About the Firm
George J. Vila, Esq.
A Career Built on Winning the Hardest Cases
George J. Vila is a bilingual trial lawyer who has dedicated his career to criminal defense. With almost 30 years of experience advising clients, trying cases, and negotiating resolutions to complex criminal matters, he has developed a reputation as one of Miami's most tenacious and effective criminal defense attorneys — sought out by individuals and families who need results, not promises.
George J. Vila is fluent in English and Spanish, giving him a unique ability to connect with clients from across Latin America, Europe, and beyond. He has represented hundreds of clients from over 20 countries in complex federal and state criminal proceedings throughout the United States.
A Non-Volume Practice
Unlike large firms that treat clients as case numbers, the Law Office of George J. Vila takes a selective, hands-on approach. The firm purposefully limits the number of cases it accepts so that every client receives the full force of the firm's attention and resources. Each case receives George's personal attention from intake through resolution.
Federal Court Experience
Federal criminal prosecutions are among the most complex legal challenges a person can face. The resources of the federal government — including the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS-CI, and DHS — are brought to bear against defendants. George J. Vila has been involved in over 175 federal criminal cases across multiple jurisdictions, filing pre-trial motions, negotiating with AUSA prosecutors, and trying cases before federal juries.
International Representation
The firm has represented individuals from around the world including clients from Africa, Spain, Italy, Israel, France, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and many other countries in Central America. For clients fighting extradition proceedings or facing charges with cross-border dimensions, George J. Vila brings unmatched experience.
Commercial Litigation
The firm has recently expanded into complex commercial litigation involving multinational businesses. In partnership with some of Miami's most experienced commercial litigators, the firm now handles RICO-based civil claims, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and international business disputes.
Bar Admissions
Selected Successful Representations
Federal Court, S.D. Florida — Client charged with possession with intent to distribute over 1,500 lbs of marijuana. Acquitted at jury trial.
Federal Court, S.D. Florida — Client charged with possession with intent to distribute ecstasy. Acquitted at jury trial.
Federal Court, S.D. Florida — Client charged in 15-count indictment with conspiracy to evade reporting requirements. Acquitted of all charges at trial. (2014)
Federal Court, E.D. New York — Client charged with conspiracy to conduct unlicensed money transmitting business. All charges dismissed after Motion to Dismiss. (2010)
State Court, Miami — Client charged with three counts of first-degree murder, armed home invasion robbery, and conspiracy. All charges dismissed after Motion to Dismiss.
State Court, Miami — Client charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine (150+ kilos). All charges dropped by prosecution. (2003)
State Court, Denver, CO — Client charged with RICO, money laundering, trafficking in marijuana, conspiracy, and tax evasion. All charges reduced to simple possession misdemeanor, no jail time. (2017)
State Court, Miami — Client charged with Grand Theft, Organized Crime, and Insurance Fraud. Acquitted of all major charges at jury trial. (2016)
State Court, Las Vegas, NV — Client charged with kidnapping and sexual battery (potential life sentence). Both charges dropped; resolved with misdemeanor plea, no jail time. (2016)
State Court, Miami — Client charged with attempted murder (life offense). All charges dismissed after investigation. (2022)
State Court, Miami — Client charged with armed robbery (life offense). Charges dismissed on eve of trial. (2022)
Federal Investigation, S.D. Florida — Local bank president investigated by SEC and U.S. Attorney's Office. Client was never charged.
3rd District Court of Appeal — Appellate court reversed trial court conviction. (2003)
Civil, S.D. Texas — Filed lawsuit against PDVSA and Bariven on behalf of client. Obtained $8 million judgment. (2022)