Criminal
Defense
When your freedom, your reputation, and your future are on the line, you are entitled to a defense built on experience, preparation, and unwavering advocacy at every stage of the case.
You Are Not Just A Case
If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, or are under investigation by state or federal authorities, it is imperative to protect your rights and your freedom with the help of an experienced criminal attorney. You are an individual facing a deeply personal matter — and you deserve to be treated with dignity, professionalism, and the full weight of a defense built around you.
Defense From The Moment It Matters
The most important hours of a criminal case are often the very first. Decisions made at the scene of an arrest, in an interview room, or during the early days of an investigation can shape every outcome that follows. The right attorney in those hours is invaluable.
We act quickly to protect your constitutional rights, evaluate the evidence the government claims to have, and intervene at bail and pretrial hearings. Where evidence was unlawfully obtained, we move to suppress it. Where charges should never have been filed, we work to make that case before they are.
- Pre-Arrest & Investigation Counsel
- Bail & Pretrial Release Hearings
- Suppression of Unlawful Evidence
- Protection of Constitutional Rights
Trial-Tested. State & Federal.
Mr. Dobkin has tried criminal jury cases in both state and federal court for more than four decades. That depth of experience is the foundation of every defense — because prosecutors negotiate differently when they know the lawyer across the table is fully prepared, and fully willing, to take a case to verdict.
Whether the matter resolves through suppression, dismissal, plea negotiation, or trial, every step is built on rigorous preparation, clear strategy, and the personal involvement of Mr. Dobkin himself. You will not be passed off to junior staff. Your defense is his.
- State & Federal Jury Trials
- Plea Negotiation & Mitigation
- Sentencing Advocacy
- Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief
Sealing, Expunction & Restoration
A criminal record can follow a person for decades — limiting employment, housing, professional licensing, and the basic dignities of moving forward. Florida law allows certain records to be sealed or expunged, and certain civil rights to be restored. The path is technical, but for those who qualify it can be transformative.
We carefully evaluate eligibility, prepare the petition with the precision the courts require, and shepherd the matter to its conclusion. The goal is straightforward: ensure that a past matter does not define a future.
- Sealing of Criminal Records
- Expunction Petitions
- Restoration of Civil Rights
- Background Record Review
A Full Spectrum Of Defense
We handle a broad range of state and federal criminal matters, including but not limited to:
- Assault & Battery
- Arson
- Burglary & Theft
- Drug Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Cyber Crimes
- Homicide
- DUI
- White Collar Crimes
- Fraud
- Gun & Weapon Crimes
- Tax Evasion
- Juvenile Crimes
- Sealing & Expunction
- Federal Crimes
"It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer."
— Sir William Blackstone
Commentaries on the Laws of England, 1765–1769
Frequently Asked Questions
Invoke your right to remain silent and your right to counsel — clearly, and immediately. Do not attempt to explain, justify, or talk your way out of the situation; statements made at the scene or in custody can and will be used against you. Then call an attorney. Every hour matters in the early stages of a criminal case, and the sooner counsel is involved, the more effectively your rights can be protected.
Yes — and the sooner the better. Decisions made during a state or federal investigation, before any formal charges are filed, often determine the entire trajectory of a case. The right counsel at the right moment can sometimes prevent charges from ever being filed in the first place.
State charges are brought by Florida prosecutors for violations of Florida law and are tried in state court. Federal charges are brought by the U.S. Attorney's Office for violations of federal law and are tried in federal court — often involving longer sentences, mandatory minimums, and a very different procedural landscape. Mr. Dobkin has trial experience in both.
Most criminal cases resolve without a trial — through dismissal, suppression of key evidence, diversion, or negotiated resolution. But a defense is only as strong as its trial readiness. We prepare every case as if it will be tried, because that is what gives you leverage at every other stage.
In many cases, yes. Florida law permits the sealing or expunction of certain criminal records when statutory eligibility requirements are met — including cases that ended in dismissal, acquittal, or successful completion of a diversion program. We carefully evaluate eligibility and guide clients through the petition process so a past matter does not define a future.
Every client works directly with Mr. Dobkin — not with paralegals or junior associates. You will know the attorney who answers your questions, prepares your defense, and stands beside you in the courtroom. That direct, personal representation is foundational to how this firm has operated for forty years.
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Confidential consultations. Direct access. Forty years of representation in service of the people of Miami.
- Marcus Centre
9990 SW 77th Avenue, Penthouse #3
Miami, FL 33156-2661 - 305-661-7000
- Fax 305-598-9088
- 24-Hour Availability • Hablamos Español
Voices of Our Clients
“Mr. Dobkin is in a realm of his own. I have never felt so comfortable and confident trusting another attorney. His attention to detail and dedication blew me away.”
“I've been a client of Mr. Dobkin for close to 18 years. He's been extremely helpful in providing sound advice and counsel for the needs of my family.”
“I first met Joe when he conducted one of my mediations. He was a delight to have as the mediator, providing a voice of reason in conjunction with a demeanor of tranquility.”
“Called the office on a Friday afternoon with urgent questions and not only spoke with Mr. Dobkin himself — his advice worked in my favor down to the last detail.”
“Great service. The level of professionalism, empathy, and experience that Mr. Dobkin exhibited during my case was phenomenal. You've found the perfect attorney.”
“Mr. Dobkin and his staff have great integrity. He'd rather not take a case than waste your time and money — he creates realistic expectations from the onset.”
“Mr. Dobkin was an absolute God-send. His knowledge of the law, court systems, and even the Judge in my case was on point. Exceptional service!”
“Joe Dobkin is an excellent attorney I can recommend without question. A man of integrity, character, and deep concern for his clients.”
“After terrible experiences with several lawyers, I found Mr. Dobkin. A wealth of expertise, caring, commitment, and integrity. Within a short time I got amazing results.”
“Refreshingly down-to-earth. Mr. Dobkin balanced legal theory with practical application — and never once was preachy, condescending, or impatient.”
“One word describes this office: Care. Mr. Dobkin and his legal assistant Patty provide the very best in courtesy, compassion, and understanding.”
“A man with an amazing knowledge of the law and an amazing heart who still believes in core values. He'll always be not only my attorney but my friend.”
“Mr. Dobkin and Patty handled my legal issues with everything that matters most — professionalism, expertise, respect, empathy, and patience.”
“Attorney Dobkin is literally the BEST ATTORNEY in Miami. He goes above and beyond the call of duty. Top-notch.”
“An outstanding lawyer who responded immediately, listened carefully, and made us feel important. Smart advice that was spot on and effective.”
“A 5-star firm offering personalized service. Attorney Dobkin places himself in the individual's position. Highly recommended.”
“This is the 2nd time I've worked with Mr. Dobkin and Patty — and both cases were dismissed! An absolute pleasure to work with.”
“Tenacity and integrity drive the best outcomes for his clients. I have trusted Joseph with my legal needs for years and he always delivers results.”
“The most professional, insightful, trustworthy and kind attorney I've had the pleasure of meeting in Miami. He has gained a loyal client for life.”
“Mr. Dobkin is in a realm of his own. I have never felt so comfortable and confident trusting another attorney. His attention to detail and dedication blew me away.”
“I've been a client of Mr. Dobkin for close to 18 years. He's been extremely helpful in providing sound advice and counsel for the needs of my family.”
“I first met Joe when he conducted one of my mediations. He was a delight to have as the mediator, providing a voice of reason in conjunction with a demeanor of tranquility.”
“Called the office on a Friday afternoon with urgent questions and not only spoke with Mr. Dobkin himself — his advice worked in my favor down to the last detail.”
“Great service. The level of professionalism, empathy, and experience that Mr. Dobkin exhibited during my case was phenomenal. You've found the perfect attorney.”
“Mr. Dobkin and his staff have great integrity. He'd rather not take a case than waste your time and money — he creates realistic expectations from the onset.”
“Mr. Dobkin was an absolute God-send. His knowledge of the law, court systems, and even the Judge in my case was on point. Exceptional service!”
“Joe Dobkin is an excellent attorney I can recommend without question. A man of integrity, character, and deep concern for his clients.”
“After terrible experiences with several lawyers, I found Mr. Dobkin. A wealth of expertise, caring, commitment, and integrity. Within a short time I got amazing results.”
“Refreshingly down-to-earth. Mr. Dobkin balanced legal theory with practical application — and never once was preachy, condescending, or impatient.”
“One word describes this office: Care. Mr. Dobkin and his legal assistant Patty provide the very best in courtesy, compassion, and understanding.”
“A man with an amazing knowledge of the law and an amazing heart who still believes in core values. He'll always be not only my attorney but my friend.”
“Mr. Dobkin and Patty handled my legal issues with everything that matters most — professionalism, expertise, respect, empathy, and patience.”
“Attorney Dobkin is literally the BEST ATTORNEY in Miami. He goes above and beyond the call of duty. Top-notch.”
“An outstanding lawyer who responded immediately, listened carefully, and made us feel important. Smart advice that was spot on and effective.”
“A 5-star firm offering personalized service. Attorney Dobkin places himself in the individual's position. Highly recommended.”
“This is the 2nd time I've worked with Mr. Dobkin and Patty — and both cases were dismissed! An absolute pleasure to work with.”
“Tenacity and integrity drive the best outcomes for his clients. I have trusted Joseph with my legal needs for years and he always delivers results.”
“The most professional, insightful, trustworthy and kind attorney I've had the pleasure of meeting in Miami. He has gained a loyal client for life.”