Your Trusted Miami Criminal Defense Attorney

About Erick Cruz

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Miami, Florida, Erick Cruz has always had a deep connection to the local community. After graduating from Christopher Columbus High School, Erick embarked on his journey into the field of law.

Education and Early Career

Erick's academic journey began at Miami-Dade College, where he earned his Associates degree. He then continued his education at the prestigious University of Miami, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Criminology.

Erick's dedication and passion for the legal field led him to Stetson College of Law, where he graduated with honors. During his time at Stetson, he served as a certified legal intern in the Pinellas County Public Defender's Office, honing his skills and gaining practical experience.

Public Service as a Prosecutor

After completing law school in 2007, Erick's talents and commitment to justice caught the attention of Katherine Fernandez-Rundle, the State Attorney for Miami-Dade County. Erick joined her team as a prosecutor, initially handling misdemeanor crimes and criminal traffic offenses in the county court division. His dedication and expertise soon earned him a promotion to the juvenile division, where he prosecuted juveniles accused of crimes.

Erick's exceptional performance led to him becoming the first prosecutor from his class to be promoted to the felony division. In this role, he handled a wide range of cases, including property crimes, violent offenses, and narcotics-related charges.

Mortgage Fraud Unit and Complex White-Collar Crimes

Recognizing his skills and commitment, Erick was selected as one of the founding members of the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Economic Crimes Mortgage Fraud Unit. In this specialized role, he received extensive training in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting complex white-collar fraud cases affecting the real estate industry. Erick worked closely with investigators from the Miami-Dade Mortgage Fraud Task Force, targeting individuals involved in various economic crimes.

Criminal Defense Advocate and Accomplishments

In 2011, Erick decided to transition from the State Attorney's Office to establish his own criminal defense practice. With over a decade of dedicated criminal defense practice, Erick Cruz has consistently achieved remarkable results for his clients. He stands out as a staunch defender of justice, having obtained numerous not guilty verdicts in trials—a testament to his unwavering commitment to protecting his clients' rights.

Erick's expertise extends to navigating the intricacies of Florida's Stand Your Ground law, where his careful case preparation, litigation skills, and persuasive arguments have led to successful motions to dismiss in defense of his clients' rights.

Erick Cruz is a staunch advocate for the constitutional rights of his clients. He harnesses the power of the Fourth Amendment to shield individuals from unlawful searches and seizures, ensuring that evidence obtained in violation of this crucial right is excluded from court proceedings. Erick's unwavering commitment to the Fifth Amendment guarantees that his clients are protected from self-incrimination, safeguarding their right to remain silent during interrogations. Furthermore, he leverages the Sixth Amendment to provide robust representation, guaranteeing his clients the right to a fair trial, competent counsel, and the ability to confront witnesses against them. Erick's mastery of these constitutional principles enables him to file motions to suppress evidence when necessary, strengthening his clients' defense and upholding the core tenets of justice.

Erick’s adept negotiation skills shine as he has successfully orchestrated the dismissal of hundreds of cases at the pretrial stage. His proactive approach involves early engagement with prosecutors, advocating tirelessly for his clients' rights and swiftly bringing an end to their legal ordeal. Erick's commitment to securing favorable outcomes from the outset demonstrates his dedication to delivering efficient and effective legal solutions for those he represents.

A Diverse Clientele

Erick's diverse clientele reflects his broad expertise in the field of criminal defense. He proudly represents healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and administrators, who may find themselves facing complex health care fraud charges. Erick's experience in this realm enables him to navigate the intricate legal landscape of the healthcare industry, defending those who serve our communities.

His clientele also includes lawyers and other white-collar professionals, individuals who require a defender with a keen understanding of the nuances of their respective fields. Erick's representation extends to police officers facing excessive force allegations, further emphasizing his commitment to justice for all.

Commitment to Public Service

Beyond his thriving criminal defense practice, Erick Cruz is deeply committed to giving back to the legal and law enforcement communities. He serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami, where he imparts his extensive knowledge of criminal pretrial procedure to the next generation of legal professionals. Additionally, Erick dedicates his time to the Miami-Dade Police Training Bureau, where he shares his expertise with law enforcement officers. These roles exemplify his dedication to fostering strong relationships and building bridges with other legal professionals and the law enforcement community. Erick's passion for education and public service extends beyond the courtroom, reflecting his commitment to shaping the future of the legal and law enforcement fields.

Federal Court Representation

Erick Cruz's legal prowess isn't confined to state courtrooms alone. He has carved a niche in federal court, skillfully representing healthcare executives charged in health care fraud offenses. His expertise also extends to business owners facing complex wire and bank fraud charges, as well as those entangled in cases involving the acquisition of fraudulent government loans, including PPP and SBA loans. Erick is also a distinguished member of the prestigious and selective Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel attorney in federal court, demonstrating his expertise and credibility in federal criminal defense matters.

Commitment to Excellence

Erick's exclusive focus on criminal defense has allowed him to build positive relationships with fellow defense attorneys, prosecutors, and criminal court judges. This dedication ensures that he can provide the time and resources necessary to represent clients effectively through criminal investigations, prosecutions, and post-conviction matters.

Erick takes pride in personally meeting with all his clients, working together to map out their defense strategies. His accessibility and open communication are designed to ease the stress his clients may experience during difficult times. Erick's unwavering commitment to finding favorable outcomes for his clients is the driving force behind his legal practice.

When you choose Erick Cruz, you're choosing a dedicated and experienced legal advocate who will stand by your side and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case, no matter the complexity of your situation.