Elizabeth J. Loeffler
Services Handled
About
I was born and raised in Minnesota, and moved to Florida after law school. I worked as a prosecutor for over 20 years in Miami and Sarasota. Throughout the course of my career, I prosecuted every type of crime in Florida, from the most minor misdemeanor and traffic offenses to the most serious felonies, including homicides and crimes against children. Every person has fundamental rights that are guaranteed by the constitution, and I believe in fighting to make sure that all rights are safeguarded.
I have tried over 200 jury trials both as a prosecutor and as defense attorney, and I have litigated hundreds of motions of all kinds. I know exactly what kind of evidence is needed to prove a case, and I can tell when that evidence is lacking. I take aggressive action early on behalf of my clients. Far too many people get arrested after a shoddy investigation, and then the case is filed with unreliable or insignificant evidence, by prosecutors who don't have the experience or the courage to make the right decisions.
I often approach the prosecutors and explain the weaknesses in or defenses to the case, and I have been very successful in getting charges dropped before the case even makes it to court. It is better to prevent a bad decision from being made than try to reverse it after the fact. My goals are to ensure that my clients are never charged with any crime for which there is insufficient evidence, and to ensure that they are fully informed at every stage of the case.
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 1996
Education
- Drake University Law School, Des Moines, Iowa
- J.D. - 1996
- Honors: cum laude
- Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota
- B.A. - 1993
- Honors: cum laude
- Major: Philosophy
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Vice President, Sarasota Chapter, 04/2018 to Present
- Florida Bar, 05/1998 to Present
Past Employment Positions
- State Attorney's Office, Assistant State Attorney, 1997 to 2018
- Van Ness Law Group, Associate Attorney, 2018 to 2020
Pro Bono Activities
- Mentor, Booker High School Law Academy, 2019 to Present
Classes/Seminars
- Social Media Evidence: Collecting It and Ad, Family Court Professional Collaboration, 10/05/2018
- Key Points to Cross Examination, Family Court Professional Collaboration, 02/15/2019
- Police Academy Instructor, Sarasota County Technical Institute, 2006 to 2016
A Seasoned Criminal Defense Team Trusted By Thousands
Five-Star Reviews from Clients Like You
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"Highly Recommend"Very thorough thru my whole case. He advised me on what I should do to be proactive in my case and I did most of what I could and he made it happen. The unbelievable happen. I have been to prison 3 times, latest not too long ago. He not only got prison off the table but got me a downward departure and kept me at home with my family. I highly recommend using him in any criminal case you may find yourself in.- AVVO Reviewer - Joe H.
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"Best criminal defense attorney"Our family found ourselves in need of a criminal defense attorney. We had not lived in Florida too long and wasn't sure where to turn. We first went to the yellow pages hiring an attorney who did not care for justice and looked for an easy way out. Seeking new counsel we had several recommendations direct us to Mr. McIntosh. Hiring Brett, co-counsel Kevin and legal secretary Sherry was the best decision we ever made. Brett was committed, knowledgeable and aggressive. Brett's credibility and reputation amongst fellow attorneys, the state attorney's and judges provide a solid foundation for Brett and his team to fight for us and allow justice to prevail. There is no other criminal defense attorney with this experience and knowledge to fight for you. I was told that Brett was the best and our family can say from first hand experience that is the case.- AVVO Reviewer
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"He's the BEST!!!"
I would highly recommend Attorney Brett McIntosh, who serves Sarasota and Manatee Counties. A friend referred us to him, and he was able to charges reduced to a misdemeanor, and our case was handled very well. If it had not been, there would have been repercussions for many years for come. Mr. McIntosh is highly esteemed within the law community by his peers as well. He is a man of integrity and honesty, and his staff is excellent as well. You'll be in good hands, and well taken care of.
- AVVO Reviewer - Laurie -
"Highly Recommended ,10 stars!"My family originally hired Brett in 1999 for serious charges, state was offering 17 years. I will never forget the day when Mr. McIntosh asked me" would you like to take the states offer or should I prepare for trial"? Without hesitation I said, " prepare for trial", that's how much faith and trust i have in Brett. Mr. McIntosh and his dedicated staff put their heart and soul in my case (which took about 2 years) had a trial jury and won! I now have my own "statue" that people in my position can use in court. Brett is one of the best trial attorneys I have ever seen, he faught for me like I was his own daughter. Just recently ,2019, I found myself in a little bit of trouble my first instinct was to call Brett and without hesitation he was there for me and everything went in my favor. I personally have a special bond with Brett. God and Brett worked together and saved my life in 1999. This is the man to go to if you have any criminal charges. He will work for you like no other attorney will, he is highly respected and to be honest I think a lot of attorneys are afraid or maybe intimidated to go up against him. When you hire Brett and he tells you something and I know it's hard but just believe what he says because he's honest , upfront and to the point. He will always be my Attorney and I'm actually going to be working with him on something in a few months. Brett is a wonderful man, his staff is wonderful and are on every detail. This attorney, Brett McIntosh, is the best attorney from Charlotte to Manatee county. Good luck to everyone!- AVVO Reviewer - Nicole
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"An Exceptional Ally"I am beyond pleased with the service received from this attorney. They demonstrated absolute professionalism, combined with a level of personal care and attention that made me feel not just as a client, but as a valued individual.- Simon M.
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"BEST IN BUSINESS"Brett was by our son's side immediately at his bond hearing. So thorough and professional. His team diligently and relentlessly gathered information, Brett compiled and was able to obtain all charges dropped. We highly recommend him to anyone.- AVVO Reviewer
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"Excellent in every way"
I have known Brett for over 7 hears. In addition to being a valuable contributor to society here in Sarasota, he has helped me personally (with a DUI) and more recently helped my son with legal challenges. Brett was able combine my son's charges and their restitution in a manageable way. He was able to prevent irreparable harm to his future. During two very stressful periods of our lives, he and his staff were courteous and always got back with us. Their help was invaluable.
- AVVO Reviewer - Debbie -
"Criminal Defense"
Brett McIntosh took on my case after I fired another attorney and he was very fair and honest with me. Most lawyers I hired previous to Mr. McIntosh would promise whatever you wanted to hear in consultation then when they received the money things would change. Mr McIntosh was completely honest with me and even gave me a discount because of the 7,000 paid to the previous lawyer. When we got to court not did he only get everything he thought he could he actually did better. In a troubling time a lawyer becomes more then representation in court they become your hope your counsler and I would recommend him to anyone.
- AVVO Reviewer - Jeremy F.