Dean Joseph Merten

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 ca...me 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.