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Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney

Every choice you make prior to, during, and after an arrest can have a profound impact on the rest of your life. Criminal convictions have effects that persist past jail time and fines that can affect all elements of your life. Even a misdemeanor can give you trouble when applying for a job, school, loan, or apartment.

One of the most important choices you’ll make after an arrest is finding the right Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyers for your case. A skillful Broward County defense law firm will protect your rights while fighting to obtain the best possible result. There is a lot on the line, which is why you must seek an experienced criminal defense lawyer with the training and experience to help you find justice.

FAQ About Ft. Lauderdale Criminal Defense

The following frequently asked questions were collected to give you more information about the Fort Lauderdale criminal defense process. Read on for more information about how the adept defense attorneys at the Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney law firm can assist in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  

What does a Broward County criminal defense lawyer do?

Sometimes policing comes at the expense of justice. If that happens, you and your family may find yourself in the crossfire. That’s why it’s important to work with a law office that specializes in protecting its clients from criminal allegations. 

If you’re faced with a criminal charge, you’ll need an attorney with experience protecting criminal defendants from state charges and federal offenses. Your Broward County attorney can design a strategic criminal defense for you and your situation. Your attorney in Fort Lauderdale has to aggressively defend your rights as if they were their own. 

Your federal and state criminal law professionals can use their knowledge and experience to assist you at each stage of the process. Each legal situation is different, and that’s why your Fort Lauderdale, Florida law firm may take one of the following actions to improve your chances of obtaining the most favorable outcome: 

  • ​​Consult with law enforcement to uncover misrepresentations, falsehoods, and exaggerations and determine if any of the evidence against you was found illegally
  • Employ expert witnesses 
  • Investigate the circumstances of the crime and retain private investigators to assist in the disclosure of evidence
  • Negotiating with prosecutors to have any charges against you dropped or reduced in consequences and penalty
  • Search for and engage witnesses to the crime who will testify on your behalf

Keep in mind that many criminal cases never go to trial because they are settled out of court. There are many alternatives to going to trial, and your South Florida criminal lawyer can help you review the risks, rewards, circumstances, and consequences of the charges. 

Can I represent myself? Do I need to hire a Fort Lauderdale defense lawyer?

The short answer to this question is yes; you can represent yourself. Whether or not it’s a good idea is a different question altogether. Criminal law can get very complicated. The charges brought against you may drastically affect your life if you’re convicted. This is why criminal law professionals recommend working with experienced law offices in your community to defend your cause aggressively. 

There are a plethora of procedural, evidentiary, constitutional, sentencing, and administrative licensing issues that come up in a trial. Your qualified criminal lawyer, however, will review the case for defects, suppress evidence, compel discovery of such things as calibration and maintenance records, and have blood samples independently analyzed. They will also negotiate for a lesser charge or reduced sentence, obtain expert witnesses for trial, contest the administrative license suspension, and more.

What should I do if I’m arrested in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Being arrested can be distressing and embarrassing. Nevertheless, your arrest is only the beginning. You’ll most likely endure multiple hearings, interviews, filings, and more. A single miscue by you or an inexperienced law firm can make all the difference between your freedom and imprisonment.

It’s in your best interest not to speak with any law enforcement officers if you’re a suspect.  Prosecutors aren’t present at your arrest, but they can and will twist everything you say or do into evidence against you. An adept criminal defense law professional recommends exercising your constitutional right to remain silent and contact Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney to advocate for you. 

What happens if I am pulled over by the police in Broward County?

Police need sufficient cause to stop or arrest you. If they stop you or pull you over in a car, they must have probable cause. If you’re arrested, your criminal lawyer can challenge the stop that led to your arrest. Contact an attorney in Ft. Lauderdale today and prepare your defense against the state, the federal government, or an alleged victim. 

Could my criminal case be dismissed?

Each criminal charge scenario is unique. In some instances, a defense attorney can get a criminal case dismissed before it goes to trial. Here are the most common grounds for dismissal in a criminal case.

Lack of Evidence

The prosecution has to present evidence that the accused committed the crime. When there is not enough evidence to move forward with a case, criminal charges can be dismissed.

So let’s say you’re arrested for drug offenses, but the prosecution doesn’t have enough evidence to convict you of drug trafficking, then your criminal defense law firm can advocate having your charges dropped due to lack of evidence. 

Lack of Probable Cause to Arrest

Florida police cannot arrest an individual without probable cause. If an individual is arrested without probable cause, the case can be dismissed. However, if at a later date sufficient evidence is discovered, the charges can be re-filed.

An Illegal Search

Law enforcement officers are not allowed to stop a vehicle unless they break the law, or the officer has evidence that would lead them to reasonably suspect a crime is committed. If stopped, officers can only search a vehicle if they have a warrant or under special circumstances, and the same rules apply for your home and personal property.

If police illegally search your vehicle or property without a warrant or under special circumstances, all evidence from the search can be dismissed. If the illegally obtained evidence is dismissed, your Ft. Lauderdale attorney can request that the entire case be dismissed. 

Lost Evidence and Witnesses

A key part of any criminal case is the presentation of evidence and witness testimony. If for some reason, evidence is lost and witnesses are unavailable, the prosecutor may have no choice but to dismiss charges against the defendant.

What are Miranda Rights?

Your Miranda rights are a constitutional right according to the Supreme Court. Miranda rights state that you have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

It goes on to explain that you have the right to an attorney, and if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. The arresting officer should then clarify if you understand the rights they have just read to you, and with these rights in mind, whether you wish to speak with the law enforcement official.

So let’s say you’re arrested for domestic violence, and emotions are running high when the police arrive. They may assume that you’re guilty and if you’re arrested without being read your Miranda rights, any incriminating statement made to the police in custody can be suppressed or excluded from being introduced into evidence.

Person in Jail

What are the crime stats for Ft. Lauderdale?

With a crime rate of 57 per one thousand residents, Fort Lauderdale has one of the highest crime rates in America.  97% of Florida communities have a lower crime rate than Fort Lauderdale.

Local governments usually respond to high crime with increased policing, and although this leads to more arrests, it doesn’t always lead to a reduction in crime. Increased policing efforts could lead to you being falsely accused of a crime and arrested without necessary cause. If this happens to you, speak with an attorney in your Ft. Lauderdale community immediately. 

When should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you are under investigation, charged with a crime, need to be released from jail, or looking to clear your record, criminal defense attorneys in Fort Lauderdale can assist. An arrest is frightening, especially when coupled with the prospect of jail time or the loss of your professional and driver’s license. 

Although courts are constitutionally required to provide criminal defense lawyers for indigent defendants, these public defenders are often overworked, and their caseload is high. Seeking a Broward County private defense attorney with a proven track record of success can be an invaluable investment in your freedom.

What types of criminal defense cases do Stroleny Law, PA handle?

Our main focus is serving clients throughout South Florida, including Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties. We defend against criminal accusations at the state and federal levels. 

We are prepared to use our extensive knowledge of federal and Florida statutes, case law, and trial experience to give our clients accurate and aggressive representation. Our clients will be well-informed on their case’s progression and will be provided with prudent, thoughtful legal advice and guidance.

Clients successfully represented by our criminal defense lawyers in the Fort Lauderdale area have faced accusations of:

  • DUI
  • Drug Crimes
  • Sex Crimes
  • Theft & Property Crimes
  • Grand Theft
  • White-Collar Crime
  • Domestic Violence
  • Internet Crimes
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Violent Crimes

What are the penalties for a criminal conviction in Florida?

Florida classifies crimes as either a misdemeanor offense or a felony offense. Criminal penalties increase based on the severity of the crime, criminal history, and how many times the individual has been convicted of a particular crime. 

Misdemeanor offenses are punishable by less than one year in jail. Unless charged with other felony offenses, misdemeanors are handled by a Broward county court judge. Misdemenearos are considered less serious crimes than felony offenses and are categorized as either first-degree or second-degree.

Felony offenses are handled by circuit court judges and are punishable by the possibility of more than one year in prison. Felony offenses are sentenced according to Florida’s criminal punishment code (CPC).

Under the CPC, each felony is scored a specific amount of points based on its severity.

The higher the level a felony is designated, the more points they will be assigned for the conviction. 

If you score more than 44 points, you are subject to a minimum term of imprisonment. If you score less than 44 points, a judge is not required to sentence you to prison but can still do so. That’s why we always recommend hiring a Fort Lauderdale criminal lawyer. 

What are White Collar Crimes?

Florida Statute 775.0844 states that white-collar crimes are non-violent crimes that are usually committed for financial gain. Fraud is a common type of white-collar crime, and any person who gains control over an object or service by deliberately misleading another party is guilty of fraud. Fraud may include credit card fraud, insurance fraud, Medicaid fraud, embezzlement, forgery, money laundering, and more.

What happens if I get a DUI in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) makes 32,000 DUI arrests every year. However, it’s important to remember that an arrest does not equal conviction. An experienced DUI case defense lawyer in Fort Lauderdale will do their best to help you avoid the worst of those consequences. 

A DUI conviction will harm your reputation and livelihood. That’s why it is critical to retain an experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI defense lawyer before you’re convicted. An experienced Broward DUI Attorney may be able to have your charges reduced to a lesser offense or have the case dismissed completely.

What happens if I am charged with a federal crime in Broward County?

Federal crimes are serious offenses.  Crimes can be considered federal when an individual violates federal law or commits a crime on federal property. Federal crimes are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office rather than the State. 

Federal crimes are investigated by federal law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), or Secret Service. 

Federal criminal accusations take lots of time and consist of more thorough and complete investigations due to the vast resources of the U.S. government. If you are convicted, federal sentencing guidelines are usually harsher than state sentencing guidelines.

Preparation is one of the keys to defending against federal charges. Our federal criminal attorney is a former prosecutor with a track record of successfully defending clients charged in federal court. 

Defending federal cases in South Florida requires firsthand experience, skillful negotiation with the United States Attorney’s Office for the best plea deal possible, and intensive trial preparation.

Our Ft. Lauderdale federal criminal defense attorney has had success in difficult cases due to false statements from law enforcement or the evidence against the client being fabricated.

What are the costs for a criminal lawyer?

Hiring an attorney can be a difficult decision, especially if you’ve never worked with one before. Many people avoid hiring attorneys because of the costs they could incur. That’s why, when you choose an attorney, make sure they can explain the nature of your case, its complexity, and the amount of time necessary to handle the case. 

When you have a better understanding of these ideas, make sure that the fees are reasonable and affordable based on the amount of work necessary. Many attorneys allow payment arrangements and can help you find financing. There are options to finding the right lawyer to represent you in court, even when you feel you may not be able to afford them. 

Why Choose Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney?

Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney is an award-winning South Florida criminal law firm that promises a former state prosecutor will handle every client’s case. Criminal defense lawyer Julian Stroleny has handled thousands of cases and strives to get you the very best possible results.

Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney understands potential clients may need a criminal defense attorney who is available after hours, so Julian offers free consultations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney takes pride in providing a client experience-oriented approach to legal services.

If you have been charged with a crime in Miami or Miami-Dade County, immediately call the office of Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney at 305-615-1285 to schedule your free consultation. Don’t take an unnecessary chance with your freedom. Our federal criminal defense attorney is a former prosecutor with firsthand experience fighting charges in federal court in South Florida. We want to fight for you. 

Does Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney offer free consultations?

If you have been charged with a criminal offense, you may feel overwhelmed by the experience and may have many unanswered questions. Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney offers a free consultation to discuss the facts and details of your case. 

An arrest for a criminal offense is a serious matter. So if you’ve been arrested for white-collar crimes, domestic violence cases, sex crimes, felony cases, or a violent crime, take the time to learn your legal rights. Call an experienced Broward Criminal Defense Lawyer and set up your free consultation with us.