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Brian L. Tannebaum
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Brian L. Tannebaum
Tannebaum Weiss, LLP
150 West Flagler Street
Suite Penthouse
Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305) 374-7850 | Fax: (305) 374-0081
http://www.tannebaumweiss.com
Comprehensive Representation Available 24/7
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
I handle cases involving all state and federal criminal offenses.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Juvenile Crimes
- False Identification
- Misdemeanors
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Open Container
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Public Offerings
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Tax Evasion & Fraud
- Trade Secrets
- Wire Transfer
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Indecent Exposure
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
FL, Apr 1995
Bar Number: 47880
Other Court Admissions
Florida, United States District Court for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida, U.S. Supreme Court.
Association Memberships
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers.
Continuing Education
I speak at criminal law seminars including the Criminal Law Update at the Florida Bar Annual Meeting, and the annual meeting of Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. I also speak at statewide criminal law seminars.
Papers and Publications
The Truth About Hiring A Criminal Defense Lawyer
A Criminal Lawyers Guide to the Bar Grievance Process
Collateral Consequences of Criminal Cases
Example Cases
U.S. vs. Dow - A flight attendant was accused of bringing into the United States a suitcase filled with cocaine hidden in a secret compartment. My client was charged with trafficking in narcotics. The jury deliberated for 12 minutes, and returned a verdict of Not Guilty.
State vs. Rompotis - My client was charged with shooting his best friend accidentally. The client pled guilty. After a half-day sentencing hearing, the court sentenced my client to probation with no adjudication of guilt.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Stetson University College of Law
City:
St. Petersburg
State:
FL
Year:
1994
Focus and Accomplishments:
First Place, ABA National Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy Competition.
Degree:
B.A.
School:
University of South Florida
City:
Tampa
State:
FL
Year:
1991
Focus and Accomplishments:
Student Body President, 1990.
Number of Attorneys
4
State Licensed In
Florida
Firm Focus and History
My focus is on state and federal criminal defense and bar grievance and admission representation. Many of my clients are lawyers and other types of professionals who have license issues that will be affected by their criminal case. I address not only the defense of the criminal case, but also the administrative matters related to the client's license or desire to obtain a license.
Previous Employment Summary
I began as an assistant public defender in 1994 and in 1997left to pursue a full time private practice in criminal defense. I spent five years with two criminal defense lawyers who had been practicing for 20 years prior. I then left to form Tannebaum Weiss. I only practice criminal defense and professional license defense.
Activities and Awards
AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Listed in Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers, Florida Trend Legal Elite, 2004-2008
Top Lawyers in South Florida, South Florida Legal Guide, 2005-2007
Super Lawyers, 2007-2008
Best of the Bar, South Florida Business Journal, 2003
2003 Top 10 Defense Verdict, National Law Journal
FACDL President's Award
Vice President, FACDL, 2008-2009
Florida Bar Grievance Committee, 1999-2002
Florida Bar Criminal Procedure Rules Committee, 2006-2009
Executive Council, Florida Bar Criminal Law Section, 2008-current
President, FACDL-Miami, 2005
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think clients should be aware of the laws covering their particular circumstances. However, I do not believe clients should "educate" themselves by merely listening to others opinions of how a case should proceed. I think clients should do whatever research they wish and then ask their lawyer the questions they develop from the research in the same way that they would bring a list of questions to a doctor.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I request at the initial consultation that clients go home and prepare a narrative of their memory of the events leading up to their arrest within 24 hours. Other than that I do not have clients prepare legal documents.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
In the limited circumstance in which a client is offered a diversionary sentence and seeks advice on whether to take the deal, I will counsel them on appearing in court and accepting diversion. In no other circumstance will I counsel a client to represent themselves.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I always thought about being a lawyer, but became committed when I had an experience with the police in college that made me realize that anyone could be arrested, even if the motivation was not pure. When I decided to go to law school it was not merely to become a "lawyer," but to become a criminal defense lawyer. I have practiced criminal defense from the day I left law school.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I was never a great student in college or law school. I had to work hard for every grade I received. I was only accepted to one college and one law school. These experiences formed my work ethic and philosophy - that I must work hard for every success in every case, and that like getting into one school, my clients have one shot in their case to have it done right.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Although it was naïve, I always thought lawyers went to court and represented people. Prior to law school I never knew about corporate lawyers or transactional lawyers. I always thought if I became a lawyer, it would be to go into court and help people fix their lives as best I could. This area of law allows me to help people to the best of my ability.
What do you like best about your career?
I love when clients comes into my office thinking their life is over because of a legal run-in, and I am able to help put things back together. The client's life may not be the same as it was before the criminal case, but the client leaves my representation knowing everything that could be done, was done.
Tell us about your law firm:
All of my clients deal directly with me. When my client goes to court, I am there unless there are extenuating circumstances. My clients all have my cell phone and home phone number. I encourage them to call and make appointments. My secretary knows everything about all of my cases and is able to get a hold of me at all times.
What are your strengths and style?
I am not a "cheerleader." When something bad happens in the case, I immediately tell the client. When the client comes in to meet with me initially, I am not someone who will tell them favorable things just to "get the case." I will be brutally honest with the client, even if it means they hire another lawyer because they didn't hear what they wanted to hear. I believe in trying to resolve cases when they can be resolved and fighting when a fight is needed. I completely respect my client's wishes and proceed as they wish, as long as I know they have at least considered my advice.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy golf, red wine, spectator sports, and charitable community events.
Office Manager/Assistant
Lubia
Fax
(305) 374-0081
Office Hours
Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Yes, Spanish.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I generally charge flat fees unless the case is in an "investigation" phase. I also charge a flat fee to seal or expunge a record. That fee is between $500 and $1,000 depending on the geographical location of the case.
Hourly Rates
$335 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
The consultation is only free if the client decides to retain me. Otherwise, it is $500 for a consultation. I do not believe in using time that other clients are paying for to speak to potential clients who are merely "shopping" for a lawyer.
Typical Retainer
I do not have a typical retainer. However, I generally request a minimum of $5,000 for a misdemeanor case, $10,000 for a felony case and $25,000 for a federal case. All minimums are based on the circumstances of the case and should not lead the potential client to believe that these are the fees for their particular case.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
