Miramar Beach Criminal Defense Lawyers

Aggressive Criminal Defense for Miramar Beach Cases

I'm Tim Flaherty. My partner Brandy Merrifield and I have devoted our careers to one thing: criminal defense. We represent clients facing charges in Miramar Beach, Sandestin, Baytowne Wharf, the Silver Sands area, and along Scenic Gulf Drive. If you were arrested in or near Miramar Beach, we can help you understand the charges, the court process, and the defense options available to you.

Some of the most common cases we handle for Miramar Beach clients include:

• Vacation arrests of out-of-state visitors
• DUI stops on US-98, Scenic Gulf Drive, and 98 Palms Blvd
• BUI on the Gulf or Choctawhatchee Bay
• Drug possession, sale, and trafficking
• Domestic violence at hotels, resorts, and rental properties
• Assault and battery, including bar and resort altercations
• Sex crimes
• Murder and violent felonies
• Juvenile offenses
• Burglary of dwellings and condominiums
• Robbery, theft, and retail theft (including outlet shoplifting cases)
• Battery on a law enforcement officer
• Resisting an officer with or without violence
• Felony traffic offenses
• Bonds and warrants
• Violation of probation
• Record sealing and expungement
• Military arrests

Miramar Beach Is in Walton County—Not Okaloosa

One of the most common—and most consequential—misconceptions we hear from clients is that because Miramar Beach is near the Okaloosa County line, their case will automatically be handled in Okaloosa County. It won't. Miramar Beach is part of Walton County. Misdemeanors are typically heard at the South Walton Courthouse Annex on Coastal Centre Boulevard in Santa Rosa Beach, and felonies go to the main Walton County Courthouse in DeFuniak Springs. The judges, prosecutors, and procedures are different from what you'd find in Okaloosa County, and the right defense lawyer needs to know both systems inside and out. We do.

For Tourists and Vacationers

If you were arrested while staying at Sandestin, Hidden Dunes, the Westwinds, Edgewater Beach Resort, or any of the other resorts and rentals in Miramar Beach and are now back home, you may be panicking about how to handle the case from out of state. We do this regularly. In many cases, we can appear on your behalf, negotiate with the State Attorney's Office, and resolve the case without requiring you to keep flying back to Florida. Learn more about vacation arrest defense.

Get a Free Case Review

Whether you're a Miramar Beach homeowner, a snowbird, or a visitor whose dream vacation ended in handcuffs, Flaherty & Merrifield is ready to help. We offer free, confidential consultations. Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Serving Clients in Miramar Beach From Our Crestview Office

Flaherty & Merrifield proudly represents clients throughout Miramar Beach and the surrounding South Walton area from our Crestview office, conveniently located at 550 N Main St Ste E, Crestview, FL 32536. Whether you are a year-round resident, seasonal visitor, or tourist facing criminal charges while vacationing on the Emerald Coast, our team is prepared to help you navigate the criminal justice system and protect your rights.

We routinely assist clients charged with offenses in Miramar Beach, including arrests occurring at local resorts, vacation rentals, restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and along major roadways such as US-98 and Scenic Gulf Drive. Because Miramar Beach cases are handled within the Walton County court system, it is important to work with attorneys who understand the local courts, prosecutors, and procedures.

If you have been arrested in Miramar Beach, contact Flaherty & Merrifield today to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We can review your case, explain your options, and begin building a defense strategy tailored to your situation.

Directions From Miramar Beach to Our Crestview Office

Our Crestview office is located at 550 N Main St Ste E, Crestview, FL 32536. While many consultations can begin over the phone, we also welcome clients who prefer to meet with us in person.

From Sandestin / Baytowne Wharf

• Exit Sandestin onto US-98 E.
• Continue east for approximately 12 miles to US-331.
• Turn left onto US-331 N and continue north toward DeFuniak Springs.
• Merge onto I-10 W toward Pensacola.
• Take Exit 56 for FL-85 toward Crestview.
• Continue north on FL-85/N Ferdon Blvd.
• Turn right onto 6th Ave.
• Turn left onto N Main St.
• Our office is located at 550 N Main St Ste E, Crestview, FL 32536.

From Silver Sands Premium Outlets / Grand Boulevard

• Head east on US-98 E.
• Turn left onto US-331 N.
• Continue north through Freeport toward DeFuniak Springs.
• Merge onto I-10 W toward Crestview.
• Take Exit 56 for FL-85.
• Continue north into Crestview on N Ferdon Blvd.
• Turn right onto 6th Ave.
• Turn left onto N Main St.
• Our office is located at 550 N Main St Ste E, Crestview, FL 32536.

From Scenic Gulf Drive (Beachfront Condominiums)

• Take Scenic Gulf Drive to US-98 E.
• Continue east to US-331.
• Turn left onto US-331 N.
• Travel north toward DeFuniak Springs.
• Merge onto I-10 W toward Crestview.
• Take Exit 56 for FL-85.
• Continue north on N Ferdon Blvd.
• Turn right onto 6th Ave.
• Turn left onto N Main St.
• Our office is located at 550 N Main St Ste E, Crestview, FL 32536.