Being accused of a crime in Fort Lauderdale can feel like your world just flipped upside down. Whether it’s a misunderstanding, a false allegation, or a legitimate mistake, what you do next will shape everything.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re under investigation or facing charges—and how to protect yourself right away.
🔹 1. Don’t Talk to Police Without a Lawyer
Even if you’re innocent, talking can get you in trouble.
✅ Say this:
“I want to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.”
You’re not being rude—you’re protecting your rights. The police can (and will) use what you say against you, even casually.
📌 Related: Why You Shouldn’t Talk to Police Without a Lawyer
Under the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to remain silent and request legal counsel. Learn more about your rights from the ACLU’s guide to interactions with police.
🔹 2. Preserve Evidence Immediately
If you have:
Text messages
Videos or voicemails
Screenshots of social media posts
Witnesses who can back you up
🧠 Save everything. Send it to your attorney as soon as possible. Don’t delete anything—even if it’s embarrassing. It could save you.
🔹 3. Don’t Contact the Alleged Victim
Even if they’re your spouse, roommate, or relative. Even if they’re the one who “wants to drop the charges.”
❌ Do not:
Text them
Call them
Message them through a third party
You could be charged with witness tampering or violating a no-contact order.
🔹 4. Get a Local Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Lawyer
A lawyer who regularly handles criminal cases in Fort Lauderdale will know:
The tendencies of the local judges
What diversion or dismissal opportunities exist
How to navigate your specific charge in Broward County
📌 Related: What to Expect from a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney
🔹 5. Act Fast if You Want to Seal or Expunge Later
If your charges are dropped or you avoid a conviction, you may be eligible to seal or expunge your record—but only if your case is handled correctly from the start.
📌 Related: Florida Record Sealing & Expungement Guide
✅ Why Early Action Matters in Fort Lauderdale Criminal Cases
The decisions you make in the first 24–72 hours after being accused can impact:
Whether you’re arrested
Whether you’re offered a favorable deal
Whether your record is sealed—or follows you forever
📞 Accused of a Crime in Fort Lauderdale?
📞 Call now for a free consultation. We’ll guide you through the right next step—before things spiral out of control.
🙋♂️ What People Ask After Being Accused of a Crime in Fort Lauderdale
Q1: Should I talk to police if I’m under investigation?
❌ No. You have the right to remain silent and request a lawyer. Exercise that right immediately.
Q2: Can the alleged victim drop the charges in Fort Lauderdale?
⚖️ No. Only the State Attorney’s Office can decide whether to prosecute.
Q3: Will I go to jail if I’m accused?
🛑 Not necessarily. Many first-time or non-violent offenses can be resolved without jail, especially with early legal help.
Q4: Can I get a criminal charge expunged later?
📁 If the charge is dismissed or you’re granted a withhold of adjudication, you may be eligible for expungement or sealing.
Q5: How quickly should I hire a lawyer?
📆 Immediately. The earlier your lawyer gets involved, the more options they have to influence the outcome.