Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer in Miami and Coral Gables: Robert E. Abreu

What this practice covers

• Federal fraud investigations, such as Medicare Fraud, Bank and wire fraud and related financial crimes
• White-collar matters when they form part of the same investigation or case

If federal agents contact you

You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. Do not explain yourself to agents without counsel. Do not consent to searches of phones or premises to "clear things up." Contact federal defense counsel promptly. A call to The Abreu Law Firm at (305) 849-2962 is not a representation. No attorney-client relationship exists until the firm agrees in writing.

FAQ

Who handles federal criminal defense cases in Coral Gables and Miami?

The Abreu Law Firm, led by attorney Robert E. Abreu, handles federal criminal defense from its office at 201 Alhambra Circle in Coral Gables. Mr. Abreu is a former Miami-Dade Assistant State Attorney. He is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the federal court that covers Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Call (305) 849-2962.

What should I do if federal agents contact me in Miami?

You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. You can tell the agents you will speak through your lawyer. If agents ask to search your phone or home, you do not have to agree. A false statement to a federal agent can be a separate federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1001. Then call The Abreu Law Firm in Coral Gables at (305) 849-2962.

When should I hire a federal criminal defense lawyer?

Hire one as soon as you learn you may be part of a federal investigation. Common signs are a visit from FBI, DEA, HSI, or IRS agents, a grand jury subpoena, a target letter, or a search warrant at your home or business. Robert E. Abreu, a former Miami-Dade Assistant State Attorney, can speak with you before you talk to agents or prosecutors.

What does the first consultation with The Abreu Law Firm cover?

The first consultation is confidential. The firm reviews what happened, who contacted you, and any papers you received, such as a subpoena, a target letter, or a warrant. The firm then explains how a federal case moves in the Southern District of Florida and whether it can take your matter. A consultation alone does not make you a client. Call (305) 849-2962.

Does The Abreu Law Firm help Spanish-speaking clients in federal cases?

Yes. Robert E. Abreu speaks English and Spanish. The Abreu Law Firm in Coral Gables holds federal case consultations and client meetings in either language, so a family can talk through an investigation or charge in Spanish without bringing an interpreter. In a federal case, the court provides an interpreter when a defendant speaks only or mainly Spanish. Call (305) 849-2962.

Common questions about federal criminal cases in South Florida

These answers explain federal statutes and court rules in plain terms. They are general information, not legal advice about any one case.

How long does a federal criminal case take in South Florida?

There is no fixed length. The Speedy Trial Act sets two main clocks. An indictment or information generally must be filed within 30 days of an arrest or summons. After a not guilty plea, trial must start within 70 days of the indictment or the first court appearance, whichever is later. The law excludes many periods from both clocks, such as time for pretrial motions and continuances a judge grants (18 U.S.C. § 3161). Robert E. Abreu, a former Miami-Dade Assistant State Attorney, practices in Coral Gables. Call (305) 849-2962.

What happens at an initial appearance in federal court?

After a federal arrest, the person must be brought before a magistrate judge without unnecessary delay (Fed. R. Crim. P. 5). In a felony case, the judge explains the complaint, the right to hire a lawyer or ask for an appointed one, the right not to make a statement, and whether pretrial release may be possible. The judge then releases or detains the person as the law provides. The Abreu Law Firm in Coral Gables handles federal cases in the Southern District of Florida. Call (305) 849-2962.

When is a federal detention hearing held?

When detention is sought, the hearing is held at the person's first appearance unless the defense or the government asks for more time. Except for good cause, the defense may ask for up to 5 days and the government up to 3 days, not counting weekends or legal holidays. The person stays in custody during that delay. The judge decides whether release conditions can reasonably assure court appearance and community safety (18 U.S.C. § 3142(f)). The Abreu Law Firm in Coral Gables can be reached at (305) 849-2962.

What happens at a federal arraignment?

An arraignment takes place in open court (Fed. R. Crim. P. 10). The court makes sure the defendant has a copy of the indictment or information, reads it or states the substance of the charge, and then asks for a plea. A defendant charged by indictment need not attend only with a written waiver, signed by the defendant and the lawyer, that enters a not guilty plea, and only if the court accepts it. The Abreu Law Firm in Coral Gables can be reached at (305) 849-2962.

What is a federal target letter?

A target letter is the common name for a notice a federal prosecutor sends to a target of a grand jury investigation. Under U.S. Department of Justice policy, a target is a person linked to a crime by substantial evidence whom the prosecutor views as a likely defendant. In appropriate cases, prosecutors are encouraged to notify a target before seeking an indictment. Not every target gets a letter (Justice Manual 9-11.151 and 9-11.153). The Abreu Law Firm in Coral Gables can be reached at (305) 849-2962.