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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"The best criminal defense lawyer in Florida"
During a difficult time in my life, I had the support of knowledgeable and aggressive attorney. Mr. McIntosh always kept me aware of the circumstances of my case and helped me to make the best choices with consequences that I could live with. I would highly recommend Mr. McIntosh to anyone who needed an honest attorney. I hope I never need an attorney again, but if I did Mr. McIntosh would be the first person I would call.
- AVVO Reviewer -
"Best around, hands down."Brett has been an outstanding attorney throughout my court case. Over the process, he helped me remain calm despite the sentence I was possibly facing. I am here today, writing this review, because of Brett and the time and effort that he put in to make sure that I received the best sentence I could get. He is knowledgeable, approachable, and understanding of his client's needs. I would highly recommend Brett to anyone who is in need of a criminal defense attorney. He is the best around, hands down.- AVVO Reviewer - Ben
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"Professionalism, Confidence, and Expertise"I had an outstanding experience working with McIntosh Law. They consistently demonstrated professionalism, confidence, and expertise while also remaining approachable and compassionate. Their ability to communicate complex legal matters in a clear and straightforward way made the entire process much less overwhelming. I greatly appreciated their patience and willingness to address all of my concerns, as well as the genuine care they showed for my situation. Brett McIntosh is an excellent advocate, and I would highly recommend their services to anyone in need of legal representation.- Daisy
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"The best lawyer I have found"Brett is a very professional lawyer. He worked very hard on my case and worked with me on payments. He always took the time to help me understand everything that went on with my case. He got the matter settled without going to trial. He also put up with calling almost every week to see what was happening. I will always recomnand Brett to all my friends and I would use him again if I get any legal trouble.- AVVO Reviewer
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"Very Happy Client"I am writing in regards to my case and my decision to hire your firm for my legal situation. From moment one you explained my case and what you would do to help me. You gave me no false hopes just facts and the chances, good and bad in what you felt the outcome would be. My only regret is that I didn’t spend the money and hire you in the very beginning of my case as I truly feel that I would not have gone to prison for two and a half years for something I did not do. I regret not calling you for help sooner. At any rate, I could have been stuck with a restitution payment that would have most certainly put me back in prison for an additional ten years without your knowledge, help and professionalism. Thank you for giving me hope again. Thank you Brett McIntosh and your paralegals, Ron and Joanne, for all of your help and good wishes. I would recommend your firm to anyone in a situation that they’d never dreamed would happen to them- AVVO Reviewer - Judy
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"Excellent Attorney"
For the first time in my life I got myself into some legal trouble, and was charged with a DUI. After speaking with others who have had similar legal issues I chose to hire Brett McIntosh as he came highly recommended, and I see why. He was very upfront and clear about where he saw my case going and also was honest and reasonable with his fees. He used the details of my case to afford me every legal avenue that I had available. This resulted in a favorable outcome for me. What a relief. Brett is a great lawyer, do yourself a favor and talk with him if you need a criminal defense lawyer. Thank you Brett for your hard work on my case.
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"Mr. McIntosh came highly recommended!!!"Mr. Brett McIntosh came highly recommended and did not disappoint! Being from out of state, I was very skeptical. Never being in any kind of trouble in my life and being charged with a felony I was very intent on proving my innocence. Brett and his staff always returned my phone calls promptly, was very patient with me and answered all of my questions thoroughly. He listened to me and was very upfront and honest about my situation. Not only did he get my charges dropped but, also expunged from my record! Brett and his staff went above and beyond for me and I will be forever grateful! If you need a good honest and upfront attorney, Brett is definitely the person you want to hire! Much thanks!!- AVVO Reviewer - Dan
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"Juvenile Defense"Criminal Defense Attorney, Brett McIntosh, has had a reputation in Manatee and Sarasota Counties for a very long time as an attorney who fights for his clients no matter the circumstances! I am sure that reputation will and continue to grow for many more years as Brett is the real deal and will do all he can to reach the best, most fair result for his clients. My family recently had an unfortunate experience resulting in an exaggerated felony charge on a juvenile. After consulting with Brett, it was clear that he was fair, honest and extremely skilled in his practice area. Brett was not only able to get the original felony charge lowered to a misdemeanor, but worked diligently with us and the State Attorneys office ultimately negotiating the result of Nolle Prosequi. Well Done Mr. Mcintosh!! We highly, highly, highly recommend McIntosh Law!!- AVVO Reviewer