🚨 Arrests in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in South Florida, it’s crucial to understand how the criminal process begins. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony, Florida law requires law enforcement to follow specific procedures—and if they don’t, it could strengthen your defense.
📊 Did you know? According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), approximately 30,000 arrests occur annually in Broward County, with many tied to traffic stops, drug possession, or domestic violence.
🔎 What Is an Arrest in Florida?
An arrest occurs when law enforcement takes someone into custody based on probable cause—a reasonable belief that the person committed a specific crime.
✅ Officers do not always need to witness the crime. They only need probable cause based on facts and evidence.
🚓 Felony Arrests in Fort Lauderdale
To arrest someone for a felony, police do not need to see the crime occur. Instead, they must reasonably believe:
- A felony was committed, and
- You committed it
📈 South Florida Insight: In 2023, FDLE reported over 8,000 felony arrests in Broward County alone. Common charges include:
- Grand theft
- Aggravated assault
- Drug trafficking
📑 Criminal Appeals in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida
If you’ve been convicted, you may be able to challenge the result through a criminal appeal—a formal request for a higher court to review legal errors made during trial.
🧾 Key Appeal Facts:
- Filed in the Fourth District Court of Appeal or relevant appellate court
- Must be filed within 30 days of final judgment
🧾 Key Appeal Issues:
- Improper jury instructions
- Mistakes in admitting or excluding evidence
- Constitutional rights violations
Arrested in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in South Florida?
🔒 Sealing and Expungement in South Florida
If you were arrested but never convicted, you may be eligible to seal or expunge your criminal record.
📌 What's the Difference?
- Sealing hides the record from public view
- Expungement destroys it (except for one confidential FDLE copy)
✅ Basic Eligibility:
- No prior convictions
- Case was dropped, dismissed, or resolved without conviction
- Offense is not excluded by statute
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I do immediately after being arrested in Fort Lauderdale?
A: Stay silent and ask for an attorney. Don’t answer police questions without legal counsel.
Q: How long can police hold me without filing charges?
A: In Florida, you must see a judge within 24 hours. Felony charges must be filed within 21 days, or you may be released.
Q: What’s the difference between dismissal and expungement?
A: A dismissal ends the case. Expungement erases the record from public access.
Q: How long does sealing or expungement take in South Florida?
A: On average, 6 to 9 months, including FDLE review and court approval.
Q: What are my chances of winning a criminal appeal?
A: Around 15–20% succeed in Florida. Success depends on the strength of your legal arguments.
Q: Can I get bail for a felony charge in South Florida?
A: Yes—unless you’re charged with a capital or life felony. In that case, the State must prove “proof evident, presumption great.”
📞 Need Help After an Arrest in Fort Lauderdale?
Whether you’re fighting criminal charges or trying to clear your record, trust Michael White, P.A. to defend your rights. With experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, Michael knows the system—and how to work it in your favor.
📲 Call (954) 707-0850 or contact us online to schedule your confidential consultation today.
