Now Is the Time to Contact a Key West Criminal Defense Attorney
Key West is a renowned tropical paradise, where palm trees sway in warm Caribbean breezes, and the pace of life slows to the rhythm of the tides. Tourists flock here to enjoy the stunning beaches, the historic charm of Old Town, and the vibrant nightlife on Duval Street.
But, even in this idyllic setting, you may be charged with a crime. Whether you are a resident or visitor, you need to take all criminal charges seriously. Your freedom, reputation, and future are at stake.
However, you don’t have to do it alone. You deserve to have an experienced Key West criminal defense attorney fighting to protect your rights. Attorney Robert David Malove is Florida bar board certified as an expert/specialist in criminal trial law. If you’ve been arrested, you’re under investigation, or you have reason to believe that charges are coming, we encourage you to contact our team today to begin protecting your rights.
Types of Criminal Charges We Defend in Key West
Our criminal defense attorneys have decades of experience handling a wide range of charges in Key West, such as:
Drunk Driving
Whether you're a local or a tourist charged with drunk driving, a DUI charge can have serious consequences. If you’re convicted, possible penalties may include:
- Extra expenses like fines, fees, and significantly higher car insurance when you can drive again
- Loss of your license
- Probation
- Community service
- Jail time
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
- A permanent criminal record
Attorney Robert Malove became a founding member of the National College for DUI Defense in 1995. The National College for DUI Defense is a professional, non-profit corporation that supports the top criminal defense lawyers in the United States and Canada.
If you’re facing drunk driving charges, you need this type of DUI defense lawyer. Key West, FL attorneys at The Law Office of Robert David Malove know how to challenge field sobriety tests, question the validity of breathalyzer results, and fight to get charges reduced or dismissed.
Other Driving Offenses
Drivers may face other criminal driving charges in Key West, including:
- Reckless driving
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Driving with a suspended license
- Habitual traffic offender charges
The consequences of a conviction may include fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Our Key West criminal defense lawyers will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and fight tirelessly to protect your driving privileges and keep your record clean.
Drug Charges
Key West's laid-back vibe doesn't exempt it from Florida's strict drug laws. You may be charged with:
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute
- Drug trafficking
- Doctor shopping
A conviction for any of these crimes could lead to significant fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. A Key West drug crimes lawyer can scrutinize the evidence, question police procedure, and fight for your rights every step of the way.
White Collar Crimes
Just being accused of white collar offenses like fraud, embezzlement, or money laundering can destroy your reputation. If you're under investigation, our Key West criminal defense attorneys will intervene early to mitigate potential consequences and build your defense. We will work hard to clear your name.
Domestic Violence
Heated arguments can quickly escalate, leading to 911 calls and arrests that require a domestic violence lawyer. Key West law enforcement understandably takes a tough stance, but accusations aren't always justified. We approach these cases with sensitivity and skill. Our goal is not to let misunderstandings or false accusations result in criminal sentences and irreparable harm to your reputation.
Healthcare Fraud
Healthcare fraud investigations can target anyone, from high-profile medical professionals to ordinary patients. You could face serious criminal charges if federal authorities suspect you knowingly submitted false claims, participated in illegal kickback schemes, or otherwise defrauded Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurers. As the author of White Collar Crime: Healthcare Fraud and an experienced Key West federal crime defense lawyer, Robert Malove has the experience to mount a strong defense against even the most daunting health care fraud charges.
Felonies
We defend clients against all types of felony charges, including but not limited to:
- Aggravated battery and assault
- Weapons charges
- Burglary
- Grand theft
- Drug trafficking
- Sexual assault and rape
- Homicide and manslaughter
Felonies are the most serious types of crimes in Florida. You do not want to take a chance with your defense. Instead, you want to know that you did everything possible to protect yourself and your family from the potentially life-changing consequences of a felony conviction.
How to Choose a Right Key West Criminal Defense Attorney
Anyone admitted to the Florida Bar can represent you in a criminal defense case. However, we encourage you to think about the following factors to determine which lawyer may be the best fit for you:
- Local experience in Monroe County courts. An attorney who practices law in Monroe County will understand the local legal landscape, including the tendencies and personalities of prosecutors and judges. This insight can be invaluable in negotiating plea deals or presenting your case at trial.
- Experience defending others charged with similar crimes. Every case is unique, so past case results can’t be used to guarantee an outcome in your case, but they can provide useful information about the types of cases the lawyer handles and what the firm has done to resolve those cases.
- Accessibility and communication skills. Criminal charges can be stressful and overwhelming. You want a lawyer who will be available to answer your questions, provide updates on your case, and promptly return your calls or emails.
- Florida Bar Board Certification. According to the Florida Bar, the purpose of criminal trial law certification is “to identify those lawyers who practice criminal law and have the special knowledge, skills, and proficiency, as well as the character, ethics, and reputation for professionalism, to be properly identified to the public as board certified in criminal trial or appellate law.” Attorney Robert David Malove has this certification.
- Reputation and reviews. Research the attorney's reputation in the legal community and read reviews from former clients. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, a well-respected lawyer with a record of satisfied clients is a good indicator of the quality of representation you can expect.
Ultimately, you should choose a Key West criminal defense attorney you feel comfortable confiding in and who you believe will strongly advocate for your rights and freedoms.
What to Expect When You Hire the Law Offices of Robert David Malove
Being charged with a crime is always stressful, but you don't have to face it alone. The moment you hire us, here's what we'll do:
- Listen to your side of the story during a free, confidential consultation.
- Immediately start investigating your case and developing defense strategies.
- Handle all communications with law enforcement and the prosecutor's office.
- Keep you informed at every stage and promptly answer all your questions.
- Pursue every opportunity to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
- Provide caring, nonjudgmental counsel to help you get through this.
- Fight tenaciously to achieve the best possible result for your unique situation.
Directions to Our Key West Criminal Defense Law Firm
If you face criminal charges in Key West, the Law Offices of Robert David Malove is here to guide you. Our office is conveniently located at 524 Eaton St, Suite 211, Key West, FL 33040.
From the North (Marathon):
- Take US-1 S for 48.1 miles
- Turn right onto N Roosevelt Blvd (US-1) and go for 2.6 miles
- Continue on Truman Ave (US-1) and go for 0.2 miles
- Turn right onto White St. and go for 0.5 miles
- Turn left onto Eaton St. and go for 0.5 miles
- End at our office: 524 Eaton St, Suite 211, Key West, FL 33040