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Broward: (954) 924-0200
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Miami: (305) 792-8580
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Fax: (954) 924-0148
Criminal Defense
Safeguard Your Rights with Florida's
Tenacious Criminal
Defense Advocates
Mr. Stewart Valencia boasts 26 years of criminal trial expertise, having litigated more than one hundred cases to verdict before judges and juries. His legal practice encompasses a wide spectrum of complex and high-stakes federal and state felony criminal cases across Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, and Palm Beach Counties. His experience encompasses a broad array of charges, including homicide, conspiracy, Federal Hobbs Act violations, drug trafficking at both federal and state levels, white-collar offenses, burglary, aggravated battery, firearm offenses, felony drug possession, grand theft, dealing in stolen property, felony domestic violence, and DUI Manslaughter, and serious bodily injury charges. Mr. Valencia's proficiency also extends to misdemeanor charges, covering criminal traffic violations such as DUI, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident, as well as other misdemeanors including possession of marijuana and/or paraphernalia, simple battery, domestic violence battery, petit theft, and trespass. At the core of his practice, Mr. Valencia is a seasoned criminal trial attorney. It is imperative in all criminal cases that the prosecution is aware that you are represented by an experienced criminal trial lawyer who is prepared to go to trial and let a jury decide your case.
The importance of securing legal representation at the earliest stages of a criminal investigation cannot be overemphasized. Law enforcement officers undergo specialized training to investigate crimes and gather evidence, which often places the average citizen who is unaware of the nuances and techniques used at a significant disadvantage when interacting with law enforcement without legal counsel. Something that the average citizen may not know is the existence of specific legal rights that can be asserted to avoid self-incrimination. A prime example of this is an individual's awareness of their right to remain silent and the Miranda warnings. Knowing, and more importantly understanding and invoking these rights are critical in any criminal case. These rights are encapsulated in the Miranda warnings:
As ordered by the U.S. Supreme Court in Miranda v. Arizona, a defendant’s rights consist of the following:
You have the right to remain silent.
If you do say anything, what you say can be used against you in a court of law.
You have the right to consult with a lawyer and have that lawyer present during any questioning.
If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you if you so desire.
If you choose to talk to the police officer, you have the right to stop the interview at any time. (This part of the warning is sometimes omitted).
The location of an interrogation is immaterial; whether it takes place at the police station or outside your home, if an individual is in custody, law enforcement is obligated to administer the Miranda warning if they intend to question that person and utilize the information obtained in a trial. A person is deemed to be in custody when he or she is deprived of their freedom of action in any significant way. If there is a doubt in your mind as to whether you are being detained, ask, 'AM I BEING DETAINED, OR AM I FREE TO LEAVE?'
Knowing your rights is key, but having the presence of a seasoned legal advocate that is knowledgeable in the law and can effectively defend your rights is just as important. Attorney Stewart Valencia is that legal counsel.
Informative Websites
For arrest and/or case information, click on the following links and follow the instructions: