Scott Franklin Kotler

PRO

Scott Franklin Kotler

5.0
89 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 38 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Miami, FL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence ... +3 more

420 SW 7th St, Suite 1115, Miami, FL

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Scott

Biography

Aggressive Criminal Defense With 30 Years Of Experience. Available 24/7 for emergencies.833-953-0562

I began my career as a prosecutor in 1987. I became a criminal defense attorney in 1991.

DUI penalties are serious and a DUI appears on employment background checks indefinitely.

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 40%

38 years | 4,000 cases

40%
DUI and DWI 30%

38 years | 2,000 cases

30%
Domestic Violence 10%

10%
Violent Crime 10%

10%
Drug Crime 5%

5%
Expungement 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2024 2022 2021
...
+ 3

Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 38 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1987

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 35 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 1990

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Scott F. Kotler, P.A.

420 SW 7th St, Suite 1115, Miami, FL, 33130

skotlerlaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Scott online.

Scott Franklin Kotler's Reviews

5 star

(88)

4 star

(0)

3 star

(0)

2 star

(0)

1 star

(0)

Posted by Anastasiia | November 4, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Скотт подготовил настолько мощную защиту, что прокурор сам ПОЛНОСТЬЮ СНЯЛ обвинение без единого слушания в нашем сложном DUI

За 6 месяцев наш предыдущий адвокат не добился никакого прогресса, начал настаивать на признании вины и смягчении обвинения и так мы оказались на консультации у Скотта. Разочарованные, очень скептично настроенные с полным недоверием. После неудачного опыта мы уже знали на что обращать внимание,... после первых 5 минут на бесплатной консультации поняли, что мы будем работать со Скоттом 100% и увидели как на самом деле действуют защитники. К нашей встрече Скотт отсмотрел около 5 часов записей с нагрудных камер полицейских (не попросив никаких доплат), на самой встрече задал несколько уточняющих вопросов и чуквально через 10 минут сразу составил стратегию защиты, и не просто ее рассказал в деталях, но и объяснил юридические основания, почему это сработает в нашем случае. До этого мы слышали от адвокатов стандартные объяснения, что стратегия защиты - это их интеллектуальный труд, и они не хотят раскрывать свои секретные техники, как будут нас защищать. Вот этот принцип полной прозрачности - это супер изюминка Скотта. Нам никогда не приходилось писать и ‘напоминать о себе’. Скотт сам регулярно писал о ходе дела, и это были не просто формальные отписки, это - огромные сообщения, с которых подробно объясняется, что, как и почему. Скотт может писать вам в 5 утра просто поделиться своей новой мыслью относительно дела и спросить что вы думаете. В этих переписках мы находили такие мелочи, которые никогда не затронешь в формальном разговоре, но которые критически влияют на ход дела. Скотт Великолепен. Если он готов взять вас в работу - не спите. Вы получите человека, который будет максимально вовлечен в ваше дело, который будет копать, который будет спорить с прокурорами. Наше дело все называли сложным, потому что из за самого факта открытого дела со муж находился в имиграционной тюрьме. Он не мог присутствовать нигде, а суд пользовала этим и затягивал дело. Скотт нашел нам экспертов, которые провели экспертизы и дали заключения. И именно это сделало наши доказательства железобетонными и заставило прокурора снять обвинение и прекратить дело. И если бы не Скотт и его стратегия, мы бы бегали по замкнутому кругу, когда криминальный суд требует личного присутствия, а ice отклоняет запросы. Если Скотт готов работать с вами, благодарите его, делайте все, что он говорит и наблюдайте, как человек с горящими глазами раьотает над вашим делом и творит магию

Posted by Victor | May 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best Lawyer In Miami!

Had a legal issue with Miami-dade and royal carribean while getting off a cruise ship where I was racially profiled and they targeted me. Scott and Jennifer made sure that I was properly taken care of. He would respond 24/7 anytime almost like he doesn't take holidays. They shortened the length of th...e battle in a favourable outcome for me which as a non US citizen is a loss for Miami dade. I would strongly suggest using him in the future and will keep his contact just in case. Best lawyers in Florida

Posted by Dee | May 5, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best Attorney I ever met!

Best Decision I made was to pick Scott. After consulting many attorneys, I picked him because his practice is founded on real collaboration with the client from beginning to end, rather than utilize scare tactics to onboard his firm. He really cares about his clients, treats the process with exce...llent precision and best outcome. You can trust your life with this attorney.

Posted by Adriana | March 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent attorney with a vast experience

I hired attorney Kotler in a very complicated case that lasted 26 years yes believe it or not 26 years Of my life but there was no single day that attorney Kotler and his legal assistant Jennifer rested putting all their time, work and effort to work with me on this case that finally had an end today..., I highly recomend this law firm and there is no doubt that this is the best criminal defense lawyer you should hire to defend your case, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Posted by Eugeniy | September 30, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Очень рекомендую этого адвоката!

Здравствуйте! Очень рекомендую этого адвоката! Он прошёл со мной от начала и до конца в моём деле, потратил много времени, всегда был на связи!

See All Client Reviews

Scott Franklin Kotler's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Scott
Devon Michele Alvarez headshot
Devon Alvarez

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Marcus Tan headshot
Marcus Tan

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"If I ever get arrested, Scott Kotler is on the shortlist of people I would call. And you should have him on your list too. Federal court? Call Scott. State court? Call Scott. He responds to stuff right away, and gets on top of a case without any delay."

Salvatore Joseph Sicuso headshot
Salvatore Sicuso

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"No person, no less attorney, is more responsive than Scott. I have known him now for 8 years and as a Miami workers' compensation attorney, I know I need a great criminal defense lawyer on call for my clients! Scott is that "on call" lawyer my injured clients need! Scott is great, hands down!"

Ryan B Lamchick headshot
Ryan Lamchick

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have sent criminal defense cases to Scott and he has done a wonderful job handling them. The clients are very happy with his responsiveness and results. Great attorney!"

Roderick Victor Hannah headshot
Roderick Hannah

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have been referring my criminal cases to Scott for years. He is one of the best in the state; knows his criminal law inside and out; is compassionate toward the clients; is an aggressive and fearless advocate; and is always available and extraordinarily responsive to his client's needs."

Michael Adam Haber headshot
Michael Haber

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I became a criminal defense lawyer at the same time as Scott Kotler, but he (Scott) had already served for 4 years as an Assistant State Attorney by that time, whereas I had no real world experience at all. Since I was "green" (as a Granny Smith apple) I looked to other lawyers for help (informal mentorship) and Scott, being both young enough to be a contemporary yet concurrently significantly experienced in both the law and the litigation process, was a natural role-model. We have worked together, separate but apart (in independent private practices), for nearly a quarter of a century now and Scott remains a lawyer whom I can (and do) call for second opinions and just to pick his brain. He is a dedicated, diligent and dominant criminal defense litigator in whom you can comfortably place your life and liberty. I am both happy and privileged to endorse Scott F. Kotler."

Richard Lawrence Cooper headshot
Richard Cooper

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Kotler is a mainstay in the legal community and is regarded as one of the finest criminal defense attorneys in Florida. I endorse this lawyer."

Alexander Edward Barthet headshot
Alexander Barthet

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Occasionally our construction clients need the assistance of a criminal lawyer. Scott is the only lawyer I would recommend. He is not only an effective lawyer providing great results, he is attentive to the clients needs and concerns and responds promptly to requests. If you need a criminal lawyer, there is no other place to look - you have found the lawyer you need."

Roberto Remigio Pardo headshot
Roberto Pardo

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 24

Relationship: Friend

"Scott is an excellent litigator, you can't go wrong having him on your side. Highly respected by everyone in the legal profession."

A James Rockefeller headshot
A Rockefeller

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Scott is an ethical, hardworking, and compassionate attorney. He does an excellent job for his clients."

Kenneth Patrick Hassett headshot
Kenneth Hassett

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Scott is a very knowledgeable criminal Defense Lawyer."

James Regan headshot
James Regan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Kotler is a competent, diligent and zealous advocate of all his clients' causes."

Larry Thomas McMillan headshot
Larry McMillan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Scott for many years. He is a well respected, experienced and effective lawyer. If your future or freedom is important to you, hire Scott."

Jonathan Burton Blecher headshot
Jonathan Blecher

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Scott and I have been colleagues for decades. He is a dedicated professional, with great courtroom skills, who always has his client's interests first and foremost."

David Corey Kotler headshot
David Kotler

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Family member

"I endorse this lawyer. Despite being my brother, I know Scott to be an aggressive and dedicated attorney for his clients. It is clear his experiences as a prosecutor have shaped him into an excellent criminal defense attorney who I refer clients to regularly with confidence."

Otto Nelson Espino Jr. headshot
Otto Espino

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have referred Scott several clients. Besides observing it firsthand, the clients have all commented that Scott is attentive, hard-working and professional. I have seen Scott fight zealously to make certain his clients obtain the best result possible. He is my go-to guy."

David Kalman Tucker headshot
David Tucker

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Scott for almost 20 years and he is an exceptional attorney. We have practiced criminal defense in both federal and state matters together. We are not only colleagues but friends as well. I endorse this lawyer."

Luis Frank Navarro headshot
Luis Navarro

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Scott is a phenomenal individual and member of the Florida Bar. As a fellow attorney if I ever found my self with the need for criminal representation Scott would be the first attorney I would call."

Richard James Caldwell headshot
Richard Caldwell

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Scott Kotler for over 15 years. His commitment to his his clients is unparalleled and of the higest standard. He has vast experience working in the criminal justice system and has superior trial skills. His time at the State Attorney's Office was well spent, and gave Mr. Kotler a strong understanding of the people and procedures."

Domenick Giovanni Lazzara headshot
Domenick Lazzara

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have know Scott as both a lawyer and a mentor. He is the epitome of ethics and professionalism. I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Ryan B Lamchick headshot
Ryan Lamchick

Personal injury lawyer

Lewis S. Small headshot
Lewis Small

Personal injury lawyer

Roderick Victor Hannah headshot
Roderick Hannah

Employment and labor lawyer

Michael Adam Haber headshot
Michael Haber

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard Lawrence Cooper headshot
Richard Cooper

Criminal defense lawyer

Alexander Edward Barthet headshot
Alexander Barthet

Construction and development lawyer

Larry Thomas McMillan headshot
Larry McMillan

Criminal defense lawyer

James Regan headshot
James Regan

Criminal defense lawyer

Henry Hernandez headshot
Henry Hernandez

Chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyer

Jonathan Burton Blecher headshot
Jonathan Blecher

Criminal defense lawyer

Julio Alberto De Armas headshot
Julio De Armas

Litigation lawyer

David Corey Kotler headshot
David Kotler

Criminal defense lawyer

Otto Nelson Espino Jr. headshot
Otto Espino

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

AV Preeminent 5.5 out of 5, martindale-Hubbell

2012

Lawyer of the month, Lawyers To The Rescue

1999

Mertorious Public Service, Eleventh Circuit UPL Committee "A"

1987

Dean's list, Widener University School of Law

1987

Graduated top 1/3, Widener University School of Law

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Founding and Managing Partner, Scott F. Kotler, P.A.

2010 - Present

Attorney (teaching law students and new attorneys), Lawyers to the Rescue

1987 - Present

Moot Court Coach, University of Miami

1994 - 2011

Managing Partner, Tucker & Kotler, P.A.

1992 - 1994

Managing Partner, Saul & Kotler, P.A.

1991 - 1992

Associate, Levine & Geiger

1987 - 1991

Assistant State Attorney, State Attorney''S Office

1987 - 1991

Asistant State Attorney (teaching incoming prosecutors), Miami Dade County State Attorney’s Office

Associations

2010 - Present

Attorney Breakfast Club

Senior Member/Speaker/Lecturer

2010 - Present

Lawyers To The Rescue

Board of Directors

1998 - Present

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1993 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1993 - Present

Trial Lawyers of America

Member

1992 - Present

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

Member in good standing

1991 - Present

Dade County Bar Association

Member

1989 - Present

United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Member in good standing

1987 - Present

University of Miami

Moot Court Coach

Sample of Legal Cases

State v Linet

acquitted of all charges!

State v Davis

acquitted of all 5 charges!

State of Florida vs. Baldonado

dismissal of charges

State of Florida vs. M.K.

dismissal of all charges

State of Florida vs. Castro

Acquittal

See More Legal Cases

Education

1987

Widener University School of Law

law

1984

University of Miami

BBA

Speaking Engagements

2017

Attorney Breakfast Club monthly educational presentation

DUI and all of its intricacies!

2015

Lunch & Learn

Tips for dealing with Law Enforcement

2013

HEART Seminars

Sealing and Expunging

2013

HEART seminar at Camillus house

Law Enforcement Encounters

2010

University of Miami Law School Mock Trial Speaker

How to be an Advocate

Publications

2013

published and video recorded, Lawyers to The Rescue How to seal and expunge in The State of Florida

1986

Delaware Law Forum Delaware Law School

Languages

English

Spanish

Russian

Ukrainian

Slovak

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution