- Federal & State Offenses
- Complex Felony Offenses
- Sex Offenses
- HomicidesDrug-Related Offenses
- Child Abuse & Neglect
- Child Pornography
- Obscenity-Related Offenses
- Theft-Related Offenses
- Post-Conviction/Habeas Corpus
The Tate Law Firm prides itself on its understanding of both the federal and state criminal systems. It is not enough to be ready to fight – rather, a law firm must be prepared to fight intelligently and shrewdly. Being charged with any criminal offense is, naturally, a stressful situation. Too often, the innocent are ensnared within the criminal process. A strong criminal defense is the only thing separating defendants from the potential, long-term loss of liberty and rights.
The Government is required to prove its case – beyond and to the exclusion of every reasonable doubt. Further, everyone charged with an offense is presumed innocent. Yet, it is not easy to maintain the ability to successfully maintain one’s innocence and to successfully persevere against a system that can, at times, prove unsympathetic to a charged person’s constitutional rights. This is when it is critical for a defendant to have alongside him or her qualified, diligent representation.
The motto of criminal defense lawyers around the country is “you do not stand alone.” The Tate Law Firm takes this creed to heart. Its representation of countless clients charged with a wide spectrum of crimes leaves it well-equipped to stage a vigorous defense – one aimed at both assisting clients from avoiding trial through the filing of motions designed to challenge the actions of the Government and police and then, if necessary, bringing cases before a jury.
Derek Brett’s practice experience also provides him with a deep understanding of both mental health and substance abuse issues. Aside from his experiences in handling matters addressing the Florida Baker Act (see Civil Rights section), Derek has dedicated himself to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of mental health issues. In the realm of criminal defense, these issues often materialize into questions regarding a defendant’s competency or sanity. Further, an understanding of these issues has assisted clients by allowing Derek to argue the necessity of reduced charges or sentences as a direct result of some form of diagnosed mental health condition.
On the issue of drug/substance abuse, Derek was pivotal in the formulation of Broward County’s Drug Court – the third of its kind in the country. Back in 1993, alongside Circuit Judge Robert J. Fogan, Derek drafted the first administrative order for the Drug Court. Also, Derek stood alongside Judge Fogan in an effort to constructively and humanely address people charged with drug offenses – favoring rehabilitation over prison. Rehabilitation has proven much more successful than imprisonment, with both lower costs to the taxpayer, as well as greater rates of success in having victims of drug abuse and dependency ‘kick the habit’ and integrate successfully back into society. Derek has developed a serious and long-standing commitment to these issues and to individuals mired in drug abuse – an abuse link to approximately 90% of all crimes. Further, Derek Brett has regularly served as a commentator on criminal defense issues including, but not limited to, the Fox News Channel and local news networks on the defense of those charged sex crimes.