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🏙️ Fort Lauderdale Criminal Attorney: What to Look for After an Arrest

Last updated November 2025

Just been arrested in Fort Lauderdale?


You’re likely overwhelmed—and the State is already building a case against you.


The first steps you take now are critical. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between a conviction and a second chance.

Here’s what to know about choosing a criminal attorney in Fort Lauderdale—and why local experience matters.

🔹 Why a Local Fort Lauderdale Criminal Attorney Makes a Difference

Not all criminal defense attorneys practice in Broward County. That matters.

Fort Lauderdale judges, prosecutors, and probation officers follow local patterns that an out-of-town lawyer might miss. As a result, hiring someone with deep local experience can make a meaningful difference in your outcome.

At Michael White, P.A.:

  • Our firm has decades of experience in Fort Lauderdale courts

  • We’ve worked with the same prosecutors and judges our clients face

  • Therefore, we understand how to negotiate PTI, diversions, and charge reductions specific to Broward Count

📌 Related:Public Defender vs. Private Criminal Attorney in Florida

🧠 What to Do Immediately After an Arrest

If you’ve been arrested for DUI, theft, battery, or any other offense in South Florida:

Don’t talk to the police without a lawyer present

Don’t rely on bondsmen for legal advice

Don’t wait until your arraignment to hire an attorney

Call a defense lawyer immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights

⚖️ What Sets Our Fort Lauderdale Defense Practice Apart

We don’t just take your case—we build a legal strategy that challenges police conduct, evidence integrity, and the State’s burden of proof.

In fact, Michael White is a former prosecutor who now defends individuals facing charges such as:

📌 Related: Facing Felony Theft Charges in Broward County?

📞 Arrested in Fort Lauderdale? Call a Lawyer Immediately.

Time matters. Therefore, the earlier you call, the more we can do. We may be able to stop charges before they’re filed, negotiate early resolution, or build a suppression strategy.

📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or request your free case review. We serve Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Plantation, and all of South Florida.

🙋‍♂️ FAQs About Hiring a Criminal Attorney in Fort Lauderdale

Q1: Why hire a local Fort Lauderdale attorney?

📍 They know the judges, prosecutors, and local court policies that can affect bail, diversion, and plea offers.

Q2: Can a Fort Lauderdale criminal lawyer help before formal charges are filed?

🕒 Yes. Pre-filing intervention can help avoid or reduce charges entirely.

Q3: Should I use a public defender or hire private counsel?

⚖️ Public defenders are skilled, but they’re overwhelmed. A private attorney gives your case dedicated attention.

Q4: Do you defend both misdemeanors and felonies?

✅ Yes. From petit theft to drug trafficking, we defend all state-level charges in Broward County.

Q5: What areas of South Florida do you serve?

📌 Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, and across Broward County.

Q6: Can you remove a criminal charge from your record in Florida?