MIAMI — The Justice Department is appealing a judge's dismissal of a conspiracy charge against a prominent Miami attorney accused of illegal dealings with a Colombian drug kingpin.

Prosecutors filed notice of appeal Wednesday in the case of attorney Ben Kuehne (CUE'-nee). A federal judge in December said $5.2 million transferred to Kuehne from Colombia was legal fees exempt from criminal money-laundering laws.

Defense lawyers are closely watching the case. Kuehne is a well-known defense lawyer who represented Al Gore in the 2000 Florida recount battle.

The charges involve alleged irregularities in the role Kuehne played during the defense of Colombian drug baron Fabio Ochoa.

Kuehne still faces other charges, but conspiracy was considered the heart of the case.