Meet Michael Kessler, Florida Criminal Defense Attorney and Board Certified Criminal Trial Specialist 

For more than four decades, Florida criminal defense attorney Michael Kessler has dedicated his career to defending individuals accused of crimes. Known for his sharp trial skills, deep understanding of DUI science, and relentless commitment to clients, he has helped secure dismissals, reduced charges, and achieve favorable outcomes for countless Floridians.

In addition to more than 40 years of practice experience, Michael is a board-certified criminal trial lawyer. This distinction is earned by fewer than 1% of Florida attorneys, proving his dedication to staunchly advocating for his clients in the courtroom. As a Florida criminal defense attorney with a comprehensive understanding of the science behind DUI tests, Michael’s credentials and proven record earned his clients’ trust. His experience in DUI challenges and other criminal defense matters provides an advantage in high-stakes cases, along with his reputation among judges, prosecutors, and peers as a determined advocate for his clients.

Attorney Michael Kessler has taken many of the same classes police officers take – including DUI detection, field sobriety exercises, and breath and blood alcohol testing, to name a few.  With a keen interest and years of study in forensic science, Attorney Kessler knows where to look for contamination and other errors in blood testing, whether the crime lab used the gas chromatography method or the hospital utilized immunoassay analysis.  Never afraid to dig deep and get his hands dirty, Attorney Michael Kessler has taken classes taught by the foremost authorities in the world on breath alcohol analysis and retrograde extrapolation, and he even owns his own Intoxilyzer 8000, the only breath testing machine Florida prosecutors can used as evidence in court.

The Kessler Law Firm Philosophy

Michael approaches each case and client defense strategy with the same passion, skill, and dedication as if his own freedom were at stake. With a long legal career built on personal integrity and achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients, the Kessler Law Firm believes that every client deserves an exemplary level of service.

Every case is unique, involving a real person accused of a crime. The defense strategy should reflect that. Our firm strives to clearly communicate with all of our clients so that you understand the situation, your options, and the next steps. The Kessler Law Firm operates from a stance of aggressive advocacy: we will fiercely advocate for your freedom and future every step of the way, and we don’t hold back.

When everyone else is on your back, we’re on your side. 

Nobody calls me when they’re having a good day.

I have been called a Superhero, a problem solver, even a fixer.

What is a fixer exactly? A fixer is a crisis manager—someone called in to help a person or company handle a critical situation. Put another way, a fixer is someone people call on the worst day in their lives, to help them put the pieces back together.

As lead counsel at the Kessler Law Firm, I manage a team of fixers.

When everyone else is on your back, we are on your side.

Education

  • University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill - J.D. - 1985

    Activities: Law Clerk, Criminal Law Professor Arnold Loewy, Investigative intern and Law Clerk, Public Defender's Office, Law Clerk, Beskind and Rudolf

  • University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill - B.S. - Criminal Justice - 1982

    Activities: Student Attorney General's Office Public Defender's Office Tau Epsilon Phi Fraternity

Bar Associations

  • National College for DUI Defense

    Member Since: 2003

    Attend 4-6 DUI defense seminars and workshops per year, studying and teaching DUI defense

  • NORML National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws

    Member Since: 1992

    Assist persons accused of marijuana-related crimes, participate in public education and awareness programs

  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

    Member Since: 1987

    Representing local criminal lawyers at the Statewide business meetings, particpating in public education and awareness programs related to criminal law, serve as mentor to young lawyers embarking on their careers in criminal defense

  • St. Lucie County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

    Member Since: 1987

    Currently Chapter Representative, previously served as President and Chairman of various committees, including Continuing Legal Education.

  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

    Member Since: 1987

    Attend 2-4 seminar programs per year

  • St. Lucie County Bar Association

    Member Since: 1987 - current

    Guest lecturer, member of various committees

  • Florida State Bar - Membership No. 518778

    Member Since: 1985 - current

Articles & Publications

Our Reviews

Where do I start. My relationship with Michael and his firm started over 3 years ago when Michael and I met for the first time. We sat down and I told him my story. He...

Kirsten Nance

Michael Kessler has represented me multiple times. I have had nothing but a wonderful experience with him and his office. They are deeply knowledgeable, expedient, and...

Mark H.

I had 12 felonies and still to date no convictions I refer him to anyone I know that gets in a seriously compromising situation

Missy Leto

If you or a relative/friend need the services of a criminal defense lawyer, Kessler Law is the place to go. We received excellent legal service/advice from Attorney...

Avelino S.

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