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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"A Complete Victory"Brett delivered a masterful performance in court, leading to the dismissal of all charges against me. Not only did Brett secure a complete victory, but he also effectively tarnished my accuser's credibility in the eyes of the prosecutor.- Greg S.
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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 -
"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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"Outstanding!"Brett worked on my case for almost over a year. He put so much time and effort into my case it was unbelievable. We ended up going to trial. The trial lasted three days, and Brett and Kevin never stopped fighting. They put so much heart into everthing they did. We won that trial, and I was found innocent. If it wasn't for Brett, I don't think I'd be where I am today. Seriously, in my opinion, Brett and his team are the best lawyers I could have asked for!- AVVO Reviewer - Kyle
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"All-Around Excellent Guy"He was awesome. Worked hard on my case and just an all-around excellent guy. He helped me get my contractor's license approved. Calling McIntosh Law was the best decision I made.- Franklin W.
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"Brett gave me my life back"Brett came highly recommended to me by several other lawyers whom I hold in high regard. Brett was more than fair in his fees and he even charged me significantly less than the price we agreed on. He leveled with me on exactly what to expect each step of the way and never gave me false hope. Brett countered negotiations with the state to make a deal but I ultimately didn't feel comfortable accepting and Brett supported my decision. He told me what to expect if we went to trial and what the repercussions could be if things didn't go my way. I was terrified but continually reassured by those I know in the business that I had the right guy in my corner. I was also nervous at the notion of testifying but Brett gave me confidence to do so. On the day of trial Brett picked up on even the subtlest of inconsistencies and mounted an excellent defense on my behalf. Even up until the end of the trial, it seemed as if the verdict could go either way, but Brett's closing statements to the jury were incredibly compelling and ultimately landed a not guilty verdict. Brett isn't only a damn good lawyer, he's a damn good man and I am forever grateful for his services- AVVO Reviewer - Travis
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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