’s worth hiring an attorney to help you address legal issues as effectively as possible. Often, the stakes involved in a legal matter are significant. You likely wouldn’t undertake civil litigation for a breach or offense that caused you only minimal damages, so it’s worth having an attorney guiding your strategy to secure compensation that fairly addresses all of your legally recognized losses. In the case of criminal charges, your freedom and your future are on the line, and you need every possible advantage to protect them. If you’re not sure if you need an attorney, a consultation offers you an opportunity to obtain an objective case evaluation and get your questions about your rights and the legal process answered.

What happens during a consultation with a civil and criminal attorney?

At Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., I begin every potential case with a confidential consultation. First, I’ll listen to your story to gain an understanding of your legal needs. Based on this information, I will provide initial feedback personalized to your situation. I can help you consider possible courses of action and explain what my legal services could do to assist you. I provide transparent advice, so you can feel confident about making the right decision for your legal issues.

Miami Beach Civil and Criminal Lawyer | Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense Attorney Miami Beach FL

Skilled Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense Attorney in Miami Beach, FL

In business disputes, claims for financial compensation, or serious criminal allegations, your power lies in having the right guidance and support. With Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., as your Miami Beach civil and criminal lawyer, you’re approaching the legal process with extensive knowledge and dedicated advocacy.

If you’re wondering whether you need an attorney, it’s in your best interests to at least consult a lawyer for help understanding your rights and legal options. Contact me today to take advantage of a case review. You can get your questions answered and receive an objective assessment of your legal matter, empowering you to make the right choices about your case.

Types of Cases Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A. Handles in Miami Beach, FL

As a dedicated Miami Beach civil and criminal lawyer, I’m equipped to manage matters that involve complex litigation, sophisticated criminal charges, and the intersection of civil and criminal law. I represent clients in a variety of legal challenges, including the following.

Civil Litigation

Lawsuits are much more complicated than many people believe. The greater the number of complicating factors your case involves, including multiple defendants or jurisdictions, the greater your need for a knowledgeable attorney to handle your case. At Cases Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., I take on all types of Miami Beach complex civil litigation, such as:

Miami Beach parallel proceedings and anti‑suit injunctions: In matters in which multiple legal actions result from the same incident, I’m prepared to both manage parallel proceedings in different jurisdictions or civil/criminal courts and advocate for or against anti-suit injunctions.
Miami Beach cross‑border litigation: When an issue gives rise to legal actions filed in different states or even different countries, my experience handling international litigation can help you address rules and procedural requirements that cross borders.
Miami Beach civil fraud claims: Victims who sustained financial losses because of someone else’s fraudulent scheme can pursue compensation through the civil legal system.
Miami Beach civil theft claims: After a theft crime has caused a loss of property, a plaintiff can receive threefold the value of their loss under Florida law.
Miami Beach civil RICO and business fraud cases: Independent of any criminal charges filed, violations of racketeering laws and business fraud schemes can give rise to civil claims for damages.

Business Dispute Representation

In issues involving disagreements between a business and an individual, another business, or some other organization, getting legal guidance early on can help shape the future of your operations. I handle various kinds of Miami Beach business disputes, including:

Miami Beach breach of contract disputes: Failing to uphold contractual obligations provides grounds for the other party to take legal action to recover damages.
Miami Beach business defamation & disparagement cases: When untrue statements negatively impact a company’s reputation or its bottom line, the person who made these statements could be held liable.
Miami Beach business partnership disputes: If business partners can’t come to an agreement, litigation puts the decision in the hands of the court. I represent business leaders in negotiations with fellow partners, litigation, and the dissolution process.
Miami Beach tortious interference in business disputes: Sometimes a third party, like another business or an individual, intentionally gets in the way of a company’s contracts or working relationships. Tortious interference claims provide recourse for businesses harmed by this conduct.

Criminal Defense

As a Miami Beach criminal defense attorney, I help clients seek outcomes such as dismissals of charges, not-guilty trial verdicts, favorable plea deals, or lesser sentences. Much of my criminal defense practice is focused on handling charges of Miami Beach white‑collar crimes, including:

Miami Beach bank fraud charges: Any scheme targeting a financial institution or the assets under its control (such as its customers’ money) can constitute bank fraud, including making false statements on loan applications and using someone else’s credit card without authorization.
Miami Beach conspiracy charges: The act of agreeing to commit a crime with another person constitutes the crime of conspiracy.
Miami Beach healthcare fraud charges: A patient or a healthcare provider can be charged with healthcare fraud if they are accused of using deception or misrepresentation to receive unauthorized medical services, benefits, or payments.
Miami Beach money laundering charges: Attempting to disguise the true source of money obtained through unlawful means by moving it through legitimate financial systems can lead to charges of money laundering.
Miami Beach tax fraud charges: Evading the proper payment of income tax or other types of taxes, such as Florida sales tax or unemployment tax, can result in charges of tax fraud at the state or federal level.
Miami Beach wire fraud charges: When an alleged fraudulent scheme involves the use of telecommunications systems such as phone networks, the internet, or radio or television broadcasts, charges of wire fraud can be filed.

This extensive knowledge of white-collar crimes also serves other purposes beyond defending against criminal charges. Drawing on my experience in legal practice, I help companies throughout Miami Beach conduct internal investigations to proactively identify fraud, theft, and embezzlement within their business operations.

At both the federal and state levels, I help my clients fight back against cases that involve prosecutor overreach, insufficient evidence, and unlawful procedures for gathering evidence.

When the legal process goes wrong and some error of law or procedure results in an unjust outcome, I assist clients in preparing and submitting appeals.

Civil Rights Litigation

In Florida and throughout the United States, there are certain rights and liberties you’re entitled to under the law and the U.S. Constitution. These rights include due process when charged with a crime, freedom from discrimination in numerous contexts, and protection from police use of excessive force and other misconduct. In my practice of Miami Beach civil rights litigation, I pursue liability on the part of state and local government actors through Section 1983 claims, as well as filing other legal actions to attain justice for civil rights violations.

Crisis Management & Communications

Legal issues can also lead to business scandals, negative press, and public backlash. I bring to the cases I handle an understanding of crisis management and the communications strategies that can push back against one-sided media coverage and protect clients’ personal or professional reputations.

Public Interest & Pro Bono Work

Not everyone in Miami Beach is wealthy. As a means of giving back to my community and assisting those in desperate legal situations, I provide pro bono legal services that serve the public interest. For those who qualify, no-cost or low-cost legal services can fill an important need.

Areas Served in Miami Beach, FL

As a long-established Miami Beach civil and criminal lawyer, I serve all of the neighborhoods that make up this one-of-a-kind coastal resort city, as well as the surrounding areas.

In North Beach, I represent clients who live in, work in, or travel to:

Biscayne Point
Isle of Normandy
La Gorce
North Shore

Neighborhoods I represent clients from in Mid-Beach include:

Oceanfront
Bayshore
Nautilus

Throughout South Beach, clients turn to me for legal guidance when they’re facing civil or criminal matters in:

Belle Isle
City Center
Di Lido Island
Flagler Monument Island
Flamingo/Lummus
Hibiscus Island
Palm Island
Rivo Alto Island
San Marino Island
Star Island
South of Fifth

My legal reach extends beyond the borders of this coastal resort city, including representation in Miami, Coral Gables, and throughout Miami-Dade County and the rest of South Florida.

Miami Beach is much more than solely an area where the law firm of Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., provides legal services. It’s also my community. With a presence throughout Miami-Dade County and an office location on Galiano Street in Coral Gables that’s within a half-hour’s drive from the heart of Miami Beach, I possess knowledge of the local and legal nuances that can affect your case.

What to Expect From a Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense Attorney in Miami Beach, FL

In my role as your Miami Beach civil and criminal lawyer, I’m prepared to advocate for your interests in all stages of the legal process and handle every aspect of building your case. This includes:

Gaining an understanding of your unique situation during an initial consultation
Investigating the matter thoroughly and gathering evidence that supports your case
Developing a legal strategy personalized to the specific facts of your case that prioritizes the most favorable outcome possible
Representing you in all interactions, negotiations, and legal proceedings that pertain to your case
Managing deadlines, legal filings, and procedural requirements to keep your case on track

Having a civil litigation and criminal defense attorney in Miami Beach, FL, on your side can make legal issues more manageable.

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

Throughout Miami Beach and beyond, clients trust Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., with their legal issues based on experience, advocacy, and trial-readiness.

Experience in Miami Beach and Beyond

I began my 25-year legal career as an Assistant Public Defender in Miami-Dade County, representing clients in cases ranging from misdemeanors to homicides and capital sexual offenses in both trial and appellate courts. I’ve also handled civil litigation in large regional and international law firms.

Dedicated Advocacy

From the moment I take on a client’s case, I become their devoted advocate. Instead of viewing clients as commodities and legal representation as only an impersonal service I’m hired to provide, I become wholly invested in my clients’ causes and the outcomes I achieve for them.

Trial-Focused Preparation

I build every case for maximum success in a potential trial. Whether or not your legal issue actually goes to trial, this preparation adds value to your case, keeping all options open to you and demonstrating to the opposing side that you’re prepared to take the case as far as necessary.

About Civil and Criminal Legal Issues in Miami Beach, Florida

As one of the preeminent beach resorts in the nation, Miami Beach is a huge tourist destination, accounting for over half of the tourists who travel to Miami-Dade County. That means millions of tourists flock to the city annually, a reality that supported the development of a significant hospitality industry in Miami Beach.

I serve both locals and travelers who require legal assistance for matters resulting from incidents in Miami Beach. Whether local businesses operating in the tourism industry find themselves involved in disputes, workers employed by local companies are accused of fraud or embezzlement, or tourists are seeking compensation through a civil theft or fraud claim, having an attorney who understands this unique area on your side can help you build a compelling case.

Contact a Miami Beach Civil and Criminal Lawyer at Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., Today for a consultation

Find out for yourself the difference that dedicated legal guidance can make, regardless of whether the legal challenges you’re confronting pertain to civil litigation, criminal charges, or disputes in the course of operating a business. The consultation is confidential.

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

Miami Beach Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense