Dexter Wayne Lehtinen (born March 23, 1946) is an American attorney, former politician, and former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, serving from 1988 to 1992. He began his career in public service as a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 118 from 1980 to 1986, where he focused on law enforcement and education issues. Prior to his federal appointment, Lehtinen worked as a prosecutor in the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office. He was appointed U.S. Attorney by President George H.W. Bush and oversaw significant federal prosecutions in south Florida, including cases involving drug trafficking and public corruption. After leaving the U.S. Attorney's office, Lehtinen transitioned to private practice, specializing in international law, white-collar crime defense, and government relations through his firm, Lehtinen Schultz, PLLC. He has also served as an adjunct law instructor, contributing to legal education in Florida. Lehtinen is married to former U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (since 1976), and their personal and professional lives have intersected in Miami's political and legal circles. Throughout his career, Lehtinen has been recognized for his expertise in federal litigation and has worked in advisory and consulting roles on international matters, particularly in U.S.-Latin American relations. He remains active in Miami legal circles with a reputation for bridging government and private sectors, though his career has also faced scrutiny over political appointments and connections to influential networks in Florida.