Criminal and White Collar Defense

Joel Hirschhorn and Brian H. Bieber are nationally renowned criminal defense attorneys based in Miami, Florida, who practice in all State and Federal Courts across the United States, as well as internationally. Joel and Brian are committed to the highest ethical standards and demonstrate extraordinary litigation skills in the select criminal and fraud based civil cases they handle.

Their practice concentrates on the defense of banking, bankruptcy, computer, health care, insurance, internet, mail, mortgage, pharmaceutical, real estate, securities, tax, telemarketing, wire and other types of fraud. Additionally, they defend clients charged with violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA"), money laundering and "RICO" statutes, and most (if not all) common and unique criminal violations. They have successfully resolved clients' matters in the IRS Offshore Voluntary Disclosure program. Moreover, they have extensive experience in the defense of regulatory matters, and with Native American and gaming law. They also represent clients (businesses and individuals) involved in grand jury investigations. Mr. Hirschhorn and Mr. Bieber have successfully represented, by way of dismissals before trial, and acquittals by juries, numerous clients charged with serious criminal activity who were facing lengthy prison sentences if convicted.

Their dedication to the matters in which they are retained and their courtroom experience have earned them the impeccable reputation throughout the country amongst judges, fellow attorneys and, most importantly, their clients.

Their criminal defense legal practice covers every aspect of the defense of criminal matters in State and Federal courts throughout the United States.

  • Criminal Defense

    Being charged with a crime is a serious matter. The penalty may include jail or imprisonment, mandatory treatment, fines, and/or probation, as well as the potential loss of significant civil rights and privileges. You need experienced criminal defense attorneys to represent your interests and provide counsel so that you make the best possible choices under the circumstances.

    We defend people accused of crimes or misconduct in Federal and State courts. Our criminal defense practice covers all 50 states and we often consult in matters involving foreign governments.

    While many attorneys choose not to get involved in a criminal case until the defendant has been formally charged with a crime, we aggressively pursue, where appropriate, efforts to ward off criminal charges. Our experience has proven that there is no substitute for early intervention.

    In fact, we are often successful in avoiding the filing of formal charges, even though that is not necessarily in our best financial interests. We do what is best for the client, whose interests and concerns are of greater importance than our own. We do ask that you respect the financial arrangements we have made while we do the very best we can for you.

    When charges are filed, we commit ourselves and the law firm’s resources to removing whatever obstacles are placed in our path. We pursue motions where appropriate and painstakingly sift and winnow through the discovery process. Pretrial preparation and strategizing "outside the box" are often the keys to a successful resolution. We do not win all our cases, nor do we claim to. What we do is try the hardest we can to produce the best possible result. If we do not get that, we go to trial. That is what we do. We are trial lawyers.

    Should you be convicted of a crime and you appeal, we have the knowledge, ability, and experience to help you through this increasingly complex legal process.

  • White Collar Fraud

    This area of our practice involves allegations of fraud in banking, bankruptcy, computer, health care, insurance, mortgages, postal service, money laundering, violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA"), RICO statutes, and other types of criminal matters in Federal and State courts at the trial or appellate levels.  We have successfully resolved clients’ matters in the IRS Offshore Voluntary Disclosure program.  Moreover, we have extensive experience in the defense of regulatory matters and representation of clients (businesses and individuals) involved in grand jury investigations.

    Commonly referred to as white collar crime, this area of the law has become a specialty for criminal defense attorneys. Indeed, navigating through the often confusing and complex maze of Federal and State laws and regulations surrounding business activities has become a primary focus for our firm.

    Most people accused of these types of crimes are ordinary citizens who, for a variety of reasons, make ill-fated decisions. Frequently these decisions are construed by the government as self-help or financing solutions. We see these decisions as a result of negligent or sloppy business practices. In many cases, a plausible, compelling and valid defense can be formulated for these situations. If it is there, we will find it.

  • Other Types of Representation

    We also provide advice, counsel and legal services for matters involving public corruption, gaming, Native American law, and complex civil fraud-related matters.

  • Representative Cases

    We have represented athletes, entertainers, public officials, private citizens, "regular" folks, local as well as multinational corporations, businesses and officers of major financial institutions. Here are a few noteworthy cases.


    State of Florida vs. Blank
    Jury acquittal on all charges involving insurance fraud and grand thefort

    State of Florida vs. Bricklod
    Fraud conviction reversed based on improper admission of hearsay testimony.

    State of Florida vs. Chandler
    Watershed United States Supreme Court decision in which we opposed cameras in the courtroom over the defendant's objection.

    State of Florida vs. Law
    Charges against NFL football player Ty Law, accused of resisting arrest and disobeying a lawful command by a police officer, dropped after aggressive pre-trial presentation to the prosecutor.

    State of Florida vs. Melchionno
    Jury acquittal on all charges involving an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon requiring a 20-year minimum mandatory sentence if convicted. (10-20-life statues).

    State of Florida v. Sawh
    Jury acquittal involving attorney accused of grand theft ($2 million from trust account).

    State of Florida vs. Silva
    Changed the method of selecting juries in Florida State Courts.

    State of Florida v. Smith
    Reversal of Circuit Court Order requiring individual to provide a DNA sample to the State seven years after his probation was terminated. This successful appeal preserved the individual privacy rights of all Florida citizens, called into question the legality of over 700 DNA samples illegally obtained by the State, and shut-down an entire division of a Miami-based Police Department.

    State of Florida vs. Spence
    Aggravated battery charge against one of the country’s most prominent personal injury attorneys, dismissed.

    State of Florida vs. Taylor
    Jury acquittal of a serious felony charge in which Anthony Taylor was accused of aggravated assault with a firearm against his adoptive son, Miami Dolphins football player, Jason Taylor.

    United States vs. Ehrling
    The conviction of the former president of a $1.3 billion publicly traded company, reversed on the grounds that no crime was committed. The indictment charged that General Development Corporation had engaged in massive fraud in connection with its sales, marketing, and financing practices. The trial lasted nine months.

    United States vs. Fanfan
    Convicted of federal tax-related crimes by plea, Dr. Joseph Fanfan avoided up to four years of prison and was sentenced to home confinement and five months in a halfway house, as a result of an innovative and aggressive approach to the ordinary sentencing process.

    United States vs. Hastings
    We organized and prepared the complex defense of, and for, a sitting Federal Judge who was indicted for, and acquitted of, bribery.

    United States vs. Kallini 
    Jury acquittal of pain management physician charged with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, wire fraud and falsification of records in a federal investigation. 

    United States vs. Ocon
    Dismissal of Federal Indictment charging the possession of 400,000 pills of MDMA (Ecstasy) following our successful motion to suppress.

  • Media

    Reprinted from Best Lawyers
    BLUFF, BLUSTER, BADGER, BEG and BARRISTER: PURSUING FAVORABLE OUTCOMES IN WHITE-COLLAR DEFENSE WHEN THE DECK IS STACKED
    Published September 2019

    Reprinted from Law Professor Blogs Network
    TWO DEFENSE VICTORIES: M.D. FLORIDA AND E.D. VIRGINIA
    Published March 2016

    Reprinted from InsuranceQuotes.com
    HERE'S THE SCOOP: BAT POOP LEADS TO LEGAL FIGHT
    Published March 2012

    Reprinted from the Associated Press and The Miami Herald
    FORMER MIAMI BEACH LAWYER ACQUITTED OF GRAND THEFT
    Published December 16, 2011

    Reprinted from The Sun Sentinel and The Palm Beach Post
    AUTOPSY: BAD REACTION TO LIDOCAINE KILLED WOMAN AFTER LIPOSUCTION
    Published March 19, 2010

    Reprinted from NBC 6 News
    DOCTOR IN LIPO DEATH STILL PERFORMING SURGERIES
    Published March 1, 2010

    Reprinted from CBS 4 News
    TEEN ACCUSED IN MOM MURDER PLOT PLEADS NO CONTEST
    Published November 20, 2009

    Reprinted from The Miami Herald
    TEEN IN STABBING CASE NOW ON HOUSE ARREST
    Published September 26, 2009

    Reprinted from National Press Release
    CORAL GABLES, FLA., ATTORNEY BRIAN H. BIEBER ELECTED TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NATIONAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE BAR ASSN.
    Published August 25, 2009

    Reprinted from The Sun Sentinel
    CABLE TV HOST SENTENCED TO PROBATION, HOUSE ARREST IN DRUG CASE
    Published August 26, 2008

    Reprinted from The Miami Herald
    COURT ORDERS POLICE TO STOP PURSUING EX-FELONS FOR DNA
    Published December 16, 2006

    Reprinted from The Miami Herald
    MORTGAGE FRAUD IS RAMPANT IN FLORIDA: FLORIDA TOPS THE NATION IN MORTGAGE FRAUD, PARTICULARLY WITH BORROWERS FUDGING INFORMATION ON THEIR LOAN APPLICATIONS
    Published December 14, 2006

    ATTORNEY JOEL HIRSCHHORN NAMED TO BEST LAWYERS OF AMERICA 2006 EDITION FOR 21st CONSECUTIVE YEAR
    Published September 21, 2005

    Reprinted from Stuart News
    JUDGE WANTS DATE SET FOR NEXT LUYAO TRIAL
    Published July 2, 2005

    CORAL GABLES ATTORNEY JOEL HIRSCHHORN MODERATES CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYMPOSIUM PANEL AT UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI ON APRIL 8, 2005
    Published April 10, 2005

    Reprinted from New York Daily News
    TY FIGHTS THE LAW AND LAW WINS
    Published June 22, 2004

    Reprinted from South Florida Sun-Sentinel
    FATHER GAINS CUSTODY OF ACCUSED CHILD KILLER'S BABY
    Published June 9, 2004

    PROSECUTORS REMOVED IN ENVELOPE FLAP
    Published May 20, 2003

    Reprinted excerpts from The Miami Herald
    DOLPHIN DAD NOT GUILTY IN ASSAULT ON SON
    Published December 4, 2002

    Reprinted from South Florida Sun-Sentinel
    DOCTOR AVOIDS PRISON FOR NOT PAYING TAXES
    Published July 18, 2002

    Reprinted from Christian Science Monitor
    TELEVISED TRIALS: TERROR COMPOUNDS DEBATE MOUSSAOUI AND COURT TV FAVOR CAMERA IN COURT. CRITICS SAY SUSPECT MAY GET FORUM TO PROMOTE TERROR.
    Published on January 9, 2002

    Reprinted excerpts from The Miami Herald
    DRUG SUSPECT FREED WHEN JUDGE RULES SEARCH IMPROPER
    Published on August 8, 2001

    Reprinted excerpts from The Miami Herald
    DEVELOPER CONVICTIONS OVERTURNED
    Published on April 17, 1996

    Reprinted excerpts from The Miami Herald
    BATTERY CASE DROPPED AGAINST INJURY LAWYER
    Published on August 10, 1995