Can a lawyer prevent charges from being filed?

Yes. In some cases, a lawyer can intervene early by contacting the prosecutor and presenting evidence or arguments that lead to charges being declined or dismissed before filing.

Do criminal attorneys go to trial often?

Many cases are resolved before trial, but experienced criminal attorneys are always prepared to go to trial if the State won’t offer a fair deal or the case has strong defenses.

Why should I hire a local Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney?

A local attorney knows the judges, prosecutors, and court procedures in Fort Lauderdale, which gives them a strategic advantage when defending your case.

Can a criminal lawyer help with sealing or expunging my record?

Yes. If your case is dismissed or results in a withhold of adjudication, a criminal lawyer can guide you through the sealing or expungement process under Florida law.

You are here: Home > General Criminal Defense > 🔍 Criminal Attorney Fort Lauderdale: What We Actually Do

🔍 Criminal Attorney Fort Lauderdale: What We Actually Do

Last updated November 2025

If you’ve never hired a criminal lawyer before, you might be wondering:

“What does a criminal attorney actually do for me?”

The truth is—a lot more than you think. When you’re facing a criminal charge in Fort Lauderdale, your lawyer isn’t just there to show up in court. They’re there to protect your future from the first minute to the final hearing.

Here’s how a criminal attorney in Fort Lauderdale actually works to defend you.

🔹 We Intervene Before Charges Are Filed

A skilled criminal defense lawyer can often:

Speak to law enforcement on your behalf
Contact the State Attorney’s Office early
Prevent charges from being filed at all

🔹 We Challenge the State’s Evidence

After arrest, we dig into:

The arrest report
Body camera footage
Search warrants and how evidence was collected
Witness credibility and chain of custody

If your rights were violated, we may file a motion to suppress—which can lead to reduced charges or total dismissal.

🔹 We Handle Court Hearings Strategically

From first appearance to pretrial conferences, we:

Negotiate with prosecutors
Argue for bond reduction or pretrial release
Seek access to diversion programs if available

🔹 We Fight for Outcomes You Can Live With

Most cases don’t go to trial—but that doesn’t mean we don’t fight.

We may:

Push for withhold of adjudication
Argue for dismissal based on legal defenses
Negotiate plea agreements that avoid jail and preserve your record

🔹 We Go to Trial If That’s What It Takes

If the State won’t back down, we:

Select a jury
Cross-examine police and witnesses
Present evidence of self-defense, mistaken identity, or reasonable doubt
File post-trial motions or appeals if needed

✅ Why Choose a Criminal Attorney in Fort Lauderdale?

At Michael White, P.A., we’ve handled thousands of criminal cases in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Broward County.

We don’t just walk you through the process—we control it. We build leverage. And we protect your future from the moment you call us.

📞 Arrested or Under Investigation?

📞 Call now for a free case review. We’ll explain where you stand—and what we can do to protect your record, rights, and reputation.

🙋‍♂️ What People Ask About Criminal Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale

Q1: What does a criminal defense lawyer actually do?

✅ We investigate, file motions, negotiate with prosecutors, handle court appearances, and represent you at trial if needed.

Q2: Will a lawyer make a difference if the evidence looks bad?

🧠 Yes. Many cases can still be reduced or dismissed due to legal issues, weaknesses in the State’s evidence, or procedural errors.

Q3: What’s the benefit of hiring someone local in Fort Lauderdale?

📍 A local attorney knows the judges, prosecutors, and court dynamics—giving you a strategic edge.

Q4: Can a lawyer stop charges from being filed?

⚖️ Sometimes. Early intervention can prevent charges from ever making it into court.

Q5: Can a criminal attorney help me seal or expunge my record?

📁 Yes, if the case is resolved with a withhold of adjudication or dismissal, and your charge is eligible under Florida law.