WHEN YOU GET CHARGED WITH A CRIME, WE’RE HERE TO DEFEND YOUR RIGHTS

Criminal Defense Attorney in Miami, Florida

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Nationally ranked top 40 Under 40 by National Trial Lawyers

Being accused of any type of crime is scary, but with Miami criminal defense attorney Richard L. Cooper on your side, you can rest easier. He’ll do all he can in the fight to secure your freedom and a future full of hope and promise.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.
BE FULLY INFORMED.

Facing criminal charges can be quite daunting.
Get an experienced advocate on your side.

Richard’s first goal is to alleviate any stress you may have by building a relationship with you that begins and ends with practicing open, honest communication. That includes making sure you’re well-informed of your options, legal terms, and what to expect. When it comes to your case, Richard sees to it that you’re never in the dark.

The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 badge

When I defend one person, I defend all of us and all of our rights to freedom as an American people. RICHARD L. COOPER

We place high value on liberty. Don’t let yours be taken away without a fight.

Far too often, the system has failed to provide its people with justice. Between police misconduct and overly populated prisons, it’s no wonder people are anxious when they’ve been accused of a crime. In fact, studies show that of the 2 million people behind bars, at least 20,000 are innocent. They also show that one out of every 25 prisoners on death row is innocent.

These numbers are alarming, and they’re the reason why our criminal defense lawyer in Miami takes your case very seriously. Whether your charge involves drugs, theft, fraud, DUI, or probation violation, we have the experience and skills you need to fight for a favorable outcome. Be it on a state or federal level, we're ready to fight hard for you. But don't just take our word for it; Richard has a 5-star rating on Google because of his commitment to the people we serve. See what former clients have to say.

RICHARD L. COOPER, ATTORNEY

Representing You in Federal & State Courts Throughout South Florida

There are a few things you’ll recognize when you start working with Richard: he’s passionate, full of vigor, and has an attitude rooted in determination. With him, you’ll always get the one-on-one attention you and your case deserve. Known for his knack for problem-solving, his ability to find real solutions is one of his key strengths. Another strong suit: he knows how to fight in court. If you’re ready to move forward with Richard in your corner, schedule a free consultation today.

MORE ABOUT RICHARD

"Made Me Feel Supported Through the Entire Process"

I had what I believe is the best experience I could get with an attorney with Richard Cooper. From the start, Richard made sure I understood everything I needed to know about my case. He took the time to explain every detail and went directly to the point. He was always available to answer any questions I had — no matter the time or day. His professionalism, honesty, and dedication truly stood out and made me feel supported through the entire process. I’m very grateful for his help and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and reliable attorney in Miami.
Angel Rodriguez

"I Highly and Deliberately Recommend Mr. Cooper"

When it comes to hiring an attorney, Especially in a city like Miami, it can be as challenging as choosing a Neurologist! With that being said, as someone who switched attorneys 3 times, I highly and deliberately recommend Mr. Cooper to anyone who’s in need of a fantastic Attorney! He is the most honest, straight forward attorney, who will always keep your best interest in mind! Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have come across such an amazing person who served as a beacon of light during one of the darkest times in my life! Thank you Richard.
Carlos Pimentel

YOUR MIAMI CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

We can guide you to that light at the end of the tunnel

In the words of philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, “Life can only be understood backward; but it must be lived forward.” Now is the time to stop considering what you would have or should have done differently and start preparing for a winning strategy that will get you the results you’re hoping to achieve.

Creating a reliable, trustworthy relationship is very important to Richard. For that reason, he makes certain that you speak to him directly every time you call. He understands that being in this situation is probably a bit embarrassing, but with our criminal defense firm, there’s no need to walk around in shame.

Richard is here to help you win your case, not to judge you. Likewise, he wants you to remember that this isn’t the time to beat yourself up. It’s time to put your game face on and fight for your future.

At The Law Offices of Richard L. Cooper, we have the drive, courage, and tenacity to tackle your case with both optimistic vision and a practical approach. When you’re facing criminal charges that have you feeling nervous about the next steps, don’t let another day go by without giving Richard a call. He serves the Miami-Dade area and all of South Florida, and consultations are free. Schedule yours today.

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The Law Offices of Richard L. Cooper, P.A.

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YOU’VE ALREADY CONSIDERED THE CONSEQUENCES.
NOW, LET US HELP YOU GET THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME.

GET AN EXPERIENCED CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY WORKING FOR YOU.

When you find yourself up against a criminal charge, there are plenty of questions that may bring about feelings of panic and distress. Just thinking about if you’ll have to go to prison and, if so, how long can be disheartening thoughts to have. Not to mention, how your relationships, reputation, and career could be affected are all reasonable concerns.

Attorney Richard L. Cooper wants to help you lighten the load and work towards positive results. Diligent and trusted by Miami residents for many years, Richard can help cultivate a roadmap that guides you from confusion and insecurity to clarity and confidence. Regaining control of your life is important, and we're here to help.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Intent-based crimes are often the hardest to prove, because prosecutors must show what someone was thinking or planning. In many criminal cases, there is physical evidence or eyewitness testimony, but proving intent usually depends on circumstantial evidence, text messages, financial records, or statements made before or after an event. Fraud, conspiracy, and white collar offenses are common examples where prosecutors spend a large amount of time trying to connect actions to intent.

Even when the state believes it has a strong case, there are often gaps in the evidence. A misunderstanding, poor communication, or lack of direct proof can create reasonable doubt. Our Miami criminal defense lawyer reviews every part of the prosecution’s case to identify weak points, inconsistent testimony, and evidence that may not hold up in court. In some situations, charges may be reduced or dismissed if the state cannot prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt.

A federal crime is a crime that violates United States federal law or crosses state lines. These cases are handled in federal court instead of state court and are investigated by agencies such as the FBI, DEA, or IRS. Common federal offenses include drug trafficking, wire fraud, mail fraud, immigration offenses, and certain firearm crimes.

Federal charges are usually more serious because federal agencies have large investigative resources and prosecutors often spend months building cases before making arrests. Penalties can also be stricter than those in Florida state court. If you are under federal investigation or have already been charged, early legal representation matters. The Law Offices of Richard L. Cooper, P.A. will work hard to protect your rights from the beginning and help you understand what to expect during each stage of the case.

Illegal drugs in Miami include substances such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, MDMA, LSD, and certain prescription medications without a valid prescription. Florida also regulates marijuana possession, even though medical marijuana is allowed in limited situations with proper authorization. Drug charges can vary based on the type of substance, the amount involved, and whether law enforcement believes there was intent to sell or distribute.

Many drug arrests start with traffic stops, searches, or reports from other individuals. In some cases, evidence may have been obtained improperly or the substance involved may not belong to the person arrested. Our Miami criminal defense lawyer looks closely at how police conducted the investigation and whether your constitutional rights were violated. Drug convictions can lead to jail time, probation, license suspension, and long-term effects on employment or housing, so it is important to take these charges seriously.

You may go to jail immediately after a DUI arrest, but not every DUI case leads to long-term jail time. In Florida, officers may arrest you at the scene if they believe you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. After the arrest, you are usually taken to jail for processing and may remain there until bond is posted or you are released according to local procedures.

The outcome of the case depends on several factors, including your blood alcohol level, whether there was an accident, and whether you have prior DUI convictions. First-time DUI charges are often handled differently than repeat offenses or cases involving injuries. Our Miami criminal defense lawyer can review the traffic stop, breath test procedures, and officer reports to determine whether mistakes were made during the arrest. Challenging weak evidence early can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

If you violate probation in Florida, the court can issue a warrant for your arrest and schedule a violation hearing. Probation violations can happen for many reasons, including missing appointments, failing a drug test, not completing court-ordered programs, or being arrested for another offense. Some violations are technical, while others are tied to new criminal charges.

Judges have broad discretion during probation violation hearings. Depending on the circumstances, the court may reinstate probation, modify the terms, or impose jail or prison time. Unlike regular criminal cases, probation violation hearings have a lower burden of proof, which can make these cases harder to defend without legal representation. Our Miami criminal defense lawyer can present evidence on your behalf, explain mitigating circumstances, and fight for an outcome that limits the impact on your future.

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