Practice Areas

01

Felony Defense

Serious felony charges demand serious representation.

Felony convictions carry life-altering consequences — prison time, loss of civil rights, and a permanent record that follows you everywhere. Hugo Apellaniz has spent his entire career defending individuals facing the most serious charges in the Florida criminal system, including burglary, grand theft, aggravated assault, and complex multi-count indictments. Every felony case is approached with meticulous preparation, a thorough review of the evidence, and a strategy built around your specific facts.

02

Violent Crimes

When the charges are serious, the defense must be stronger.

Violent crime allegations — from assault and battery to murder — are among the most aggressively prosecuted cases in Florida. The stakes are at their highest, and the margin for error is zero. With experience handling murder cases, possession of a firearm by a felon, robbery, and other serious violent offenses, Apellaniz Law brings the preparation and courtroom presence these cases demand.

03

Drug Offenses

From simple possession to trafficking — a defense built on the facts.

Florida drug laws are among the strictest in the nation. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor possession charge or a serious drug trafficking allegation, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting. Apellaniz Law carefully examines every aspect of the arrest — the stop, the search, the chain of custody — to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and build the strongest possible defense.

04

DUI & Traffic Offenses

A DUI charge is not a conviction. Fight it.

A DUI arrest can threaten your license, your job, and your freedom. Florida DUI law is complex, and the evidence — breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, dashcam footage — is often challengeable. Apellaniz Law reviews every detail of the traffic stop and arrest to identify procedural errors, equipment issues, and constitutional violations that can lead to reduced charges or dismissal.

05

Domestic Violence

Protecting your rights, your record, and your future.

Domestic violence charges move fast — arrests are made quickly, injunctions are filed, and the consequences can affect your housing, your employment, and your relationship with your children. Apellaniz Law provides experienced, discreet representation for individuals facing domestic violence allegations, injunctions, and restraining orders throughout South Florida.

06

Expungements & Sealings

A past charge should not define your future.

Florida law allows certain individuals to have their criminal records sealed or expunged — removing barriers to employment, housing, professional licensing, and more. If you were arrested but not convicted, or if you completed a diversion program, you may qualify. Apellaniz Law guides clients through the entire process, from eligibility review to final court order.