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:
✅ DUI and traffic offenses
✅ Drug crimes and trafficking
✅ Domestic violence and sex crimes
✅ Juvenile and first-time offender cases
📞 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?
📌 Learn whether you’re eligible to seal or expunge your record under Florida law.