Last updated November 2025
A criminal charge in Broward County doesn’t automatically mean a conviction.
In fact, many cases end in dismissals — not because of luck, but because the defense knows exactly how to challenge the State’s evidence.
Here’s how an experienced criminal lawyer in Broward County actually gets cases thrown out before trial.
🧠 Step 1: File Pretrial Motions That Matter
Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.190, your attorney can file a motion to dismiss when the facts don’t legally support the charge.
For example, if bodycam video contradicts the officer’s report or the State can’t prove an essential element (like intent or possession), dismissal is not only possible — it’s likely.
Attorneys routinely use these motions to expose weak cases early and avoid unnecessary trials.
🚔 Step 2: Suppress the Evidence Before It’s Used
A Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney can file a motion to suppress under the Fourth Amendment when police overstep — for instance, searching a car without probable cause, detaining a suspect unlawfully, or exceeding warrant scope.
In Broward, these hearings often decide the entire case: if the evidence is suppressed, prosecutors have nothing left to argue.
🔍 Step 3: Challenge Credibility and Chain of Custody
Cases collapse when the State can’t authenticate its evidence.
Whether it’s lab reports in a drug possession case or witness inconsistencies in an assault, experienced defense lawyers know how to undermine credibility.
Once jurors or judges lose trust in the evidence, dismissal or acquittal follows.
⚖️ Step 4: Use Diversion and Deferred Prosecution
Broward County’s pretrial programs allow qualifying defendants to avoid conviction altogether.
Your attorney can negotiate diversion, deferred prosecution, or withhold of adjudication for eligible misdemeanors and first-time felonies — turning a criminal charge into a second chance.
🧾 Step 5: Seal or Expunge When It’s Over
Even after dismissal, the record doesn’t disappear automatically.
A Sealing & Expunging petition removes the arrest from background checks, restoring full employment and licensing opportunities.
❓ FAQs
1) How can a Broward County criminal lawyer get my case dismissed?
By filing targeted motions, exposing illegal searches, or showing that key evidence fails to prove the charge.
2) What’s the difference between dismissal and reduction?
A dismissal ends the case entirely; a reduction lowers the charge (for example, felony to misdemeanor) through negotiation or evidence issues.
3) Can first-time offenders avoid conviction?
Yes. Broward offers diversion and deferred prosecution programs that close cases without a criminal record.
4) Do I need a lawyer if my charge seems minor?
Yes. Even misdemeanors can carry probation, fines, or permanent records without strong defense representation.
5) What happens after my case is dismissed?
You can petition to seal or expunge your record to remove the arrest from public view.
📣 Facing Criminal Charges in Broward County?
A smart defense starts with the right motion — and the right lawyer.
📞 Call Michael White, P.A. at (954) 270-0769 or request your free consultation today.