- State court Miami-Dade Circuit Court Criminal Division
- Federal court US District Court for the district covering Miami — higher conviction rates, longer sentences than state court
- Rates $300–$550/hr
- Key fact Miami's international financial community creates specific criminal defence needs — federal financial crime and money laundering cases are more frequent here than most cities
- Local tip Miami has a large bilingual legal market — many attorneys are fluent in Spanish. Coral Gables and Brickell firms typically charge premium rates; Hialeah and Kendall attorneys charge 20–25% less
- Verify floridabar.org (The Florida Bar) before retaining anyone
Federal prosecution priorities have shifted significantly under the Trump administration in 2026. Immigration-related charges, drug offences, and financial crimes are seeing increased federal attention in cities including Miami.
Federal cases are categorically different from state prosecution — the DOJ has substantially greater resources, and 2026 has seen expanded use of federal charges in areas previously handled at the state level. If you have received a target letter or believe you are under federal investigation, this requires immediate specialist attention separate from any state matter you may be dealing with.
Full Price Breakdown
| Level | Price Range | What This Gets You |
|---|---|---|
| Uncontested / Simple | $2,100 | Both parties agree on all terms — flat fee arrangement |
| Contested (standard) | $8,900 | Disputed issues, hourly billing, licensed attorney |
| Complex / High-conflict | $26,250 | Multiple disputes, lengthy proceedings, senior counsel |
| Per case | Hourly: $250–$650/hr avg | Initial retainer typically $3,000–$8,000 — not total cost |
📍 Miami vs national average: Miami Criminal Defense costs ($8,900) are close to the $8,500 national average. COL index 105 — national baseline is 100. Data sourced from BLS Regional Price Parities and updated quarterly.