Skip to main content

Dean Joseph Merten

Criminal defense Attorney at Palm Beach Gardens, FL

5.0   9 reviews

Call and speak with several attorneys to find best fit for your specific legal issue.
Can't find what you are looking for?
Avvo has 97% of all lawyers in the US.
Find the best ones near you.
Find Nearby Lawyers

About Dean

Learn Dean’s areas of practice.

1
Practice area

Being arrested can be a frightening and confusing event.  It is a good idea to have an experienced and knowledgeable attorney on your side when facing criminal charges. Dean J. Merten was a policeman in the U.S. Air Force for four years before he attended the University of Central Florida for his undergraduate degree.  Mr. Merten was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1998 after graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law.  For over six years, Dean was a Florida prosecutor and he handled thousands of cases, both misdemeanors and felonies, in Indian River, Lee, Martin, Monroe, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie Counties. As an Assistant State Attorney, Mr. Merten actively participated in the prosecution of everything from Disorderly Conduct to First Degree Murder and he gained extensive trial experience as lead counsel on charges involving Domestic Violence, Driving Under the Influence, Firearms, and Drug Possession, Sale, and Trafficking.

Since opening his law office in November of 2004, Dean has been able to assist the accused with the knowledge and experience he gained as a policeman and as a prosecutor. Dean will protect your constitutional rights and keep you fully informed of what is happening in your case, your options, and your potential consequences. The Merten Law Office is conveniently located on Military Trail between Blue Heron Blvd. and Northlake Blvd. and offers plenty of free parking. Dean is available 7 days a week - 24 hours a day, he does not charge for an initial consultation, and weekend appointments can be scheduled.  Please call the Merten Law Office or Mr. Merten's cellular phone to discuss your case and answer any questions that you may have.

Licensed for 24 years
State FL
Status Member in Good Standing
Acquired 1998
Updated 02/23/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Dean

Similar lawyers nearby

The Merten Law Office, P.A.
8295 N. Military Trail
Suite E
Palm Beach Gardens, FL, 33410

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  9 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
0%
Posted by anonymous | February 15, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Atty. Dean Merten - Excellent diligent, knowledgeable & communicative attorney!
From initial meeting and hiring, (because of outstanding recommendations by other members of the legal community), Atty. Merten handled every step of an unfortunate legal situation and achieved a swift and extremely positive resolution. Definitely was the right decision to retain Dean...and we are grateful!
Response from Dean Merten February 16, 2019
Thank you! Sincerely, DJM
Posted by anonymous | July 19, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Representation
The representation that we received from Dean Merten helped my daughter avoid a misdemeanor conviction that could have been a potential set back in her future. He was very thorough and knowledgeable and we felt like we were in good hands immediately. I would strongly recommend his services.
Response from Dean Merten July 20, 2017
Thank you! Sincerely, DJM
Posted by Jon | March 2, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Attorney
Dean is very knowledgeable and highly focused. Whenever I called him he knew exactly what was happening with my case and how to proceed. He's also got great negotiating skills. I was really impressed with him.
Response from Dean Merten March 2, 2017
Thank you! Sincerely, DJM
Posted by anonymous | August 5, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
DUI defense
Best defense I could have asked for and at a price that beat everyone else. Cost was important to me especially as all other attorneys I spoke with offered just about the same advise. Dean Merten was different. He listened, explained my options, helped walk me off the ledge :) and all before I hired him. He fought all the way through for me and the outcome was better than any of the other lawyers were willing to even consider. I highly recommend Dean Merten and would hire him again in a heartbeat, although hopefully won't ever need to )!
Read less
Response from Dean Merten August 25, 2016
Thank you! Sincerely, DJM
Posted by anonymous | November 21, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
An Astounding Attorney !!!
Dean J. Merten where do I start? He is all you can desire in an attorney and more. This is the type of lawyer Hollywood bases movies on. He is confident, polite and well versed in his area of expertise. He is on time and on top of any issues or angles that may come up when litigating a defense for his client. His inside and intricate knowledge of the Palm Beach County court system and it's personnel was a tremendous asset in my defense. I was facing 20+ years for Trafficking and several gun charges. Unbelievably, he was able to negotiate 1 year of community control for me. Not to mention how he achieved a court order regaining my drivers license, after a mandatory suspension. As if that wasn't enough. The FLHSDMV had never heard of such an order, therefore, refusing to comply. Dean responded immediately with great tenacity, forcing the DMV to seek higher counsel. As it turned out the FLSHDMV Administrative board was mistaken in their interpretation of the law. The next day the administrative board called me to apologize and issue me a hardship license on the spot! That is astounding!!! That's why in my book Dean J Merten is "AN ASTOUNDING ATTORNEY". I would refer and recommend him to anyone seeking a "TRUE" Lawyer. I was very lucky to find him! He is my Guardian!! Thank you Dean!!!!!!
Read less
Response from Dean Merten November 24, 2015
Thank you! Sincerely, DJM
Posted by Guillermo | September 29, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent professional
I had a very good experience with him. He was always on time and ready for whatever happen in the court, very professional. I am very happy and thankful, I will referral him, for your experience, manage of the situation, and personal Value
Response from Dean Merten October 5, 2015
Thank you! Sincerely, DJM
Posted by Howard | September 20, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommended
Living in Indian River County for most of my life, I was very unfamiliar with Palm Beach County when I was arrested for DUI with Property Damage in May of 2013. I immediately contacted several well respected attorneys from Vero Beach seeking a legal referral for the Palm Beach area. Dean Merten came highly recommended by his peers which speaks volume about his abilities and character. Mr Merten was always prepared and professional while describing the process and options to me including any plea offers and the potential outcomes if we took the case to trial. After discussing these options in detail the decision was made to take my case to a jury trial. Mr Merten was extremely prepared for the two day trial even with the State having video/audio evidence as well as witness testimony against me. Mr Merten was able to cross examine the witnesses; including law enforcement, the alleged victim, and the expert witnes with the perfect amount of grace and passion. He dissected the evidence flawlessly finding positive references in even the most dire evidence presented against me. His preparation, attention to detail, passion for the justice system, and professional presence in front of the judge and jury prevailed in my favor with a unanimous verdict of NOT GUILTY a short time after the trial concluded. Standing in front of a female judge and opposing two female Prosecutors from the State Attorneys office, Mr Merten showed poise and compassion and ultimately swayed the jury to acquit; restoring my reputation, avoiding jail time and probation as well as maintaining my driving privileges. His excellent work saved me tens of thousands of dollars in legal costs and loss of income if I had been found guilty of this crime. The outcome was not accomplished with any legal tricks or loop holes but rather through hard work, professional demeanor, legal strategy in cross examining witnesses, and most of all in his belief that justice prevails. I am forever in debt to Mr Merten and highly recommend him for any legal services. Thank you Dean for representing me perfectly during a difficult time for me.
Read less
Response from Dean Merten September 29, 2015
Thank you! Sincerely, DJM
Posted by Julie | July 24, 2011
Exceptional Representation
Mr. Merten was extremely knowledgeable in the representation of my case. When I found myself in a situation I'd never been in before, Mr. Merten explained everything that would happen, was very thorough and never left my side. I couldn't have asked for a better attorney under my circumstances!
Response from Dean Merten September 29, 2015
Thank you! Sincerely, DJM
Posted by anonymous | June 2, 2011
Dean J. Merten, Esq. - EXCELLENT ATTORNEY
My family hired Dean Merten as counsel for my sister on a felony shoplifting charge. For a very minimal fee, Mr. Merten was able to obtain a deal for my sister that is simply unheard of in the courts today, and one which was very much in my sister's favor. Mr. Merten always answered the phone when we called and was always checking in with my sister and keeping her apprised of the progression of her case. I would highly recommend Mr. Merten and cannot say enough good things about his skill as a lawyer and his moral character as a person. His court demeanor is above perfection. He is a class act and truly cares about his clients and wants to see them do well. As a paralegal myself of over 20 years, I would recommend Mr. Merten to anyone, anytime.
Read less
Response from Dean Merten September 29, 2015
Thank you! Sincerely, DJM
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.7 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer
  • The Merten Law Office, P.A.
  • 2004 - Present
  • Prosecutor
  • Office of the State Attorney
  • 1998 - 2004
  • Law Enforcement Specialist
  • U.S. Air Force
  • 1987 - 1991

Education

  • The University of Memphis - Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1998
  • University of Central Florida
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1995

Associations

  • United States District Court - Southern District of Florida
  • 2005 - Present
  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • 2004 - Present
  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Palm Beach County)
  • 2004 - Present
  • Florida Bar Association
  • 1998 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Board Certification - Criminal Trial
  • The Florida Bar
  • 2015
  • Pro Bono Special Commendation (Silver Level)
  • Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc.
  • 2011
  • Board Certification - Criminal Trial
  • The Florida Bar
  • 2010
  • Board Certification - Criminal Trial
  • The Florida Bar
  • 2005
  • Pro Bono Commendation Award
  • L.B. Vocelle Pro Bono Service Awards
  • 2001
View all awards

Attorney endorsements

Received (5)
Given (8)
Endorse Dean
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 05
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Dean has a wealth of knowledge about Criminal Law. If I ever need a legal opinion or help in an area of criminal law this is the person I call first."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Sep 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"A long-time friend of mine needed a DUI attorney. I immediately gave her Dean's number. He took the case - she avoided a DUI conviction. Now she and I both endorse Dean."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 18
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have known and worked with Dean Merten for over ten years. He has distinguished himself in the area of criminal law by becoming Board Certified by the Florida Bar. I periodically consult with Dean Merten on legal issues, and I would not hesitate to refer clients to him in Palm Beach County and surrounding areas. Dean is very knowledgeable in the law, and he has an extensive jury trial experience."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Dean Merten for over 10 years. We were opposing counsel many times when he was a prosecutor. Dean transitioned into a zealous criminal defense attorney who strives to do his best for his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend a friend or family member to him."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Dean. He is a nationally known, hard hitting defense lawyer."
Admiralty and maritime
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Personal injury

Avvo Contributions

This attorney hasn't created any legal answers in Q&A or legal guides recently on Avvo.

Palm Beach Gardens Criminal defense Lawyer Dean Joseph Merten
Dean Joseph Merten
Criminal defense Attorney
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Licensed for 24 years
Free Consultation