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Michael Jeffrey Kessler
Virtual Consultation Available
About Michael
Biography
I am generally known to be the "Go To Guy for DUI" on Florida's Treasure Coast. I wrote the book on Florida Drunk Driving Defense - literally. It's called the DUI Book: Florida Edition - A Citizen's Guide to Fighting A drunk Driving Case. I also own my Intoxilyzer machines, models 5000 and 8000. I have handled cases throughout Florida, from Pensacola to Key West. I have also taught classes in DUI Defense both locally (in Fort Pierce, Key West, Orlando and West Palm Beach) and across the country (New Orleans, Dallas, Los Angeles, Atlanta), even on a cruise ship in the Caribbean.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
50%
41 years | 1,000 cases
Appeals
10%
Domestic Violence
10%
Sex Crime
10%
Fees and Rates
Awards
2019 2016 2015
...
+
4
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 40 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1985
No misconduct found
Licensed in North Carolina for 31 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Michael Jeffrey Kessler's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
69 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (69)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (47)
Advocacy (32)
Recommendation (24)
Professionalism (21)
Staff & Support (19)
General Knowledge (17)
Character & Conduct (16)
Practice Area Knowledge (15)
Responsiveness (15)
Communication Style (13)
Compassion (11)
Trustworthiness (11)
Cost of Services (10)
Punctuality (3)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 11 - 15 of 17 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Stacy | July 12, 2012 | DUI & DWI
Not Guilty
I retained Michael Kessler to defend me on my DUI case. Though I had a breathalyzer reading of .0143 & .0147 we won. I worked with Michael on my case for 3 years. Many continuances due mostly to the prosecution and the judge. He is highly inelligent and very knowledgeable in DUI cases and how to ...
Posted by anonymous | May 29, 2011 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Successfully represented daughter
Mr. Kessler put our adult daughter and us so at ease in a difficult situation. She felt ready and confident for each step of court proceedings. We appreciate his legal abilities and his concern and support. We would not hesitate to hire him again.
Posted by anonymous | March 10, 2011
Reckless Driving
Michael Kessler was provided an excellent service. Any questions I had he answered. Made me aware of any and all issues that were a potential, so I could make the best decision, based upon all available information. Was very compentent. Utilized his time and his staff to minimize costs.
Posted by Widow | November 02, 2010 | Criminal Defense
Michael Kessler saved me from certain incarceration for a crime I was NOT GUILTY
In 2000 I was arrested for a crime I did not commit and was nearly sent to jail. Michael knows the laws and he knows the local law enforcement and prosecutors well enough to discern your best course of action. A well-seasoned attorney, he will determine quickly how to release you from a negative ...
Posted by Katie | August 27, 2010 | DUI & DWI
Fantastic, caring, commited, knowledgeable, honest representation for my unique DUI case from beginning to end!
Mr. Kessler provided incredibly personal and thoughtful support to me and my family while offering expert, informed and conscientious legal guidance throughout my terrifying and complicated DUI nightmare. He was direct, honest and to the point while showing compassion for my fears and consequences. H...
Michael Jeffrey Kessler's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Kessler is a true advocate for his clients. A lot of lawyers shy away from the science in the DUI field. That's not Kessler. He has taken the advanced courses to not just understand but successfully challenge bad science. You will not regret hiring him."
"Mr. Kessler is a nationally renowned DUI & DWI attorney, who is highly recommended."
"Michael Kessler is the real deal - committed - experienced - and accomplished. He gets good results, bottom line."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I highly recommend Mike Kessler to defend a DUI in Florida. He has excellent trial skills with excellent knowledge of DUI cases."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I will recommend all criminal defense clients across Florida to Mike Kessler. His reputation has been earned the old fashion way - hard work. He takes on tough cases and gets results."
"Mike is one of the leading criminal defense attorneys in Florida. His knowledge of the law and expertise in court make him one of the top lawyers in his field. I am always learning something new from Mike whenever we attend seminars together. I highly recommend his services."
"I've known Michael for a while and always see him at the national and regional scientific training classes. Many lawyers say they know how to try DWI or DUI cases but have no real understanding of the science behind the case. Michael is the polar opposite of those lawyers. He has both the scientific understanding of the case and the common sense approach to explain the science to the jury. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse Attorney Kessler. I have recommended clients to Attormey Kessler and he provides the highest level of zealous representation to his clients."
"Mr. Kessler is an exceptional attorney. I have been an attorney for 24 years and served as a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, law professor, and private attorney. However, even with all of that experience, I learn from his answers on Avvo each and every day. If you have the chance, hire him in an instant."
"I had the chance to meet Attorney Kessler when he led my small group session on DUI Defense at Harvard Law School in July 2013. His knowledge, experience and passion for DUI law and defense left a lasting impression on me. It is without hesitation I endorse Attorney Kessler for anyone facing DUI charges."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is, in my opinion, the BEST DUI lawyer in the state, heck he wrote the DUI Handbook. Michael is amazing, and educates the legal community and is so helpful and courteous to younger or newer attorneys. This is a true pillar of professionalism and excellence. If I needed a lawyer for a DUI or criminal matter, he would be my lawyer. Excellent."
"I highly endorse this lawyer. I have known Mike for many years and there is not a finer Attorney in Florida than Michael Kessler. We attended the Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Instructor Certification Course together and he has been my go-to DUI Defense Attorney in Florida every since. He is a zealous advocate for all and one of the friendliest person you will ever meet. You can not go wrong with Mike."
"It is my privilege to endorse Mike Kessler as one of the nation's preeminent DUI/DWI defense attorneys. Mike takes his responsibilities to his clients very seriously, and his integrity is beyond reproach. I would highly recommend a client to Mike with no hesitation whatsoever."
"I highly recommend you hire Mike if you are looking for a top DUI or criminal defense attorney. He is nationally known for his expertise and success. I would not hesitate to send a close friend or family member to Mike for representation and would rest easy knowing he was on their side."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"When I'm asked to recommend a top shelf lawyer, whether for a DUI, a state or federal case, in the Ft. Pierce / Gold Coast area, I always pass Michael's name along without hesitation. I'm asked all the time what makes someone a great lawyer. Just read over Mr. Kessler's credentials. He is the real deal! He is a Board Certified Expert in Criminal Trial Law, is AV rated on Martindale.com, is listed in SuperLawyers, and has a "Supurb 10.0" rating and "Client's Choice" award from AVVO. Michael has that rare combination of being very intelligent and possessing great courtroom skills. Mr. Kessler just plain flat-out knows his stuff. He's definitely the go-to guy for DUI - that's no lie! I frequently see Michael during the year at continuing legal education seminars honing his skills and staying on top of the latest cutting edge information. When Michael talks about some legal "gem" I pay close attention. I completely endorse Michael Kessler without reservation."
"Mike Kessler is a highly respected, nationally known defender of impaired driving cases. He also handles other criminal matters in SE Florida with an attitude toward winning in every case. Mike and I co-authored a book in 2007, and he uses this book to educate his Florida clients in a way that no other Florida DUI attorney can match. Hire Mike with confidence, and make a friend for life."
"I endorse this lawyer."
David Schiller
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Rothman
Criminal defense lawyer
Carrie Fiedler
Criminal defense lawyer
Joseph De-Ross
Divorce and separation lawyer
Crystal Frusciante
Appeals lawyer
Sandra Seder
Criminal defense lawyer
T. Kevin Wilson
Criminal defense lawyer
Ashley Schiavone
DUI and DWI lawyer
Robert Malove
Criminal defense lawyer
David Willis
DUI and DWI lawyer
Zachary Cooper
DUI and DWI lawyer
T. Shafer
Criminal defense lawyer
John Hunsucker
DUI and DWI lawyer
Dana Richardson
DUI and DWI lawyer
Brian Tannebaum
Criminal defense lawyer
Beth Tibbott
DUI and DWI lawyer
Michael Sherman
DUI and DWI lawyer
Cheryl Stein
Criminal defense lawyer
Colleen Glenn
Criminal defense lawyer
Patrick Barone
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Superlawyers Magazine, Law & Politics Magazine
2008
SuperLawyers Magazine, Law & Politics Magazine
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2003
Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law, The Florida Bar
Work Experience
1986 - Present
Managing Partner, The Kessler Law Firm
Associations
2003 - Present
National College for DUI DefenseMember
1995 - Present
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana LawsMember
1988 - Present
Indian River County Bar AssociationMember
1986 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1986 - Present
St. Lucie County Bar AssociationMember
1986 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2009 - 2010
St. Lucie County Association of Criminal Defense LawyersPresident
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Florida vs. Preston Stanton
Dismissal
Education
1985
University of North Carolina School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1982
University of North Carolina
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2006
Lecture
DUI Source Code Litigation, Strategies and Tactics
2006
Class Lecture
Blood, Breath and Tears, the Intoxilyzer 8000
2005
Panel
Legal Panel
2005
Lecture
Strategies and Tactics for Defending DUI Cases
Publications
2006
The DUI Book, Florida Edition
The DUI Book, Florida Edition
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can you get off probation early in Florida i?
03 Jan 2011
Q&A
DUI And Property Damage, what will the punishment be?
03 Jan 2011
Q&A
What are the consequences of an MIP and misdemeanor trespassing?
02 Jan 2011